Ireland player ratings: Sam Prendergast ‘comes of age’ at Murrayfield as ‘old warhorse’ shines in stunning team display
Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast in action v Scotland in Six Nations and flanker Peter O'Mahony.
Following a superb 32-18 victory over Scotland in the Six Nations clash at Murrayfield on Sunday, here are the player ratings for Ireland.
15 Hugo Keenan: Superb in the air and a threat in attack, Keenan looked close to his best at Murrayfield. Still slightly more to come but he was better this weekend. 7
14 Calvin Nash: In for Mack Hansen and there was certainly no drop-off. The wing scored a try and forced Duhan van der Merwe to infringe, leading to the Scotland star’s yellow card. 7
13 Robbie Henshaw: Set the tone early on with a superb drive through the middle, and he continued to be influential in traffic throughout the match, one defensive mistake aside. 7
12 Bundee Aki: Carried hard as ever and made a couple of dents but not his best performance. Still effective on both sides of the ball, however. 6
Another fine performance
11 James Lowe: Followed on from his efforts last weekend with another superb display. Scored a try his performance deserved and was a threat every time he got the ball. 8
10 Sam Prendergast: So impressive from the youngster who came of age at Murrayfield. That is exactly what we’ve wanted to see from Prendergast as he dictated the game beautifully and showed off his range of skills. Outstanding. 9
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Not to be outdone, Gibson-Park was equally impressive. His decision-making is utterly elite, which gives Prendergast so many options when he gets the ball. Also, that kick over the top for Jack Conan’s score was sublime. 9
8 Caelan Doris (c): A nuisance as ever for Ireland’s opponents. Brilliant on both sides of the ball as the visitors dominated the breakdown and gain line. 8
7 Josh van der Flier: Like Doris, Van der Flier was excellent, making life incredibly difficult for Scotland. Was the game’s top tackler. 8
‘Old warhorse’
6 Peter O’Mahony: Only went 50 minutes but, geez, the 35-year-old was impressive. O’Mahony has not been a huge carrying threat recently but he was physical in contact. Also won two turnovers as the old warhorse shone at Murrayfield. 8
5 Tadhg Beirne: Had issues early in the game after going off with a HIA but returned to produce a sublime performance. Was absolutely everywhere. 8
4 James Ryan: Lineout had its issues, particularly in the first 20 minutes, but it did get better as the game wore on. 6
3 Finlay Bealham: Fine display from the tighthead. Certainly had dominance at scrum-time and also did his bit in the loose, including earning a fine breakdown turnover. 7
2 Rónan Kelleher: As mentioned, lineout had a few wobbles. Not quite as impressive this weekend but still powerful in contact. 6
1 Andrew Porter: The loosehead was a standout in all facets. Absolutely tore Zander Fagerson to shreds in the scrum and never stopped working in the loose. 8
Replacements: Jack Conan has certainly found his role as an impact player after another impressive shift off the bench. Elsewhere, Ryan Baird was much more effective this weekend, while Dan Sheehan was also busy, despite not being quite as good as he was against England. 7
READ MORE: Scotland v Ireland, AS IT HAPPENED: Sam Prendergast shines as visitors stay unbeaten in Six Nations
