Full players ratings as Ireland lift the Triple Crown with win over Scotland
Triple crown.
Ireland delivered a statement performance as they powered past Scotland at the Aviva this afternoon to win the Triple Crown.
Andy Farrell’s side controlled much of the physical battle, repeatedly winning the collisions and disrupting Scotland’s rhythm at the breakdown.
There were standout displays up front, while a couple of sharp finishes out wide ensured the scoreboard reflected Ireland’s dominance. It wasn’t flawless — Scotland found moments to threaten — but overall it was a composed and convincing display from the hosts.
Here’s how the Ireland players rated after another important Six Nations victory in Dublin.
1. Tom O’Toole – 7
Asked to deal with the sizeable problem of Zander Fagerson and handled himself well. Put in a mountain of tackles and continued to show the versatility he displayed against Wales.
2. Dan Sheehan – 9
Back in the starting XV and quickly reminded everyone what he offers. Burst from the back of a maul to grab Ireland’s try with trademark power.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 8
The scrum looked a serious weapon with Furlong leading the charge. Won the early penalty that sparked Ireland’s first try and was hugely influential around the field too.
4. Joe McCarthy – 7
Typical McCarthy performance — big collisions, big work rate. Helped Ireland get the better of the arm-wrestle up front.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 9
Disrupted Scotland repeatedly at the breakdown, including a vital steal midway through the first half. Finished the match strongly with another clutch turnover late on.
6. Jack Conan – 7
Couldn’t quite replicate the impact he made against Wales. Solid without ever really grabbing the game.
7. Josh van der Flier – 7
Relentless at the breakdown and a constant irritation to Scotland’s ruck ball. Racked up tackles until Timoney eventually replaced him.
8. Caelan Doris – 9
Ireland’s go-to carrier once again. Time after time he punched holes in the Scottish defence and kept the attack moving.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8
Controlled territory well with his kicking. Passing was slick.
10. Jack Crowley – 8
Pulled the strings nicely and kept Ireland’s attack ticking. His all-round kicking game was good, and his confidence is clearly growing.
11. Tommy O’Brien – 8
Took a while to get involved but exploded into life late on. Two sharp finishes underlined his instinct for the try line.
12. Stuart McCloskey – 9
Mixed power with subtlety. A crushing tackle early on and then a beautifully timed pass to set up Baloucoune’s score.
13. Garry Ringrose – 6
A much tidier defensive showing and worked tirelessly without seeing a huge amount of attacking ball.
14. Robert Baloucoune – 8
Finished his try superbly but had some nervy defensive moments too. One of those afternoons where the good and bad both showed.
15. Jamie Osborne – 8
Started brilliantly with an early score and looked assured at the back. Signed off his campaign with a strong showing.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ronan Kelleher – 6
Reliable as ever when introduced, doing the basics well.
17. Michael Milne – 6
Short cameo but got through his work without trouble.
18. Finlay Bealham – 6
Did what was required in a fairly uneventful spell.
19. Darragh Murray – 8
What a cameo. Smashed over for a try and even got a charge-down for good measure.
20. Nick Timoney – 7
Brought real bite and energy when he came on.
21. Craig Casey – NA
Too little time on the field to judge.
22. Ciaran Frawley – 7
Added tempo immediately and produced the assist for O’Brien’s try.
23. Bundee Aki – 6
Warm reception from the Aviva crowd and carried hard in his short stint.
