Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HOW IRISH SIDE RATED
CIAN HEALY
No longer a weapon in the loose but put in a hefty clear-out to make Ireland’s only try happen.
CONOR MURRAY
Took the box-kicking route with mixed results. High tackle for last Halfpenny penalty was expensive.
ROB HERRING
Lacked the solidity at the lineout that Paul O’connell was hoping for and Ronan Kelleher had big impact when he came on.
JONATHAN SEXTON
Didn’t want to go off for HIA but right call made. Will be annoyed with second half errors but led well after red.
ANDREW PORTER
Solid in the scrum throughout but may need to do more with Tadhg Furlong returning off the bench yesterday.
JAMES LOWE
Heavily involved despite three-month absence but costly defensive decisions in second half.
TADHG BEIRNE
Ireland’s best player. Made most carries, was team’s best poacher and also popped up to score Ireland’s try.
ROBBIE HENSHAW
Superb break to set up the try. Although he went off for a HIA, he returned and was the pick of the backline.
JAMES RYAN
So unfortunate his game only lasted 23 minutes due a head knock. Freed up to rampage and stole two lineouts.
GARRY RINGROSE
Returning after two jaw fractures. Rusty but great, late break deserved better and epitomised his effort.
PETER O’MAHONY
Deserved 14th minute sending-off. Madness at ruck from Munster skipper left his team-mates in trouble.
KEITH EARLS
Started confidently under the high ball but that gradually eroded. Had very little involvement in attack.
JOSH VAN DER FLIER
Decision to start with him was widely questioned and he started very slowly but did grow into the game.
HUGO KEENAN
Consistently dangerous, almost always beating first man – looks like he’ll be a fixture in side long-term.
CJ STANDER
Plenty of carries as usual but lacked the penetration you need although he did put in a serious defensive effort.
REPLACEMENTS
I Henderson 8, T Furlong 7, D Kilcoyne 6, B Burns 4, W Connors 7, J Larmour 6, R Kelleher 7, J Gibson-park 6