Prop: CIAN HEALY – Ireland
The prop forward was a linchpin of the Irish scrum that gained parity throughout and defended well
Hooker: GUILHEM GUIRADO – France
An important figure in the set piece and loose; led by example with another wholehearted display of heavy industry.
Prop: TADHG FURLONG – Ireland
A fine shift on his return from hamstring trouble shored up Ireland’s scrum.
Lock: JAMES RYAN – Ireland
His 7th cap but he looks born to international rugby. Ireland’s top ball carrier with 15, along with being the top tackler on 13. Fumbled a 9th minute pass backwards and knocked on in the 37thminute, but these are minor aberrations in a fine performance.
Lock: JONNY GRAY – Scotland
A typical hard-working performance from the Glasgow man as he did the dirty work he enjoys so much.
Flanker: COURTNEY LAWES – England
Important figure in lineouts and after Hughes left he was England’s best ball-carrier before going to the second row.
Flanker: YACOUBA CAMARA – France
He made some rampaging runs in the first half and gave the English back row an uncomfortable evening.
Number 8: TAULUPE FALETAU – Wales
A decent first outing as skipper. Hit Tomasso Allan so hard with one tackle that were the Italian a car he would have needed a panel or two replacing. Some good carrying in the second half and successfully coaxed his side past the winning post.