Your Player Ratings As Ireland Secure Bonus-Point Win Over Scotland
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One hand on the trophy.
Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes are still alive after a huge bonus-point win against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this afternoon.
Joe Schmidt’s men always looked to be in control, with Jacob Stockdale grabbing two first-half tries to give Ireland a 14-3 lead at half-time. Scotland butchered their chances, but Ireland were clinical.
Second-half tries from Conor Murray and replacement Sean Cronin sealed the bonus-point, Ireland’s third successive try-bonus in this year’s Six Nations. They now sit 10 points clear of England, with Eddie Jones’ men needing a bonus-point win against France to keep the championship alive.
Here are your player ratings.
Rob Kearney – 9
His finest game in a green jersey for a very long time. Unbelievable under the high ball, some excellent runs and very composed. Made a defensive error for Scotland’s try, but deserving of his MOTM award.
Keith Earls – 7.5
Saw a lot of ball, particularly in the first-half, but Scotland marshalled him well. His worst performance of the championship, but still had a good game. Just shows the kind of standard he has set in recent times.
Garry Ringrose – 9
Just wow. Could have pipped Kearney for the MOTM award, he was that good. Electric feet. Stunning lines. Brilliant in defence.
Match fitness? Completed it bro.
Bundee Aki – 7.5
Another solid performance from the Connacht centre. Did the hard work, so Ringrose could shine. Exactly what we expected. Another exciting combination.
Jacob Stockdale – 9
Stockdale is now Ireland’s highest-ever scorer in a single 5/6 Nations campaign, with another game to go. Another superb game.
Johnny Sexton – 7.5
Controlled the game well, but quiet by his usual high standards. Really needs to sort out his placekicking ahead of the England game.
Conor Murray – 8.5
Another try for the ever-present scrumhalf. Controlled the game well, with some sniping passes.
CJ Stander – 7
Carrying wasn’t up to his usual standards, but his work at the breakdown was superb. Big shift from the Munsterman.
Dan Leavy – 8
Some big turnovers in another huge game for Leavy.
Peter O’Mahony – 8
Excellent shift before he was replaced by Jordi Murphy, after picking up a knock. Tremendous work-rate. Some huge tackles and work at the breakdown.
Devin Toner – 7
Couple of good carries, but some problems at lineout time.
James Ryan – 7
Didn’t carry as well as in previous games, but his work-rate was impressive.
Tadhg Furlong – 8
Solid scrum, some important carries and some monster fends. Tadhg Furlong is back.
Rory Best – 7
Once again immense at the breakdown, but needs to sort out his throwing.
Cian Healy – 7.5
Another super showing from Healy, carried well and notched up 5 tackles too.
Replacements – 8
The bench was superb for Ireland this afternoon. Cronin grabbed the all-important try, while Jordi Murphy looked like a man possessed when he came on. Porter looked lively too when he got on.