Player ratings: Defensive issues for James Lowe

Adam Kyriacou
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Following their 27-24 victory over Scotland in their Six Nations match at Murrayfield on Sunday, here are the player ratings for Ireland.

15 Hugo Keenan: Unable to display his full range of attacking skills and guilty of slack defending for Huw Jones’ try. 5

14 Keith Earls: Pressure led to Ireland’s opening score and produced some key interventions. Rarely touched ball in the Scotland 22. 7

13 Garry Ringrose: Poor decision to hack clear led to Finn Russell’s unconventional try and fell below his usual high standards. 5

12 Robbie Henshaw: Alert to claim the opening try and continued his fine recent form with another solid, hard-working display. 7

11 James Lowe: Yet to prove his international credentials. Poor defensively and culpable in both of Scotland’s scores before being hooked. 4

10 Johnny Sexton: Perfect record with penalties to move beyond 900 points for his country. Cross-field kick caused chaos which led to Henshaw touching down. 7

9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Given the nod ahead of the fit-again Conor Murray but did not convince and failed to spot chance for early Ireland try. 5

8 CJ Stander: Marked the occasion of his 50th Ireland cap with a trademark performance packed with powerful carries. 7

7 Will Connors: An absolute tackling machine. Aggressive all afternoon and crucial intervention denied Duhan van der Merwe. 8

6 Tadhg Beirne: Bulldozed a try and immense throughout in front of watching Lions coach Warren Gatland. 8

5 James Ryan: Content to stay out of the limelight and unselfishly grafted before being forced off. 7

4 Iain Henderson: A menace at the lineouts. Produced important steals and key turnovers to keep his side on top. 7

3 Tadhg Furlong: Strong and steady. Nimble, fancy footwork in the first half will be long remembered. 7

2 Rob Herring: Performed well at the breakdown and Ireland’s set-piece noticeably suffered following his withdrawal. 7

1 Cian Healy: Started well against WP Nel in the scrums but struggled later on before being replaced. 6

Replacements: Andy Farrell utilised all of his forward replacements to help Ireland scrape success from bruising encounter. 6

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