Ireland player ratings vs Scotland: 2025 Six Nations

Sunday, 09 February 2025 at 17:11

byRuben Picardo Ashworth

Ireland player ratings vs Scotland: The Irish hopes of a Grand Slam are still alive after Simon Easterby's men romped to a convincing win at Murrayfield.

Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Ireland continued their strong Six Nations campaign with a dominant 18-32 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

The visitors were clinical in their approach, securing a crucial second win in as many matches following their narrow five-point victory over England last week.

The win keeps Ireland firmly in the hunt for the title as they march forward in the competition.

Ireland sent a strong message to their Six Nations rivals with a dominant 17-0 lead within just 20 minutes, thanks to tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris. Both were converted by Sam Prendergast, who also slotted a penalty to make his mark early on.

Things went from bad to worse for Scotland when Finn Russell and Darcy Graham collided in the second quarter. Both were forced off the field, with Graham stretchered off after a lengthy on-pitch treatment.

Scotland got a glimmer of hope just before halftime, as Duhan van der Merwe produced a stunning finish, reducing the deficit. Then, two quick penalties from Blair Kinghorn early in the second half fueled a brief belief that Scotland could mount a comeback.

But Ireland were relentless. James Lowe and Jack Conan extended their lead with two quick tries in the 55th and 62nd minutes. Prendergast remained in control, adding another penalty to make it even more comfortable for the visitors.

A late Ben White try added some respectability for the Scots, but it did little to mask their overwhelming defeat, as Ireland ran out deserved 32-15 winners.

Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs Scotland:

Ireland player ratings vs Scotland:

Starting XV

15 – Hugo Keenan – 6

A quiet but effective game from Keenan, who managed space well and was solid aerially.

14 – Calvin Nash – 7

Coming in for the injured Mack Hansen, Nash showed his quality. Scoring the first try and almost getting a second, the Irishman was explosive and a bright spark for Ireland’s attacking plays.

13 – Robbie Henshaw – 6

An average performance from Henshaw. He was solid defensively but did not offer much through attacking plays.

12 – Bundee Aki – 7

Aki once again played well. He was always prepared for counter rucks and disrupted Scotland’s rhythm.

11 – James Lowe – 7

Once again Lowe was outstanding. His ability under the high ball and his strength to constantly make ground helped Ireland build off these foundations. He topped his performance off with a try, as he powered through the tackles.

10 – Sam Prendergast – 9

Given the nod over Crowley again, Prendergast was outstanding and is cementing his spot as fly-half. His awareness and distribution were incredible and were far too much for Scotland to handle. He read the game well and knew how to exploit Scotland. On top of this, he provided 12 points from his boot.

9 – Jamison Gibson-Park – 7

Gibson-Park played with intensity and played the game at the tempo Ireland wanted to. His composure gave Ireland a sense of control throughout the whole game.

1 – Andrew Porter – 9

Porter was fantastic today. He was everywhere, making tackles, disrupting rucks, and getting penalties. He showed his quality once again and is a real key member of Ireland’s success.

2 – Ronan Kelleher – 6

Taken off at half-time, Kelleher had a mixed performance. He frustrated Scotland through his ruck involvement and solid scrummaging, but his consistency with his lineout throws was poor.

3 – Finlay Bealham – 7

Like Porter, Bealham had a great game. He had a constant work rate and was clearly too much for the Scottish forwards.

4 – James Ryan – 7

The lock duo worked extremely hard throughout the game, causing chaos in Scotland all afternoon. Both won penalties and had great involvement. Ryan and Beirne are looking like a solid partnership.

5 – Tadhg Beirne – 7

The lock duo worked extremely hard throughout the game, causing chaos in Scotland all afternoon. Both won penalties and had great involvement. Ryan and Beirne are looking like a solid partnership.

6 – Peter O’Mahony – 6

The old warhorse got the call-up for his first start since the 2024 tour of South Africa. A tough start for the former captain, but he grew into the game and won a few penalties.

7 – Josh van der Flier – 8

The former World Player of the Year played great today. His tireless effort and dominant carries were a key feature in the game, whilst also making a load of tackles.

8 – Caelan Doris – 8

Doris deservedly got himself onto the scoreboard. He made a lot of ground and carried hard. A solid captain’s performance.

Replacements

16 – Dan Sheehan – 6

Not having the same impact as last week, Sheehan was solid throughout the second half and helped Ireland see out the game.

17 – Cian Healy – 5

Making his 66th Six Nations appearance—breaking Brian O’Driscoll’s record—Healy only featured for the last 10 minutes. He didn’t have enough time to make an impact.

18 – Tom Clarkson – 5

Played the last 20 minutes, delivering a quiet but solid performance.

19 – Ryan Baird – 6

Only on for a short spell, Baird completed his duties and helped nullify any Scottish threat.

20 – Jack Conan – 8

The best of the replacements today. Conan was strong in defence, winning penalties, and capped off his performance by scoring Ireland’s fourth try with a powerful carry to fully secure the victory.