Ireland player ratings vs England: 2025 Six Nations

Saturday, 01 February 2025 at 22:45

byPaul Wilkinson

Ireland player ratings from their 27-22 win against England in their 2025 Six Nations opener in Dublin.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Ireland powered to a bonus-point victory over England in Dublin, kicking off their quest for a third consecutive Six Nations title with a dominant second-half performance.

Despite a sluggish start from the hosts, England debutant Cadan Murley crossed early to give the visitors a well-earned half-time lead. Jamison Gibson-Park’s try was Ireland’s only score in the opening 40 minutes, but after the break, Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, and returning hooker Dan Sheehan touched down to secure the win in Simon Easterby’s first game as interim head coach.

For Steve Borthwick, it marked a sixth defeat in seven matches. England, who had impressed early on, managed late consolation tries through Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman but must now regroup before hosting France next week.

Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs England.

Ireland 27

Tries: Jamison Gibson-Park (34'), Bundee Aki (51'), Tadhg Beirne (63'), Dan Sheehan (72')
Cons: Jack Crowley (64', 72')
Pens: Sam Prendergast (55')

England 22

Tries: Cadan Murley (08'), Tom Curry (75'), Tommy Freeman (80')
Cons: Marcus Smith (09',80')
Pens: Marcus Smith (40')

Ireland player ratings vs Ireland:

Andrew Porter - 7

Put in another seventy-five minutes for his nation today and did not take a backward step. Will be a close pick between him and Ellis Genge as to who grabs the number one jersey for the Lions.

Ronan Kelleher - 6

A strong performance from the hooker who has become used to playing second fiddle to Dan Sheehan for club and country. 100% success from the lineout, carried well and was unlucky to have a try chalked off midway through the first half.

Finlay Bealham - 6

In the absence of Ireland’s greatest ever tighthead, Tadhg Furlong, he stood in well today. Held up the scrum, winning a penalty against Genge in the second half and made his tackles. Simon Easterby will be looking forward to welcoming back the Wexford native over the next few weeks though, especially seeing the Connacht man walk off with what looked like an injury.

James Ryan - 6

Long gone are the days when Ryan used to be bullied by Itoje at the international level. The man who has captained both his club and country will be hoping to fly to Australia this summer, and with the wealth of talent at lock, he will need to keep up these performances for the rest of the Championship.

Tadhg Beirne - 8

One of the great locks of the modern era. Made an important turnover just twenty minutes in when Ireland were under the cosh and is brilliant in attack too, reinforced when he went over for a try.

Ryan Baird - 5

Has had better games in a green jersey and will need to do more if he hopes to make the Lions squad in the summer. Got on the end of a break from Hansen and was just pulled down before the line having swatted away Murley. If he starts at Murrayfield next weekend, he will be hoping to show more of his ability.

Josh van der Flier - 7

A tireless effort, as usual, from the former World Player of the Year. Didn’t get his hands on the ball as much as he would have liked.

Caelan Doris - 8

The man from Mayo grows more into his new leadership role week by week. It felt like a big moment for the new skipper when Peter O’Mahony was not included in the matchday 23, but Doris led expertly. He stepped Itoje to leave the Saracen helpless, and that felt symbolic of how the pair put their respective cases forward for being named Lions skipper.

Jamison Gibson-Park - 9

Like his partner at out-half, had a shaky start to the match, uncharacteristic for a player of his quality with a few passes not going to hand. However, you can’t keep him out of the game for long, and his side-step on Freddie Steward for the first try was simply outstanding. As was his pass which sent James Lowe marauding through the England backfield, able to send Beirne over for his side’s third try.

Sam Prendergast - 5

Flickers of what he is capable of but ultimately a very hit-and-miss sort of day for the Leinster man. Was guilty of several wayward passes and kicks, one of those being a loose punt taken by Smith, which then led to the first try. Missed two of his three attempts from the tee.

James Lowe - 9

The Waikato native showed his value to this side once again, somehow managing to wriggle free from Alex Mitchell to create the first try for JGP. He was again crucial for the second try, combining beautifully once again with the scrum-half to send Beirne over the whitewash. Unlucky not to be named Man of the Match.

Bundee Aki - 6

Not his greatest performance in emerald green, but what a finish to score a decisive second try for the home side. Struggled to stamp his authority against Henry Slade, against whom he would have been expected to win the physical battle.

Garry Ringrose - 7

Not a vintage performance from the outside centre, but fought for every little scrap, whether that was a loose ball or making a 50/50 tackle. In a tight test match like this one, his attitude was exactly what was needed to get the victory.

Mack Hansen - 6

Was brilliant on his first match this year following a three-week ban which ruled him out of European cup action. Followed Prendergast on an arching run to almost set up a first-half try for Baird and looked dangerous every time he had the ball in hand.

Hugo Keenan - 5

A quiet game for the former sevens man, who was not his usual commanding best in the air and was outshone by opposite number Freddie Steward in that department. Will need a big game next week against the Scots.

Dan Sheehan - 9

Is there a hooker in world rugby as dynamic? Is there one as good? I don’t think so. Made an instant impact with two huge carries when he came on. Beautiful hands to send Conan through and then again to get the ball on to Lowe, who exchanged passes with his Leinster teammates to score a try of his own. Incredible considering he only made his return from injury last weekend following a six-month lay-off.

Cian Healy - 6

Only on the pitch for five minutes.

Thomas Clarkson - 5

The 24-year-old stood up well in the scrum but will be looking to strengthen his ball-carrying abilities.

Iain Henderson - 6

The Ulsterman has been a brilliant servant for Irish rugby and went about his work in the tireless fashion he has become known for.

Jack Conan - 6

Solid without being spectacular, but will be hoping to be named in the starting XV next week at the expense of Baird.

Conor Murray - 6

Only on the pitch for five minutes.

Jack Crowley - 7

Upped the intensity when he came on after fifty minutes and has strengthened his claim to regain the starting jersey next weekend.

Robbie Henshaw - 5

Was solid until he slipped off Tommy Freeman for the final try of the evening, which could turn out to be an important losing bonus point for England at the end of the championship.