HOW THEY RATED

ROB KEARNEY 6

Would have got away early but for slip. Didn’t last pace.

TACKLES 2 METRES 12

KEITH EARLS 7

Had numerous positive attacking moments. Defence improved in Scotland TACKLES 7 METRES 23

GARRY RINGROSE 6

Couple of missed tackles but showed guts on ball. Looped well with Sexton. TACKLES 5 METRES 29

ROBBIE HENSHAW 7

Created Murray’s try with no-nonsense clattering run into cover. A step up. TACKLES 9 METRES 20

SIMON ZEBO 6

Lucky that scrum-five conceding error only cost three points. TACKLES 3 METRES 62

JOHNNY SEXTON 8

World-class player who made a classy, entertaining comeback. TACKLES 10 METRES 67

CONOR MURRAY 8

Joy to watch after recent slip in form. Try was the key moment. TACKLES 7 METRES 46

JACK McGRATH 6

Had scrum issues but showed why he is the starting No1. TACKLES 9 METRES 7

RORY BEST 7

Busy at lineout, but will be annoyed his ruck penalty ruined try pressure. TACKLES 6 METRES 3

TADHG FURLONG 7

Another day of learning. Relished carrying into contact. TACKLES 5 METRES 9

DONNACHA RYAN 7

Exactly the sort of no-nonsense bouncer Ireland needed in tight. TACKLES 4 METRES 0

DEVIN TONER 7

Ran his lineout efficiently enough. Maul also decent apart from one 22 slip. TACKLES 8 METRES 6

CJ STANDER 8

French saw him coming but he didn’t relent. Big factor in win. TACKLES 11 METRES 38

SEAN O’BRIEN 7

Far more flashes of him in his pomp. Best shift yet in 2017. TACKLES 7 METRES 13

JAMIE HEASLIP 7

Helped curb the French back row threat and gave Murray space to play. TACKLES 11 METRES 32

COACH: JOE SCHMIDT 6

Reaped result his game plan merited, but Irish attack in opposition 22 the key work-on.