Ireland's bid to retain their Guinness Six Nations title remains firmly on course after a 32-18 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.
First-half tries from Calvin Nash and Caelan Doris set Simon Easterby's side on their way, while James Lowe and Jack Conan added scores to fend off the Scots after they threatened a comeback.
Here's how we rated the players.
15. Hugo Keenan – 8
Another excellent performance from Ireland's number one full-back. Assured under all type of ball and showed good defensive judgement. Great vision and execution to pave the way for Jack Conan’s try.
14. Calvin Nash – 7
Good return to the international fold for the Munster man, who didn’t see any game time in November. Took his try well. Got turned over a couple of times but can be happy with his contribution, including the play that led to Scotland’s yellow card.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 7.5
Preferred over Garry Ringrose, the Leinster centre was all action on both sides of the ball. He made eight carries for over 40 metres and was the top-tackler from the backline with 13 although one miss in midfield allowed a Scotland breakaway.
12. Bundee Aki – 7
Nothing spectacular from the Connacht centre this week but generally carried well in midfield. Didn’t fully look himself after a head knock, Conceded two penalties across his 57 minutes.
11. James Lowe – 8
Another typical busy shift from the Leinster winger, who made three linebreaks from nine carries over 40 metres. Left boot was used to good effect for almost 150 metres as well. Showed his power when beating three defenders for a crucial Ireland try.
10. Sam Prendergast – 8.5
Named player of the match, Prendergast justified his selection with a commanding and confident performance. His pass for Nash’s try was inch perfect, and his kicking out of hand, barring a first-half mistake got Ireland into good positions. Scored 12 points but missed one he should have got.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8
Hard to imagine where Ireland would be without the New Zealand native pulling the strings. Seems to always see the bigger picture, typified by his chip over the top when Ireland were going backwards before Conan’s try. Crucial tackle on Blair Kinghorn in second half.
1. Andrew Porter – 8
Brilliant shift by the loosehead, who got through a huge amount of work over his 70 minutes. Scrum worked a number of penalties, and Ireland scored on advantage. Made 17 tackles and missed just one, good early block-down, too.
2. Rónan Kelleher – 7
Mixed bag at the lineout for the starting hooker and not as prominent in the loose as he was against England. Got held up over the line early on but turned the ball over in a threatening maul at end of first half.
3. Finlay Bealham – 7.5
Really showing his worth in Tadhg Furlong’s absence. Scrummaged solidly, making 14 tackles across the hour. Won a turnover penalty soon after Ireland’s third to halt Scottish momentum.
4. James Ryan – 7.5
Huge work rate again from the second row, who's doing a lot of that unseen work. Conceded a couple of penalties but that’s coming from a renewed abrasive approach. Made 14 tackles and stole a Scottish lineout close to the Irish line.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 8
Hardly ever dips below his own high standard with his second row berth the perfect position for his strengths; a complete nuisance on Scottish ball, claiming a couple of turnovers, while taking four lineouts. One of Ireland’s most important players.
6. Peter O'Mahony – 7
Overcame a couple of early errors to come up with some big plays. Had nine carries and made nine tackles. Won two turnovers and got through a lot of work for his 52 minutes.
7. Josh van der Flier – 8
The former World Rugby player of the year made a match-high 22 tackles, missing just one in another trademark performance. Had four carries, making over 15 metres.
8. Caelan Doris – 7.5
All-action outing from the skipper, who, after getting held up over the line, powered over for Ireland’s second. Got turned over before Scotland’s opening try. Made almost 60 metres off 10 hard carries, while he put in 19 tackles.
Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan (for Kelleher 41) – 5
Couldn’t match last week’s outing, good to get another 40 under his belt.
17. Cian Healy (for Porter 70)
Not on long enough to rate.
18. Thomas Clarkson (for Bealham 61) – 6
Made five tackles after coming on.
19. Ryan Baird (for Beirne HIA 10-14, Ryan 65) – 5.5
Didn’t get a chance to get into stride.
20. Jack Conan (for Baird HIA 14-19, O’Mahony 52) – 7.5
Pushing for a start against Wales after another explosive performance off the bench twice.
21. Conor Murray (for Gibson-Park 70)
Not on long enough to rate.
22. Jack Crowley (for Nash 65) – 7
Came on at full-back in an interesting switch, took a great catch under pressure.
23. Garry Ringrose (for Aki 58) – 6
Solid, made three tackles after coming on.
Watch highlights of all the weekend's Six Nations games on Against the Head, RTÉ2, RTÉ Player, 8pm, Monday
