Ireland retained their Six Nations title with a hard-fought and sometimes scrappy win over Scotland.
In a tense and nervy finale, the team were frustrated time and time again by tenacious Scottish defence and some poor decision-making.
Here's how we rated the champions.
15. Jordan Larmour – 7
Called up at late notice after an injury to Hugo Keenan in the warm-up. Larmour endeavoured to make something happen but was well marshalled. Dropped a pass in his 22 when the game was in the mix, otherwise did well.
14. Calvin Nash – 7
Another who struggled to make a big impact. Almost got over the line and appeared to take the wrong option after doing good work. Super offload that almost set Bundee Aki free in first half and cleared up well after a Scottish break in the first half.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 8
Best of the Irish backs, Henshaw ran straight and made hard yards throughout. Fell off Huw Jones for Scotland's try but had put in an enormous shift, making nine big tackles. Made 14 carries and beat three defenders. Unlucky not to grab a try when held up over the line.
12. Bundee Aki – 8
Another big showing from the Connacht man but let Stafford McDowall through in the first half off a poor tackle. Had his sights set on stopping Duhan van der Merwe throughout. Made a couple of line breaks as well.
11. James Lowe – 7.5
Solid but not spectacular but made some powerful runs that, on another day, could have led to scores. Beat four defenders and kicked well out of defence after an early block-down.
10. Jack Crowley – 6.5
Passed and linked well but his in-play kicking was poor and he missed a long-range penalty. Questions about decision-making remain but he’s still Ireland’s best 10.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 7.5
Took on a lot of ball at the base of the scrum and kicked well in general. Was able to get ball away quickly and it was further out the line where things fell apart. Tracked well for an important tackle on Finn Russell in first half.
1. Andrew Porter – 8
Got the crucial try that his tireless display deserved and was part of a front row that dominated their opposite numbers. Made a team-high carry count of 15 and was prominent on both side of the ball.
2. Dan Sheehan – 7
Took Ireland’s first try brilliantly, alert after an overthrow by George Turner. Was very busy in the loose but got isolated once for a turnover in the first half. Ireland won seven of eight lineouts on his throw.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7.5
Excellent set-piece performance by the tighthead, who had Pierre Schoeman under pressure at scrum-time. Didn’t shirk his responsibilities in the loose, making seven big tackles, before leaving for a head injury assessment in the 52th minute. Very unlucky to have a try ruled out.
4. Joe McCarthy – 6
Quiet outing by the big lock, who’s always going to have to deal with comparisons with his performance against France in round one. Had six tackles and six carries.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 7.5
Didn’t make any of those game-changing plays but was always available to get stuck in and carry when needed. Took five lineout throws and was a nuisance for the Scots throughout. Ireland’s top tackler with 14.
6. Peter O'Mahony – 7.5
Warrior-like performance from the captain after a poor outing in Twickenham. Hinted that this was his last outing. Got into the game early, made 12 tackles and carried nine times. Ireland’s go-to man in the lineout, taking four catches.
7. Josh van der Flier – 7
Another busy showing by the openside, who notched up seven tackles and five carries. Got turned over uncharacteristically in the first half as Ireland struggled to find a rhythm.
8. Caelan Doris – 7
Always available to take on the ball but stopped largely at source by a tenacious Scottish defence. Made five tackles but should have done much better for Jones’ try at the end, which set up a nervy finale.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Rónan Kelleher (for Sheehan 56 ) – 7
Really dovetailing well with Sheehan, adds impetus upon arrival.
18. Finlay Bealham (for Furlong 51) – 7
Got involved for his half hour, set-piece stayed solid after his arrival.
19. Ryan Baird (for McCarthy 56) – 7
Added energy to the pack in the final quarter.
20. Jack Conan (for O’Mahony 65) – 7
Added his bulk and brain to the cause.
23. Garry Ringrose (for Nash 57) – 6.5
Made a great dash for the line after coming on, will be disappointed with his dropped ball.
17. Cian Healy (for Porter 68), 21. Conor Murray (for Gibson-Park 71), 22. Harry Byrne (for Larmour 68) (yellow card 76) Not on long enough to rate
