Ireland player ratings - how they fared against Scotland

Ireland won their 14^th Championship after a four-try 28-8 win over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. They remain on course for the Grand Slam with England next up on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Ireland player ratings:

15. Rob Kearney 9

The Leinster man is consistency personified and this was a particularly good performance. Commanding in air and made an excellent start when putting Finn Russell under pressure in the 4^th minute to force a knock on. Saved try scoring opportunities in each half, narrowed the angle for Huw Jones in the 29^th minute when it looked easy for Scotland to score, with Stuart Hogg in space. He also forced Hogg to rush the pass in the 51^st minute when they had an overlap deep in Ireland’s 22. His running lines were excellent too, he made 140 metres including almost setting up Conor Murray for a try late in the first half. Man-of-the-match.

14. Keith Earls 6

Early take in the 2^nd minute from a Finn Russell up and under. Unfortunate to knock on near the tryline from a Sexton up-and-under, when Ireland had penalty advantage in the 5^th minute. Threw a wild pass in the 16th minute which went way over Jacob Stockdale, which is quite a feat considering the Ulsterman is 6’3”. Came off his wing with regularity, but never made major inroads.

13. Garry Ringrose 9

Not played an international since the summer tour of USA and Japan, but it looked like he’d never been away. His ability to step off both feet can get defenders in a twist. He made a fine break in the 26^th minute to open up the Scotland defence. Did a Sexton-style wrap around to create the space for Stockdale’s second try on the stroke of half-time. Defensively sound too with 11 tackles.

12. Bundee Aki 7

He had to work alongside his third different centre partner of this year’s Championship and he and Ringrose can be pleased with their afternoon. Held up over the tryline in the 40^th minute when he should possibly have let the ball go wide. It didn’t prove costly as Ireland scored afterwards from a scrum advantage, with Stockdale crossing.

11. Jacob Stockdale 9

He is prolific, the Six Nations top try scorer now has six tries in the Championship. His international record stands at 10 tries in eight internationals. His first was another intercept try in the 22^nd minute, he when pounced on Peter Horne’s looped pass. He did well to step inside Blair Kinghorn for his second. Defensively there are still questions, illustrated by missed a tackle on Kinghorn in the 17^th minute.

10. Jonathan Sexton 7

He left 10 points behind from the tee against Wales, but four from five here, including a tight touchline conversion from Stockdale’s second try. His sole miss was a 66^th minute penalty. His kicking from hand here wasn’t at its best, with many of his kicks not contestable and easy for Scotland’s back three to defend. Once again had abrasive running game and is not afraid to take contact.

Sexton fires a word of warning to teammates ahead of England game

9. Conor Murray 9

Gregor Townsend picked him out as one of Ireland’s key men and so it proved. Made a break in the 3^rd minute off a scrum and played a neat grubber to Keith Earls which was unlucky not to have come off. Scored a 45^th minute try, sniping in from close range. His range of skills mark him out as one of the world’s best, only New Zealand’s Aaron Smith is on his level at the moment.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt targets a Grand Slam

1. Cian Healy 7

Followed up a fine performance against Wales with another here. Rampaging run in the 7^th minute to punch a hole. He was often Ireland’s first receiver, six carries by the 26^th minute illustrated this. He was replaced by his clubmate jack McGrath in the 51^st minute after a good day’s work.

2. Rory Best 6

A few lineouts went awry, the second match in a row that’s happened. His workrate cannot be questioned, nor can his leadership skills – he is one of only two remaining players from the2009 Grand Slam winning side.

Ireland captain looking forward to Twickenham test

3. Tadhg Furlong 7

The British and Irish Lions tighthead pulled up after three minutes against Italy and missed the Wales game, his deputy Andrew Porter impressed in his absence. Furlong returned and ensured a solid scrum. He popped up for carries and got through his fair share of tackles too.

4. James Ryan 8

His 7^th cap but he looks born to international rugby. Ireland’s top ball carrier with 15, along with being the top tackler on 13. Fumbled a 9^th minute pass backwards and knocked on in the 37^th minute, but these are minor aberrations in a fine performance.

5. Devin Toner 7

Retained his place despite Iain Henderson being back to full fitness. Made a 21^st minute break and very useful in the loose. Replaced by Henderson in the 55^th minute.

6. Peter O’Mahoney 7

The Munster captain penalised for being off his feet to hand Scotland a 12^th minute penalty, which Greig Laidlaw slotted over. His strength over the ball was highlighted by his 42^nd minute tackle on Blair Kinghorn and turnover.

7. Dan Leavy 6

With Sean O’Brien picking up yet another knock for Leinster last night, Leavy is becoming a key man. Turnover in the 18^th minute, when Scotland were attacking in the Irish 22. A general nuisance at the breakdown.

8. CJ Stander 8

Another solid performance from Ireland’s number eight. His stats continue to impress 14 carries, 12 tackles. He’s a vital cog in the backrow.

16. Sean Cronin 7

The Leinster hooker scored a try in the 68^th minute off a rolling maul, his fifth international try. Did all basics right.

17. Jack McGrath

A 51^st minute substitute for Cian Healy. Won a scrum penalty in the 56^th minute, but also gave away a scrum penalty in the 72nd minute. He got through his fair share of work

18. Andrew Porter

Came on just after the hour mark for Tadhg Furlong. Once again carried plenty of ball, but the scrum wasn’t as solid. He’s still learning the tighthead trade having switched sides, but it’s been an impressive Six Nations campaign from the 22-year-old.

19. Iain Henderson 6

Replaced Toner in the 55^th minute, as he made his return from injury. The Ulsterman didn’t look off the pace, but there were no rampaging bursts from him either.

20. Jordi Murphy 8

On the bench ahead of Jack Conan. He made a real impact when he came on, very strong in possession, illustrated by a 62^nd minute break. Looks a certainty to keep his place in the 23-man squad on the back of that performance.

21. Kieran Marmion 6

Left on the bench against Wales, he came on for the last nine minutes of this one. One poor box kick, but his passing was fine.

22. Joey Carbery 6

Replaced Sexton in the 73^rd minute with the game already won. Missed tackle in the 77^th minute, but apart from that had few issues of note and didn’t make any telling contribution.

23. Jordan Larmour 6

A second international appearance, got on for the last five and a half minutes. Not enough time to make an impression or get his hands on the ball.