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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Ireland player ratings as Andy Farrell's side lay down marker against Wales

Ireland ended their 10 year Cardiff Hoodoo as they beat out Wales 34-10 in Cardiff.

James Ryan opened the scoring for Ireland within a couple of minutes before Tadhg Beirne bulldozed over himself for a try.

Ireland took in a 24 point half time lead and despite a spirited Welsh second half performance, Josh van der Flier's try earned a bonus point win.

There were a number of star performers and this is how the Irish team performed.

HUGO KEENAN 9

Note perfect display. Appeared to be everywhere on the pitch and always made the right choice.

MACK HANSEN 6

Took a good while to get going and struggled at times on Rio Dyer but finished strong and played a big role in the bonus point try.

GARRY RINGROSE 7

A mixed bag in defence with some big hits - one in particular on Dan Biggar as well a try-saving one on the out-half. Missed tackle on Liam Williams could have been costly, but wasn't.

STUART MCCLOSKEY 7

Began with intent, throwing a delicious skip pass to Lowe, and looked very comfortable in that inside centre role.

JAMES LOWE 8

So dangerous and read the situation expertly to score an intercept try from 70 metres out. Threw in two important breakdown wins too.

JOHNNY SEXTON 7

Admitted later he was as nervous as could be given his lack of game time coming back from facial surgery but typically didn't shirk the physical stuff. Looked sharp when Ireland were on top and will recover from a dead leg for France.

CONOR MURRAY 8

A welcome return to form for the veteran omitted from recent Champions Cup games. Stepped up well as a late replacement for Jamison Gibson-Park.

ANDREW PORTER 6

Another long front row shift - 74 minutes this time - but conceded six of 13 Ireland penalties. Indisciplined late tackle on Dan Biggar fortunately didn't result in two quick-fire Wales tries.

DAN SHEEHAN 8

Electrifying when he got his hands on the ball and had no issues at lineout time. Another strong afternoon, 15 out of 15 lineouts successful.

FINLAY BEALHAM 8

Andy Farrell needed him to step up in Tadhg Furlong's absence and did exactly that at scrum-time. Has grown at this level.

TADHG BEIRNE 7

Looked exhausted coming off after 55 minutes but had put in huge work around the field. Helped Ryan over the line for the second try.

JAMES RYAN 8

Powerful early surges for the first two tries and a constant threat at lineout. Made a vital steal in the last quarter when Ireland were under pressure.

PETER O'MAHONY 7

Loves taking on Wales and was in the thick of it again, doing so much grunt work. Replaced on the hour with France next up in mind.

JOSH VAN DER FLIER 8

Didn't have to be the master poacher he is this time as Ireland bossed proceedings, but came up with a crucial second half steal. His bonus point try was the icing on the cake.

CAELAN DORIS 8

Just the one blot on an otherwise top class report card. Was always powerful and skilful with his carries. Up there with the best in the world in his position.

Replacements

ROB HERRING 7, DAVE KILCOYNE 7, TOM O'TOOLE 7, IAIN HENDERSON 6, JACK CONAN 7, CRAIG CASEY 7, BUNDEE AKI 6, ROSS BYRNE 8

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