In the last few months, we've lavished praise on Ireland's forwards pack for how their game has evolved, but in today's 32-15 win against England,, it was Ireland's backs who produced when it really mattered.

Ireland's set-piece struggled, conceding six scrum penalties across the 80 minutes, with England defying their early red card to remain in touch for most of the game.

But Ireland were composed in the final quarter, and remain the hunt for a first title since 2018, heading into the final round of games.

Here's how we rated the men in green.

Hugo Keenan - 9

Jamison Gibson-Park may have got the official player of the match award, but for this viewer Keenan was just about the standout. Having had a poor game by his standards against France, he was back to his best today. His try looked like a simple finish, but the wide angle shows just how far he ran to find that space, and he was faultless under the high ball, with England raining kicks on him all day.

Andrew Conway - 7.5

With the way Ireland play, Conway (or whoever is on the right wing) often has to wait long periods to make an impact, but when he was called upon he was solid as a rock. He had one poor kick which went out on the full, but a Tadhg Beirne lineout steal meant it went unpunished. His two 50:22 kicks were top drawer, and came at times when Ireland needed a momentum shift, while he came so close to scoring in the lead-up to Conan's try.

Garry Ringrose - 6

Not his best outing. Showed some poor handling in the first half to knock-on twice, and will be disappointed with four turnovers conceded in the game. Bumped up from a five due to a super ruck clearout for Jack Conan's try.

Bundee Aki - 6

Always looked good when he was direct with his carries, but Ireland didn't seem to use him enough. Didn't do much wrong, but was quiet.

James Lowe - 8

Every time he got the ball he looked dangerous, and gained a ridiculous 211 metres off 13 carries. Gives Ireland something unique on the left wing, and they look like they're figuring out how to use it.

Johnny Sexton - 7

Conceded a couple of penalties, but tackled well, making all of his nine tackle attempts. There was one classic Sexton loop-around which found a gap in the English defence, but overall he was quiet in attack, largely down to the poor platform his forwards gave.

Jamison Gibson Park - 8

England played their best rugby when they slowed the game down, and Gibson-Park's game intelligence was crucial in that regard. A quick-tap penalty created his own try, while he did it again early in the second half, which should have resulted in another score. That energy is crucial to Ireland's game.

Cian Healy - 5

Made a timely turnover in the first half when Ireland stopped an English maul in its tracks, but the scrum was a major issue with six penalties conceded, and he was unable to keep his opponent Kyle Sinckler square. Missed three tackles.

Dan Sheehan - 7

Has to take some responsibility for the lack of cohesion in the scrum, but was outstanding around the pitch. Fixed his defender which created the gap for Ireland's opening try, and carried brilliantly, with 60 metres off nine carries, and three broken tackles, as well as making all seven of his tackles in his 53 minute shift.

Tadhg Furlong - 5

He is human after all. With the pressure England put on Healy, it allowed Jamie George and Ellis Genge double-team Furlong at the scrum, and he was driven backwards on a regular basis. Was also guilty of overplaying the ball on a couple of occasions, which is a double-edged sword that Ireland have benefitted off previously.

Tadhg Beirne - 7

Some uncharacteristically poor handling in the opening half, but grew into the game in the second half. Won a brilliant jackal penalty early in the second half, and a few phases later his offload to Henderson could have resulted in a try but for a knock-on. His lineout steal on the edge of his own 22 in the 67th minute, with Ireland only three points in front, may well have been the most crucial moment in the game.

James Ryan - N/A

Was forced out of the game in the second minute after the head injury which saw Charlie Ewels red carded. Deeply concerning to see him suffer another head injury.

Peter O'Mahony - 6

Didn't see much of the ball, but put in a good defensive shift, leading Ireland's tackle count with 10, before departing just after the hour mark.

Josh van der Flier - 7

Up there with Beirne as Ireland's best forward. Led the pack in carries and consistently got beyond the gainline. Played a crucial role in the opening try, sucking in the last England defender. His big carry into the 22 gave Ireland the platform for Conan's try.

Caelan Doris - 6

An almost-day for Conan, who thought he scored a try in the first half, before it was brought back for a knock-on. Quiet overall, but made one excellent break through the middle of the English defence in the second half, but couldn't find Murray with the decisive pass, which he probably waited too long to give.

Replacements:

Dave Kilcoyne - 6

Ran his socks off in his 27 minutes, and chipped in with a couple of tackles. But just as Healy did, he got caught out at a scrum not long after coming on.

Rob Herring - 7

A really good showing from Herring off the bench. Looked for the ball a lot, carrying five times, while he also linked play well. Showed his experience in those final 20 minutes

Finlay Bealham - 7

Was only on the pitch for seven minutes, but got to enjoy his finest moment in an Irish jersey with the bonus point meat-pie!

Iain Henderson - 4

It was probably tough to come into the game just two minutes in, but Henderson struggled at times, and understandably so given his lack of game time this season. Conceded a couple of poor penalties, one of which came right after Ireland's second try, and resulted in England cutting the half time lead from nine points to six. Very lucky not to have been sin-binned. Took his eye off the ball when Beirne offloaded to him early in the second half.

Jack Conan - 7

A couple of big, direct carries proved crucial, while he also ran a great angle to get over for his try. Seems to enjoy playing against England.

Conor Murray - 6

Could have got in for a try not long after coming on, but couldn't connect with Doris's pass. His biggest influence was in his decision making, managing Ireland well in the final 10 minutes.

Joey Carbery - N/A

Not on long enough to be rated

Robbie Henshaw - 8

He may have only had 15 minutes on the pitch but his influence was huge. Gave Ireland a more direct attacking threat, with 35 metres off five carries. Put in a brilliantly timed tackle on Marcus Smith to bundle him into touch.