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Ireland player ratings: World’s best back-rowers Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier once again show their class
Following a 34-20 victory over Italy in their Six Nations Test at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, here are the player ratings for Ireland.
15 Hugo Keenan: Once again, the Leinsterman was solid at the back. Took his try very well and never put a foot wrong. 7
14 Mack Hansen: Not sure how he was awarded the player of the match award, despite some good moments. Finished his try well and was good in most facets. 7
13 Bundee Aki: Great with the ball, not so without. Garry Ringrose was very much missed in that outside centre channel, with Ireland’s midfield struggling in defence. 6
12 Stuart McCloskey: Better than his partner defensively and a couple of times dug Aki out of a hole when Italy threatened. Carried hard and was very good in the latter stages when Ireland needed a ball carrier to tire Italy out. 6
11 James Lowe: A mixed game from the wing. Botched a try early on and then denied another late in the game, but he was at the heart of some of Ireland’s better moments. 7
10 Ross Byrne: Won’t get the plaudits, but it was a quietly effective game from the fly-half. Wasn’t helped by the centre combination outside him, which did not work, but Byrne’s option-taking was good throughout. Also showed composure when his team were under pressure. 8
9 Craig Casey: Took his chance to start well by delivering quick ball. Also won a great turnover when Italy were deep inside their 22. They needed Conor Murray’s experience late on, however. 7
World-class back-row duo star again
8 Jack Conan: Given his chance after being on the bench in the opening two matches, but didn’t take his opportunity. Gavin Coombes should be ahead of him for the final encounters. 5
7 Josh van der Flier: Relentless with and without the ball. Some key interventions stopped Italian momentum and kept their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes alive. 8
6 Caelan Doris: Quieter – albeit effective – at blindside, but Ireland’s best player when he moved to number eight. This game did at least answer a few questions for Andy Farrell in regards to the make-up of the back-row. 8
5 James Ryan (c): Another busy display from the lock, who made ground with ball in hand and was excellent in defence. 7
4 Iain Henderson: Quieter than his lock partner. Defended well but will need to step up in the final two matches with Tadhg Beirne ruled out. 6
3 Finlay Bealham: Didn’t make it to half-time after suffering a concerning injury, potentially putting further strain on Ireland’s tighthead stocks. Up to that point, he was solid. 6
2 Ronan Kelleher: Has been usurped by Dan Sheehan but given his chance to start in Rome and took it. Set-piece was solid, and he was everywhere in the loose. A good display. 7
1 Andrew Porter: One silly penalty and a mixed day in the set-piece. Never shirks responsibility, but Farrell will want more from the loosehead. 5
Replacements: Tom O’Toole was once again impressive, and Conor Murray brought some much-needed calmness to proceedings. 7
READ MORE: Italy player ratings: Lorenzo Cannone shines in a brave Azzurri performance against Ireland
The article Ireland player ratings: World’s best back-rowers Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier once again show their class appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
