Ireland maintained their winning run in round three of the Guinness Six Nations as they beat Wales 31-7.
They went through the gears in the first half before a lull in the third quarter. However, a late surge brought the bonus point and Andy Farrell's side are set fair for their trip to face England in two weeks' time.
Here's how we rated the players.
15. Ciarán Frawley - 8
Had very little to do in the first half of his first Six Nations start but had much more involvements later on. Stood in at out-half to help Crowley out. Exectued a lovely cross-kick for Calvin Nash and ran a lovely line to grab Ireland's third.
14. Calvin Nash - 7
Eager to get his hands on the ball but was generally well marshalled by the Wales defence. Racked up 11 carries and made over 50 metres. Did very well go get the offload away that led to James Lowe’s first-half try.
13. Robbie Henshaw - 7
Ran hard all day but not as prominent as in the two previous games. Conceded a couple of turnovers but made 35 metres from seven carries and had a clean break to his name. Had the most tackles [9] of the Irish backs.
12. Bundee Aki - 8
Named official player of the match as he continued his fine form. Denied a try when the TMO spotted a knock-on in the build-up but worked his socks off throughout. Joined the maul that led to Ireland’s opening try. Top carrier for Ireland with 16.
11. James Lowe - 7
Mixed bag for the Kiwi wing, who got over for his 14th international try. Was too easily beaten by Cameron Winnett on a counter and missed three tackles. Made three line breaks off 14 carries for 84 metres.
10. Jack Crowley - 7
Another solid showing by the out-half, who is learning all the time. Took on the ball when needed and covered well defensively as well. Immaculate off the tee, scoring a penalty and all four conversions.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 7
Ran the show well in the first half, keeping Ireland’s tempo high. The scrum-penalty-lineout format perhaps doesn’t allow him to fully express himself. Made 30 metres off six carries; picked out Frawley’s run perfectly and was close to the line a couple of times himself.
1. Andrew Porter - 8
Big shift from the powerful prop, who lasted 73 minutes. Conceded a couple of penalties but returned a 10/10 tackle count. Part of a front row that had much the better of the scrum. Won an early turnover penalty.
2. Dan Sheehan - 7
The lineout woes resurfaced again after brilliant returns against France and Italy but, as usual, not all blame goes on the hooker. Made nine carries and beat two defenders. Got his name on the scoresheet again with another typical back-of-maul try.
3. Tadhg Furlong - 7
Excellent showing from the tighthead, who took on the ball six times. Ireland were comfortable at scrum-time. Furlong made six tackles, missing none.
4. Joe McCarthy - 7
Made seven carries and beat three defenders, including the half break that put Wales on the back foot before Lowe’s try. Powerful presence in a tough physical battle. Conceded three penalties over his 55 minutes before making way for James Ryan.
5. Tadhg Beirne - 8
Slightly unlucky to be carded for Wales' penalty try but despite 10 minutes in the bin, was Ireland’s best forward on display. Took five lineouts and carried 10 times. Was still going strong and in place to score Ireland’s vital bonus-point try at the death.
6. Peter O'Mahony - 7
Solid 55-minute shift from the Ireland skipper, who racked up 10 tackles and seven carries. The 34-year-old did a lot of the unseen work. His temperament and leadership will be crucial in Twickenham in two weeks’ time.
7. Josh van der Flier - 6.5
Left after 51 minutes for a head injury assessment, which he passed but was replaced by Jack Conan. Made six carries and four tackles. Quiet by his standards.
8. Caelan Doris - 7
A savage work-rate, solid without being spectacular; the number 8 made 12 smart carries and was Ireland’s top tackler with 19, including a bone-cruncher on George North as Wales threatened. Made the half-break that set up Beirne’s try.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Rónan Kelleher (for Sheehan 55) - 7
Best of the Irish substitutes. Won a turnover penalty and offloaded for Ryan Baird’s big run.
17. Cian Healy (for Porter 73) - 6
Carried well for his cameo.
18. Oli Jager (for Furlong 55) - 6
Busy on his Ireland debut, making 10 tackles.
19. James Ryan (for McCarthy 55) - 6
Picked out for a yellow late on after making 11 tackles in 20 minutes.
20. Ryan Baird (for O’Mahony 55) - 7
Made four carries for 85 metres and took three lineout balls as well.
21. Jack Conan (for Van der Flier 51) - 7
Made six carries and 14 tackles. Pushing for a start against England.
22. Conor Murray (for Gibson-Park 70) - 6
Helped work the final try.
23. Stuart McCloskey (for Nash 67) - 6
Cameo on the wing, made three tackles.
