Despite going into this fourth round Six Nations match as favourites, Ireland were undone in the final moments for a 23-22 defeat to England. Fly half Marcus Smith had the final say on the day, as he slotted the match winning drop goal for a dramatic win against Andy Farrell's men.
Here are RUCK's Player Ratings for the Ireland players, in their defeat to England at Twickenham
15. Hugo Keenan 7
Threatened England with his dangerous line breaks, yet came unstuck in defence at times. The fullback impressed with ball in hand. 64th minute he knocked the ball on from Crowley’s bullet pass, in a golden opportunity to break the line. Danced his way to the try-line at 65 minutes, but had his score ruled out due to an earlier knock-on from Gibson-Park. Penalised for a neck roll on Ben Earl 67’ as England erupt into celebration.
14 . Calvin Nash N/A
Off early after getting flattened by Tommy Freeman and put his head on the wrong side of the tackle. Unfortunately the wing failed his HIA and did not return.
13. Robbie Henshaw 7
Solid defensive effort, as he put in hit after hit on the England ball carriers. Outshone by Aki in attack, but interlined well with his centre partner to stretch the English back-line. Wins a solid turnover against Feyi-Waboso, as the wing was straight off his feet at the breakdown.
12. Bundee Aki 7
Didn’t roll away in the tackle on 15th minute Manny Feyi-Waboso, which gave away a penalty for George Ford to strike. Nullified by the likes of Underhill, Martin and Chessum in the early goings. Offside at the ruck again 28’, as England played the advantage. Turned his favour at the ruck by stealing the ball at 34’ over Ollie Chessum well, and made some monstrous carries up the park.
11. James Lowe 8
Explosive first involvement along the left wing, and was very dangerous throughout. Sent a brilliant kick down into the England half at 37 minutes, as Furbank was unable to keep the ball in play, brilliant from the boot when exploiting danger. Great finish to score Ireland’s first try of the game, as he muscled his way in for a dramatic dive in the corner. Similar finish for his second try as he powered over Marcus Smith from close range.
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10. Jack Crowley 7.5
Immediate lead off the tee, as he made no mistake in the early goings. Given a physical day at the office for him given the tenacity of England’s back-rowers and locks. Confident in his decisions to kick to touch. Just managed to get the 35th penalty over the uprights. Pulled the strings well across the back-line.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park 7
Rapid ball distribution and backed himself to go to the boot, when he eyed up space in the back-field. Knocked the ball on after Itoje’s rip in the tackle, in what cancelled out the try from Hugo Keenan. A solid effort from the fiery halfback.
- Andrew Porter 6.5
A tough day up front as he battled against Dan Cole, but held his own in a handful of scrums. The powerhouse prop was often on the receiving end of a heavy shot, as England threw missiles at Ireland’s biggest carriers. Rocked forward at a 51st minute scrum, and gifted England a turnover in a dangerous position.
2. Dan Sheehan 6
Solid effort at the set-piece but did not dominate Jamie George. The Saracen complained about Sheehan’s early engagements at intervals. Came forward on the ‘crouch’ call and was unable to hold back his props at 51 minutes, with Porter visibly irate as England get a penalty.
3. Tadhg Furlong 6.5
Nice offload in contact early with Van Der Flier, and like Porter, found himself on the deck after a couple of blitzing hits from George Martin and Ollie Chessum. The tight-head scrummed well against Genge, yet did give one scrum penalty away against the Baby Rhino.
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4. Joe McCarthy 6.5
Solid outing as he made the hard yards with ball in hand. Flew into tackles in what was a brilliantly physical encounter at Twickenham. The lock had a mixed bag in the air, as he stole the ball from England, but also missed the distribution from Sheehan.
5. Tadhg Beirne 7.5
Stole a lineout ball from Ollie Chessum when England tried to build up a head of steam. Unreal turnover at the 23rd minute ruck 23 and saved a potential try near his line. Stunning effort from the lock, who was ruthless when chopping down England’s wide men.
6. Peter O’Mahony 6
Tireless work rate, yet went early on George Martin at a 27th minute line-out, which handed England a crucial pen to get out of danger. Left his mark on George Ford for a 33rd minute hit. Called out by Jamie George to the referee for sliding up onto the props at scrum-time. Sent to the sin bin 57’ as he dived on the ball illegally after Ben Earl’s blistering line break.
7. Josh Van Der Flier 8
Tried a neat skip through the ruck to begin with, and at 10 minutes he won a huge turnover on Tommy Freeman and stopped England’s attacking momentum. Read the drop goal attempt of George Ford at 21 minutes. Instrumental to a 42nd minute turnover at the ruck, with England penalised for a side entry.
8. Clean Doris 7
Offside at the ruck and gave England a good position to attack at 22 minutes, with Ford's kick to corner. Battled well with ball in hand, but outshone in the back-row by the ever present Van Der Flier in the first half.
IRELAND REPLACEMENTS
16. Ronan Kelleher 6
17. Cian Healey 5.5
18. Finally Bealham 6.5
19. Iain Henderson 7
20. Ryain Baird 6
21 Jack Conan 6.5
22 Conor Murray 6.5
23. Ciaran Frawley 7
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