Andy Farrell's Ireland are off to a winning start in this year's Guinness Six Nations.

In fact, with no injuries to report, it could hardly have gone better for the head coach as his side ran in four tries in a 29-7 win over Wales.

Here's how we rated the Irish players.

Hugo Keenan – 7



Another solid outing from the full-back who looked to get involved in the attack as often as possible. Had a lovely under and out offload to Josh van der Flier that almost resulted in a try in the first half. Lost one ball in the air, which is unusual for the Leinster man.

Andrew Conway – 8

Two tries in seven second-half minutes ended the game as a contest. The first of those was a supremely well taken effort that needed lots of finishing, luckily the Munster wing has the intelligence to know what to do in that situation. Also made 53 metres off five carries and didn't miss a tackle. Kick chase, as usual, was very effective.

Garry Ringrose – 8

Superb reader of the game in defence and attack and rarely takes the wrong option. Provides a perfect foil for Johnny Sexton to bounce off and took what was half chance for his try perfectly, wrapping up a bonus point.

Bundee Aki – 8

Got the opening try by staying out wide to spread the Welsh defence but his carrying in the tight was excellent, constant source of front-foot ball, either taking it from Sexton or directly from the scrum-half. Top carrier in the backs with 16, making 102 metres. Along with Ringrose the midfield duo split 14 tackles evenly. Will be hard dropped next week even if Robbie Henshaw returns to fitness.

Mack Hansen – 9

Ten carries for 152 metres, best on show on his debut. Got involved right from the start and, as flagged in advance, came in off his wing as often as possible. Kicked into space as appropriate and distributed the ball well. Outshone Lion Louis Rees-Zammit and took the television player of the match award. Returned a 100% tackle success rate too.

Johnny Sexton – 8

Directed proceedings with conviction and authority and gave it all in defence, too, putting in seven tackles. Missed two straightforward kicks at goal in the first half but not surprisingly landed the more difficult conversions. As ever, a vital component for Andy Farrell’s side.

Jamison Gibson-Park – 7

Made for Ireland’s new-found style of play with his speed of pass and nose for the space. Wasn’t as much of a threat around the base as previous but dovetailed well with his support and generally took the right option. Couple of loose passes over his 68 minutes.

Andrew Porter – 8

Part of a pack that won 100% of their scrums, Porter played his part as Ireland won three penalties from their counterparts at that set-piece. Carried five times and made 30 hard metres without missing any tackles. Won an early penalty and stripped possession before Ringrose’s try.

Ronán Kelleher – 7

Accurate from the sideline as Ireland won 15 of 16 lineouts. The Leinster hooker carried for 37 metres from five carries and was busy in general play, popping up where necessary to keep the ball alive as Ireland stretched Wales. Hard-hitting in the tackle too.

Tadhg Furlong – 8

Superb for the first half, with and without ball in hand, even more impressive given his lack of game time recently. Was called ashore after 53 minutes with eyes on a bigger battle.

Tadhg Beirne – 9

Seemed to be everywhere over the course of his 80 minutes. Caught seven lineout throws and was a constant thorn in the side of Wales, picked up three turnovers and ended up making 67 metres with ball in hand. Was picked off for Wales’ try but hard to imagine he’d try that in a tighter game.

James Ryan – 8

Intense effort from another lightly-raced thoroughbred, Ryan’s hard work allowed others to flourish. Made 11 tackles, second most in the team and claimed four lineouts.

Caelan Doris – 7

Dovetailed well with his back row colleagues and was also responsible for 11 tackles but conceded two penalties late on when the result was in the bag. Ever-willing, carried nine times for 55 metres. Another smart baller in the Ireland pack.

Josh van der Flier – 8

Continued his rich vein of form and could have added another try or two to his collection. Top-tackled with 16 and linked up well with backs and forwards. Made nine carries for 64 metres.

Jack Conan – 7

Won a crucial turnover in the first half when Wales were growing into the game. Played just 53 minutes and still made 54 metres and an important part of a unit totally outplayed their back row opponents.

REPLACEMENTS

Dan Sheehan – 6

Came on for the last 19 minutes and didn't put a foot wrong, almost got over for a try at the end but Ireland overcomplicated a maul.

Cian Healy – 6

Played the last quarter of an hour and did what he needed to do as Porter’s back-up.

Finlay Bealham – 6

Replaced Furlong for the last 28 minutes and played to par.

Ryan Baird – 6

Got involved after replacing Ryan on 65 minutes, more to come from the lock.

Peter O'Mahony – 7

Best of the replacements after coming on for Conan for the last 30 minutes, typical performance from the Munster skipper.

Conor Murray – 6

Just a 12-minute cameo for the scrum-half, who is now firmly second in line.

Joey Carbery – 6

Replaced Sexton with 17 minutes left, decent return from an elbow fracture.

James Hume – 6

Made his Six Nations debut as a 61st-minute sub for Conway. Went about his business.