Ireland player ratings: Jamison Gibson-Park gets his side ‘out of trouble’ as Andrew Porter exposed
Jamison Gibson-Park and Andrew Porter in action for Ireland against Wales in the Six Nations.
Following a 27-18 victory over Wales in the Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, here are the player ratings for Ireland.
15 Jamie Osborne: Impressive after being tested in the first half. The youngster came through the difficulties he endured to look much more assured in the second period, especially under the high ball, and was rewarded with a try. 7
14 Mack Hansen: Some good moments from the wing but he struggled to get into the game. Calvin Nash was unlucky to be dropped after his display against Scotland and probably deserved to come back into the XV. 6
13 Garry Ringrose: A bad day for the centre, who was red carded for a head-on-head collision with Ben Thomas and will probably sit out the rest of the Six Nations as a result. 3
12 Robbie Henshaw: Another bustling display from the centre who hit hard and carried hard in the midfield. 7
11 James Lowe: Very much to the fore early on when Ireland dominated but Wales did well to keep him out of the game after that. However, such is his improvement as a Test player, Lowe still managed to make an impact, highlighted by his brilliant assist for Osborne. 8
Kicking vital
10 Sam Prendergast: It was not perfect and that odd mistake could have cost the Irish but you cannot deny that his kicking, particularly out of hand, contributed significantly to the turnaround in the second half. 7
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Magnificent from the scrum-half. His kicking game was absolutely elite, regularly getting Ireland out of trouble and on the front foot. We’re not sure they win this game without him. 9
8 Jack Conan: His carry for the try was absolutely brutal but his impact rather lessened after that. On this evidence, Conan is definitely someone who is better suited to a bench role at the moment. 6
7 Josh van der Flier: Came to the fore later on but was given a stern challenge by the Wales back-row, who were excellent. 6
6 Peter O’Mahony: Brilliant against Scotland but quiet here. His set-piece influence was limited by Wales’ accuracy and he wasn’t his usual nuisance in the loose. 5
Scrum struggles
5 Tadhg Beirne: Another player whose influence increased as the game wore on. Some big moments in the second period as Ireland took control. 8
4 Joe McCarthy: Some big carries early on but his influence waned. Still searching for his best in this tournament you feel. 6
3 Thomas Clarkson: A first Test start and he endured a difficult day at the office. Was part of a front-row that was regularly penalised. 5
2 Dan Sheehan (c): Lineout was generally smooth and he offered plenty in the loose. Also led well as captain as they withstood the Welsh barrage to end on the winning side. 7
1 Andrew Porter: Has a tendency not to drive straight at the scrum and he was penalised for it on a few occasions. Was as busy as ever in the loose but struggled in the set-piece. 5
Replacements: Made a big impact. Bundee Aki was excellent after coming on following Ringrose’s red card, while Ryan Baird had some fine carries. Finlay Bealham and more latterly Jack Boyle helped change the direction of the scrum. 8
READ MORE: Wales v Ireland: Garry Ringrose’s red card splits opinion as great calls for a ‘big ban’
