Ireland player ratings vs Australia as the men in green gave Andy Farrell the perfect farewell before his temporary secondment to the British and Irish Lions.
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Schmidt, returning to Dublin for the first time since stepping down as Ireland’s head coach in 2019, almost masterminded an upset in the Irish Rugby Football Union’s 150th anniversary celebration. A Max Jorgensen try and 14 points from Noah Lolesio’s boot had the Wallabies leading 19-15 late in the game.
However, Gus McCarthy’s decisive try ensured Ireland finished their Autumn Nations Series with three wins from four.
Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris also crossed the whitewash for Ireland, while veteran prop Cian Healy made history, earning his 134th cap to surpass Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most-capped player.
Here’s how the men in green rated on a dramatic day in Dublin:
Ireland Player Ratings
15 – Hugo Keenan
8: An imperious performance from Ireland’s full-back, exceptional in the air. His ability shone in both defence and attack, highlighted by an incredible take from a Prendergast up-and-under. Reminded viewers of his crucial role in this Irish side.
14 – Mack Hansen
6: Distributed well as a second playmaker, a handy asset for a wing. However, aside from a few tries against Fiji, his attacking form has been underwhelming. Irish fans will hope for improvement by the Six Nations.
13 – Robbie Henshaw
7: A classy display from the 75-cap veteran. Combined effectively with Aki in attack and defence, proving his enduring value at 31 years old.
12 – Bundee Aki
6: Despite recent doubts about his form, the 35-year-old showed glimpses of his best. Big plays in both attack and defence offered reassurance to his supporters.
11 – James Lowe
5: Not at his usual threatening best. His kicking game was subdued, and he lacked impact in attack. A concerning performance that raises questions about Ireland’s back three.
10 – Sam Prendergast
6: A mixed outing for the Leinster out-half. Showed flashes of brilliance with cross-field kicks and wraparounds reminiscent of Johnny Sexton but also made some critical defensive interventions.
9 – Jamison Gibson-Park
7: Set the standard for attacking play, constantly a threat around the ruck. His clever kicking game remains a vital asset for Ireland.
1 – Andrew Porter
5: A quiet performance from the loosehead, lacking his usual dynamism in open play and struggling against Tupou in the scrum.
2 – Ronan Kelleher
6: A solid if unspectacular outing. Overthrows at crucial lineouts will frustrate him, but he showed his quality with moments of brilliance in attack.
3 – Finlay Bealham
3: A disappointing performance. Early handling errors and a late-hit penalty overshadowed a solitary scrum penalty win.
4 – Joe McCarthy
5: Carried well but lacked impact overall. Fortunate to avoid a card for a late hit on Valentini.
5 – James Ryan
4: A quiet game from the former co-captain. Lineout inconsistencies and limited ball-carrying left room for improvement.
6 – Tadhg Beirne
6: Delivered key turnovers but lacked his usual dominance. Some might argue for his return to the second row to create space for another loose forward.
7 – Josh van der Flier
7: A typically industrious performance. Scored a try and was busy in both attack and defence.
8 – Caelan Doris
8: A standout display from the Irish captain with 15 tackles, 12 carries, and a try. Man of the Match and a potential Lions captain in waiting.
Replacements
16 – Gus McCarthy
7: Made a significant impact off the bench. Scored the decisive try and strengthened his case for a bench spot when Sheehan returns.
17 – Cian Healy
6: Marked his record-breaking cap with a vintage display. Strong in the scrum and effective in open play, a fitting tribute to his career.
18 – Tom O’Toole
5: Struggled in the scrum and conceded a costly penalty. A frustrating outing for the Ulsterman.
19 – Ian Henderson
6: Solid off the bench, showcasing his experience and proving he still has a role in this team.
20 – Peter O’Mahony
6: The experienced campaigner contributed well in the closing stages, with crucial carries and clever passes.
21 – Craig Casey
7: Matched Gibson-Park’s tempo and delivered a lively cameo. Strengthened his case for a bigger role moving forward.
22 – Jack Crowley
7: Raised the intensity upon his introduction. Despite recent inconsistencies, he staked a claim for the starting 10 jersey in the Six Nations.
23 – Garry Ringrose
7: Proved Ireland’s remarkable depth at centre. Strong defensively and influential in attack during his time on the field.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Leicester issue worrying update on England forward Ollie Chessum
- Andy Farrell confirms he will step down as Ireland head coach this weekend
- World Rugby confirms FOUR ‘fan-focused’ law changes for 2025 Six Nations
- Gloucester name their asking price for number 8 Zach Mercer
- BBC ‘priced out’ of Six Nations, will likely go behind paywall next year
Name England’s Matchday 22 from the 2003 Rugby World Cup final?
Surnames only are accepted.
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