Player Ratings: Ireland

by Brendan Cole

Ireland almost beat Scotland despite a dominated scrum and lineout and a defensive system that had been thoroughly figured out by Scotland. The lack of drive at the breakdown and in contact generally also cost them dearly as Ireland focussed too much on getting structures in place and not enough on making each contact area count.

Despite that, they almost won thanks to the smart handling play. But the fundamentals were so poor that Ireland must look at major changes over the coming months.

1: Cian Healy

Some powerful stuff round the ruck though at times he seemed to make hits but fail to complete them as the Irish tight five struggled to match Scotland's energy and drive. Some perfect hits and carries too though, and got a penalty in the scrum to make it 20-20. Found it very hard to cope against Ewan Murray.

2: Rory Best

Some of the usual smart moments around the field but his throwing action collapsed with trajectory and line both deserting him. Though they struggled in a good few areas, the failure of the Irish lineout made it tremendously hard for Ireland to scrap for a win and it was very surprising to see Best left out there to flounder by Declan Kidney.

3: John Hayes

Exposed in open field at times and also found it hard to compete in the scrum. Tired look sets in from time to time as he struggles to get his bulk around the park. Still, hoisted O'Connell well and did a bit around the park but a disheartening day.

4: Donncha O'Callaghan

Ireland's tight five was pushed around at times and he ended one of Ireland's better defensive sequences by giving away a penalty inside the 22 that Parks put over. But he made a big contribution as Ireland chased the game, showing up for carries and doing a better job of coming hard onto the ball than his second row partner.

5: Paul O'Connell

Some good handling and support but Ireland were outdone in the gut busting carry department and not for the first time in this Championship. Should certainly have done better for Beattie's try.

6: Stephen Ferris

Curiously quiet day from Ferris. Review showed him working away throughout the match but below par in terms of his usual contribution while his injudicious pass to O'Leary handed Scotland their try.

7: David Wallace

Looked like the running machine he is early on but Scotland's 'Killer B' trio dominated their Irish counterparts over the course of the game and Wallace gave away the vitally important penalty that made it 17-20 to the Scots with a very poor decision at a ruck near the Irish 22.

8: Jamie Heaslip

Grabbed one lineout early on and carried well from the base too but like Ferris simply couldn't get in the game half as much as he did last year. Clearly, the dominated tight five's inability to supply a platform did not help but Ireland might have expected more from their number eight.

9: Tomás O'Leary

Service got sloppy at times and box-kicking was also average at best for the most part. Poor pack performance made it tough for him but the precision and direction seen against England and Wales was not there today.

10: Jonathan Sexton

Lovely stuff for the try and some nice line kicks. The talent is stil there but too many errors in both general play and goal kicking.

11: Keith Earls

Looked a danger man at times and though chances stopped coming his way as Scotland gradually got onto the front foot, he did nothing wrong.

12: Gordon D'Arcy

Opposite number Morrison was one of the most influential players on the pitch - having had a quiet tournament to date - and though D'Arcy has good feet and X-Factor Ireland may need a more direct go-forward style from their number 12. Gave away a key turnover on the line that ended one of Ireland's best attacks and slowed their scoring rate.

13: Brian O'Driscoll

Good support - even if he was a touch ahead of Sexton - for the try and some good handling elsewhere, but his defensive influence has been greatly reduced as the entire system struggles to cope with direct play. As in 2009, it is set up to cope with flat passing on the gainline but opposition need only run hard and straight from deep and Ireland find it hard to handle. Injury may have limited his influence as the match wore on

14: Tommy Bowe

Only Irish back capable to penetrate up the middle by simply running hard (arguably along with Sexton). As well as doing a first centre's job, Bowe attacked every challenge on the wing with relish, smarts and skill. Great finish for his try as well.

15: Geordan Murphy

Had some attacking spark before his day got cut short by injury but must be said that it is with another bad missed tackle that let in a key try that he ends his Croke Park career.

Sub: Rob Kearney

Decision to take contact cost Ireland a draw - though the value of that is debatable. Otherwise a good display with one superb high catch and some good kicking.

Sub: Ronan O'Gara

Stitched the touchline conversion and added some tempo to the Irish attacking play as they almost clawed their way back.