IRELAND:
BEST PLAYER: CAELAN DORIS
RUCK 9/10: “Opening the scoring for Ireland after just two minutes, and providing a threatening ball carrying presence and good distribution throughout the contest in attack. Solid in defence, Doris Impressed with chop tackles throughout. A try saving tackle and following turnover stopped Welsh momentum after they had fought their way back into he game in the second half.”
BALLS 9/10: “A superb exhibition of No.8 play. Got the team off to a great start with a try inside 2mins. Was involved in all the key moments of the game – came up with a big turnover to stop Welsh momentum in the early stages of the 2nd half. Top ball carrier with 15 carries. An epic 19 tackles (mostly in the 2nd half)”
Rugby Pass 8.5/10: “Crashing over with just two minutes was the perfect start for the Mayo man. A huge defensive play early in the second half could have proved crucial in stemming the Welsh fightback.”
WORST PLAYER: PETER O’MAHONY
Planet Rugby 6/10: “Superb in the lineout and handled the ball well. He carried well in traffic and was a pest at the breakdown. Solid shift.”
Rugby Pass 6.5/10: “The typically dogged performance from the 33-year-old. None of your fancy stuff but helped grease the wheels of an Ireland pack that rode roughshod over the Gatland’s forwards.”
Pundit Arena 6/10: “Didn’t get through as much work as his fellow starting forwards although when he did get involved he did well. O’Mahony will be aware that a number of players are breathing down his neck for a starting spot.”