Ireland vs Wales: Ireland player ratings

Despite having 69% possession Ireland struggled to put Wales away in their Natwest 6 Nations match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. A Jacob Stockdale intercept with the clock in the red wrapped up a 37-27 win for Joe Schmidt’s side, to keep them on track for the Grand Slam.

Ireland player ratings:

15. Rob Kearney 6

Said Dan Biggar’s cues were easier to read in the build-up to this match, however he lost aerial duels with the Wales fly half in the 29^th minute and in the 62^nd minute – the second was in the build-up to the Aaron Shingler try. A 42^nd minute attempted drop kick didn’t quite match Johnny Sexton’s heroics in Paris – not one he’ll want to see again. A nice break in the lead-up to Dan Leavy’s 44^th minute try.

14. Keith Earls 7

Unfortunate to knock on a kick off routine after Wales’ first try. Wonderful incisive run in the 33^rd minute to carve open the Wales defence. His pace was very much evident in a 58^th minute break and very unlucky not to come up with a score. Taken off as a precaution in the 64^th minute with muscle cramp.

13. Chris Farrell 8

After playing twice in November this was his Six Nations debut, replacing the injured Robbie Henshaw. A big hit on Leigh Halfpenny in the first 20 seconds settled his nerves and he was not found wanting in defence all day. Showed his acrobatics to leap high and claim the restart after Wales’ opening penalty. Carried forcefully, constantly punching holes – an excellent performance.

12. Bundee Aki 7

Accidental offside for Wales’ opening penalty. Also spilled a ball in Wales’ 22 in the 10^th minute with Ireland having a good attacking platform. Penalised for blocking in the 25^th minute to hand Wales’ second penalty. He didn’t let those disappointments affect him however. He showed his power and finishing ability with a brilliant one-handed reach to score on the stroke of half-time. Solid defensively, combined well with Farrell.

11. Jacob Stockdale 8

Six tries in six internationals before this one. Made it seven in seven early on. Knocked on in the 23^rd minute when attempting a fingertip catch, but he took a couple of high balls after that before half time. Scored the crucial intercept try with the clock in the red. He is now the Six Nations top try scorer with four.

Jacob Stockdale speaks to RugbyPass about being the Six Nations top try scorer

10. Jonathan Sexton 6

Warren Gatland spoke before the match that disrupting Sexton and Murray was crucial to success and this was far from a vintage performance from the Leinster man. He missed a penalty directly in front of the posts in the 5^th minute when it came off the post and that set the tone from the tee, he missed four kicks in total. His running game was fine, including a sensational skip pass for Jacob Stockdale’s 6^th minute try.

Joe Schmidt on defensive over Johnny Sexton’s performance

9. Conor Murray 7

Did excellently to juggle Keith Earls pass in the leadup to the Dan Leavy try. Service to Sexton faultless. His box kicking wasn’t to his usual standard, with a few over-cooked. Stepped up to kick Ireland’s final penalty to give them the 10-point advantage they needed.

1. Cian Healy 9

A couple of good carries in the opening 20 minutes, making himself the first receiver. Continued that throughout. One of his finest performances in an Ireland shirt. Got a 54^th minute try that his performance deserved. Came off in the 65^th minute for Jack McGrath. Man-of-the-match.

2. Rory Best 6

Had a couple of lineouts to the tail stolen which will annoy him, but his usual industrious self in the loose. There in support for Dan Leavy’s early second half try.

3. Andrew Porter 7

Replaced Tadhg Furlong after three minutes against Italy, this was his first Six Nations start. Handled his duel with Rob Evans admirably and also got through his fair share of ball carrying. An able deputy for Furlong and rightly praised by Joe Schmidt in the aftermath.

4. James Ryan 7

Another singled out by Joe Schmidt in his post-match press conference. A big hit on Gareth Davies in the 16^th minute illustrated his line speed and workrate. His mobility around the park meant Iain Henderson’s absence wasn’t keenly felt.

5. Devin Toner 6

Ireland’s go-to man in the lineout, but also one of his better performances in the loose.

6. Peter O’Mahoney 7

Won a penalty in the 14^th minute off a turnover, one which Sexton failed to convert. One of the players who was key to Ireland winning the breakdown battle.

7. Dan Leavy 9

A constant menace in the breakdown winning a multitude of turnovers. A try scorer in the 45^th minute, his third try in seven appearances. Ireland’s top tackler, with 12, a near faultless display.

8. CJ Stander 7

Another solid performance from Ireland’s number eight. Gave away a 79^th minute penalty in Wales’ 22 to help them gain better field position as they chased a winning try, but thankfully for the Munster man it didn’t prove costly.

16. Sean Cronin 6

10 minutes isn’t long to make an impression, but part of a front row that won a crucial late penalty.

17. Jack McGrath 7

A 65^th minute substitute for Cian Healy and continued where his clubmate left off with a few carries. Loosehead an area of real strength for Ireland.

18. John Ryan 7

A 67^th minute substitute for Andrew Porter. Won a scrum penalty in the 75^th minute, to help stretch Ireland’s lead to 10 points.

19. Quinn Roux 6

Replaced Toner, nothing of note in the debit or credit ledger.

20. Jack Conan 6

Replaced O’Mahony and did nothing wrong.

21. Kieran Marmion N/A

Left on the bench and probably best too as his game management was poor in the closing stages against Italy.

22. Joey Carbery 6

Replaced Sexton with three minutes to go. Kicked the final conversion.

23. Fergus McFadden 5

A 65^th minute sub for the Keith Earls. Absent for Steff Evans’ try.

Warren Gatland gives rare post-match apology to Joe Schmidt