Ireland player ratings: Bundee Aki and Caelan Doris shine in ...
Relocated to full back after doing so well in South Africa and took the first bomb no problem. Transferred to 10 while Prendergast was off. Looked sharp enough but ended up departing early to injury.
Mack Hansen -7
Threw what was deemed a forward pass for a run-in for Izuchukwu and then couldn’t hold Stockdale’s pass. Struck back by taking Prendergast’s cross-kick to score and then got another off Casey’s pass.
Robbie Henshaw – 8
Lovely linebreak off Aki nearly brought a try and there was some good carrying for Izuchukwu’s disallowed effort. Really nice feet in one first-half attack and was always hungry for action.
Bundee Aki – 9
Recalled after missing the Pumas clash and enjoyed this one bringing his usual physicality to carrying and defence. Made the burst which led to his try and a huge drive so nearly brought another.
Jacob Stockdale – 6
Rare outing for the Ulsterman and nice early touch and tackle. Lovely offload to Hansen which was dropped. Maybe should have hit Van der Flier with the line in sight. Lovely hands but then frustratingly limped off.
Sam Prendergast – 8
Made his mark with such an assured display. Was maybe fortunate to remain on a yellow. Then missed the corner, but was so good off the tee and gave the kick-pass for Hansen’s first.
Craig Casey – 8
An important chance in nine shirt – had to go the distance too – with his pass bringing extra zip. Swatted twice but a neat two-pointer and looked dangerous with the ball. Then a great assist for Hansen’s second.
Andrew Porter – 7
Not surprisingly starting for the third straight Autumn Test and did all the expected stuff. An important tackle to stop a run while also a breakdown presence. Picked out Beirne beautifully for a break.
Gus McCarthy – 7
A first cap and a crooked throw for his first action with another later on. Nice run and inside pass for Doris though as well as the assist for Casey and a try on debut.
Finlay Bealham – 7
Also back in the starting shirt and an early hit as a settler. Continued with some good defensive work and there was a carry where he was smashed but kept it alive shortly before exiting.
Joe McCarthy – 7
The first try came off his lineout take and then managed a lineout turnover. Got very busy with carries and passes and stayed on for the full duration with another physical effort.
Tadhg Beirne – 7
Great last-ditch tackle on Wainiqolo and a trademark turnover followed later. A bit unlucky for the penalty but also nabbed a lineout steal. There was a big break and carry in the new half.
Cormac Izuchukwu – 6
Another debutant and got an essential hit near the try line. Thought he had a score, but the pass was called forward and had an offload which led to Aki’s try. Would have wanted more involvement.
Josh van der Flier – 8
Industrious as usual and a very telling lineout steal before a try with Ireland down to 14. Showed his threat in making line breaks and then made way early in the new half. Job done. 8
Caelan Doris – 9
The skipper needed a big game and delivered in spades after opening with a well-taken try and then provided the assist for Van der Flier. He even ended up playing in midfield after Aki left.
Subs – 7
Ciarán Frawley arrived earlier than anticipated for Osborne and got emptied by Mawi but generally did well, apart from the forward pass to Conor Murray – located on the wing – with a try on. Then Thomas Clarkson, Cian Prendergast and Stuart McCloskey were introduced on 48 minutes before Conor Murray came on for the injured Stockdale. Tom O’Toole played his first Test at loosehead and perhaps not surprisingly gave away penalties. Cian Prendergast, Henderson and Clarkson all combined for Hansen’s second and then Rónan Kelleher scored with time nearly up. 7
Andy Farrell – 8
The selection calls were largely justified and particularly pleasing will have been Sam Prendergast’s first start with the 10 mostly looking comfortable. Bundee Aki and Craig Casey also did well while Caelan Doris delivered too.
