skip to main content

Ratings: Hansen and Lowe light it up for Ireland

Mack Hansen was the standout player for Ireland
Mack Hansen was the standout player for Ireland

Ireland's Rugby World Cup preparations moved up a gear with a 29-10 win against England at the Aviva Stadium, as Andy Farrell's side picked up a record-equalling 12th win in a row.

Their fourth victory in a row against England was never in any doubt with Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Mack Hansen and Keith Earls running in for tries, as England picked up yet another red card with Billy Vunipola sent off for a dangerous tackle on Andrew Porter.

Here's how we rated the Irish players.


Hugo Keenan - 7

An efficient first game of the season for Keenan. The full-back dealt well with England's kicking, and played his part in Garry Ringrose's try with a neat offload to put Cian Prendergast through. One miscued kick which went out on the full goes against him though. Had 16 carries, the most on the Irish side.

Mack Hansen - 9

A menace for 80 minutes. Did the boring things well as England peppered the Irish backfield with kicks, and made some clever reads in defence to catch the opposition behind the gainline. As usual, popped up all over the pitch rather than hugging his wing. His crossfield kick for Ringrose's try was perfect, and took his own score well in the second half.

Garry Ringrose - 8

Still had plenty to do when he connected with Hansen's crossfield kick before scoring his try. Typically aggressive in defence, making seven tackles. Put his body on the line in the 20th minute, bringing the ball right up to the gainline before throwing a late pass to put Lowe into space.

Bundee Aki - 7

Great support line off Peter O'Mahony to run in and get Ireland's opening score. Powerful and direct in contact, and mixed it with a precise pass to set up Keith Earls' late try.

James Lowe - 8

Ireland's back three led the way in terms of carries, and Lowe was a constant threat. His try was thoroughly deserved after he made the initial break into the 22 and got on the ball twice in the build-up to Ringrose's score.

Ross Byrne - 7

Will be deeply frustrated with a 25% return from the tee, but grew into the game as it progressed. Played his part in the tries, helping set up the initial break before the Ringrose try, and then floated a great pass to Lowe for his score in the second half. Biggest contribution was in defence, with one powerful, crunching hit on Elliot Daly.

Jamison Gibson-Park - 6

Relatively quiet by his usual standards, but connected nicely with Cian Prendergast to change to direction of play in the build-up to the Mack Hansen try.

Andrew Porter - 7

70 minutes in his first game of the season, and put in a strong performance in the tight side of the game. Scrummaged well, and England had to bring in Kyle Sinckler early in the second half to deal with him. Big effort in defence with seven tackles.

Dan Sheehan - 6

A couple of timing errors with his throwing at the lineout, but made one nice break into the 22 early in the game which Ireland couldn't turn into a try. His shoulder injury before half time will be a bit of a concern.

Tadhg Furlong - 6

A relatively quiet showing from Furlong, but mixed his game well between passing and carrying, with a strong contribution for James Lowe's try.

Tadgh Beirne - 7

Forced a couple of turnovers at important times, and has a positive impact on Ireland's attack, looking for the pass more often than the carry. Led Ireland's tackle count with 16.

James Ryan - 7

Finished the season in brilliant form, and was a real physical presence throughout, contributing seven tackles. Showed the other side of his game with a well-weighted kick in the second half. Loses a mark for conceding three penalties.

Peter O'Mahony - 8

Only played 54 minutes but packed a lot into it. A lovely line off Josh van der Flier took him into space for the opening try of the game, and he executed it perfectly to draw in the final defender and allow Aki a simple run-in. One of the higher tackle counts in the side, with seven.

Josh van der Flier - 8

Absolutely beautiful quick hands created the opening score of the game, and combined for 20 tackles and carries. Combined with Rob Herring to win a great counter-ruck penalty early in the second half.

Cian Prendergast - 8

Looked nervous early on with a spilled ball followed by losing possession in the tackle. Grew into the game though and was constantly looking to get on the ball, making 11 carries and 11 tackles across the 80 minutes. Nice handling in the build-up to both the Ringrose and Hansen's tries.


Replacements:

Rob Herring - 6

Could become an important player for Ireland if Dan Sheehan's injury is serious. Chipped in with an important turnover won in the English 22 early in the second half, but a crooked throw five metres out from the tryline will be a massive frustration.

Jeremy Loughman - N/A

A big week for Loughman getting called into the squad, and winning his second cap. Not on long enough to be fairly rated.

Finlay Bealham - 7

Picked up where he left off in the Six Nations with an impressive 23 minutes this evening, making six tackles and coming up with a jackal penalty when Ireland were defending their own 22.

Joe McCarthy - 7

For the second game in a row has made an impact, and looks to have played his way into a World Cup squad. Only played 25 minutes, but combined for 10 carries and tackles in an impressive display.

Caelan Doris - N/A

Like Loughman, the game was over as a contest by the time Doris was brought on with 10 minutes to play.

Conor Murray - 6

Started well when he came on, helping secure a turnover with a choke tackle, but had to hold his hands up and apologise after a poor pass to Crowley late in the game.

Jack Crowley - 5

Initially came on in the centre when Bundee Aki departed for a HIA before moving into out-half. Made a couple of errors and put Ireland under pressure in their own 22 on 69 minutes after a loose offload which went wrong.

Keith Earls - 7

What a day for the Munster man, making his 100th cap and scoring a try for good measure. Showed he can still accelerate with the best of them, getting off the mark well for his try on 75 minutes.

Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch live coverage of Ireland v Samoa on Saturday 26 August on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio or follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app.

Read Next