Ireland Player Ratings Following Another Dismal Outing Against England
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Battered.
There was a sense of optimism in the air before a ball was kicked in Twickenham yesterday afternoon with Ireland boss Andy Farrell hinting that his side were going to have a real go at England.
And with the head coach giving the fans what they wanted in many respects in terms of their team selection, there was plenty of reason for Irish fans to be excited.
But it didn’t take long for that hope to fade. Two first-half Jonny May tries and a one-dimensional playbook left Ireland without much hope by half-time.
And it was much of the same in the second. Here are your player ratings.
Hugo Keenan – 6
Should have done better for May’s opening try but chipped in with some bright sparks. Definitely has potential in a green jersey.
One of Ireland’s brighter sparks, Keenan shipped some huge tackles and tried to make things happen in possession.
Keith Earls – 7
One of Ireland’s best players. Did his best to make something happen.
Chris Farrell – 6
Used his physicality at times but largely marked out of the game.
Bundee Aki – 5
Had his moments but equally shut down.
James Lowe – 5
Nearly caught out on a number of occasions with some flailing kicks. Did his best to make something happen but just kept running int two-man walls.
Ross Byrne – 5
Completely out of his depth again.
Jamison Gibson Park – 5
A bridge too far for the Leinster nine following last week’s impressive performance against Wales.
Cian Healy – 6
Held his own in the scrum but couldn’t buy a yard over the gain-line.
Ronan Kelleher – 4
Struggled big time in the lineout. Yes, it’s never always just the hooker’s fault but the youngster has some serious work to do.
Andrew Porter – 6
One of Ireland’s better players. Held his own in the scrum.
Quinn Roux – 5
Struggled to deal with the physicality and gave away a silly penalty that gifted England three points.
James Ryan – 5
A tough outing for the captain. Will be annoyed with the lineout and struggled to make an impact.
CJ Stander – 5
Completely shut down by England – and not for the first time.
Peter O’Mahony – 7
Incredible work ethic. Got stuck in everywhere and left it all on the pitch. Deserved more.
Caelan Doris – 5
A marked man. Couldn’t get into the game and will use this as a massive learning curve.
Replacements:
Rob Herring (for Kelleher 50) – 5
Tidied up the lineout.
Finlay Bealham (for Healy 65) – 5
Nowhere to be seen really.
Iain Henderson (for Roux 50) – 5
Added something when he came on. Perhaps should have started.
Will Connors (for Stander 65) – 5
Made his tackles as usual, but not much else.
Conor Murray (for Gibson-Park 50) – 6
Couldn’t get Ireland moving but you could see the difference in quality.
Billy Burns (for Byrne 68) – 6
Lovely kick in behind for Stockdale’s try.
Jacob Stockdale (for Keenan 57) – 6
Lovely late try.