Ireland claimed the Triple Crown with a 26-5 win over Scotland at the Aviva and it was a case of job done as opposed to a celebration of rugby.
Having struggled to break down a stubborn but limited Scotland side they eventually got the bonus point try with the last play of the game.
Here's how we rated the players.
Hugo Keenan – 8
Another fine outing by the incumbent who appears to mature in every game. Pulled off a brilliant try-saving tackle on Stuart Hogg, who couldn't help himself when presented with an extra man in the corner. A try would have brought Scotland within two. Links brilliantly in attack and never found wanting in the last line.
Mack Hansen – 7
It was a quiet showing from the Australian in comparison to his first three caps but was a willing runner throughout and was the busiest of the back three in defence making eight tackles. Highlight was an unlikely offload that came to nothing.
Garry Ringrose – 7
The Leinster centre has a great sense of when to straighten the line and never shirks a tackle. His compsure in midfield is essential to the team. Made eight carries for 71 hard metres.
Bundee Aki – 6
Slow to get going and conceded an early penalty and knocked the ball on. Scottish line speed never allowed the centre to feel his way into the match.
James Lowe – 7
A bull in the backline, Lowe has a unique skillset vital now to Andy Farrell’s Ireland. His offload at the end to set up the bonus-point try was superb and he provided a great out for Ireland when under pressure. Made most yards in the team with 116. Three turnovers not a concern because of the reward when passes comes off.
Johnny Sexton – 7
Kept the attack ticking along and was once again in the front line making three more tackles (11) than the next best Irish back. Kicked a superb 50:22 that kept the pressure on Scotland. Deserved to captain his side to a trophy in Dublin.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 7
Always looking to put Ireland on the front foot and when more of his team-mates get on the same wavelength his influence will be even greater. Knock on at the end was untypical.
Cian Healy – 7
Scrum was stronger when Healy was on and he took his try well. Put in eight tackles across his 52 minutes and carried four times. Conceded one penalty but there’s life in the old dog yet.
Dan Sheehan – 9
Clear player of the match and got the ball rolling with his second international try. Has a sidestep that most backs would be proud of and that doesn’t take anything away from his direct running either. 14 carries the best of the pack and put in 11 tackles.
Tadhg Furlong – 8
All action showing from the tighthead, a constant nuisance in the loose too. Scrum suffered when he went off on 72 as well. Made five carries for 21 metres. Won a vital turnover penalty as well.
Tadhg Beirne – 7
Conceded a couple of penalties and a turnover as well but has been one of Ireland’s best performers in the tournament . Won five lineouts but has had better days.
Iain Henderson – 7
Took 10 lineout balls in what was an area of strength for the team. Was a handling error and a penalty concession but he was on par with most of the team.
Caelan Doris – 7
Preferred at 6 again but number 8 is his natural position. Conceded two turnovers and there’s plenaty more to come from a player who has become a favourite under Farrell.
Josh van der Flier – 8
Another cracking performance from Ireland’s player of the tournament. Got a crucial try when he spotted the gap that eluded some of his team-mates. Adept at running hard into space which is yielding rewards for his team. Made nine carries for 49 yards.
Jack Conan – 6
Carried 10 times over his 52 minutes without much of a breakthrough but will another who has another gear in him. The team didn’t find any true rhythm throughout the game and the Wicklow man will have better games.
Rob Herring – 6 (for Sheehan 63)
Hard to make an impact but was solid and has done his back-up hooker claims no harm after Rónan Kelleher's injury in round two.
Dave Kilcoyne – 6 (for Healy 52)
Made a couple of strong runs but part of a scrum that conceded a couple of penalties.
Finlay Bealham – 6 (for Furlong 68)
Just on for the closing ten minutes and had little chance to impress
Kieran Treadwell – 7 (for Henderson 63)
Another good cameo for a man whose stock has risen over the Six Nations
Conor Murray – 7 (for Gibson-Park 66)
Try was vital at the end and made the Triple Crown celebrations even sweeter. A first score in over 20-odd games for Ireland and he needs to bring that aspect back into his game.
Joey Carbery – 5 (for Keenan 74)
No time to influence proceedings
Robbie Henshaw – 7 (for Aki 56)
Lively cameo again for Henshaw who was solid in defence. Could be expected to start Ireland’s next Test.
Highlights on Against the Head, Monday, 8pm.
