15 Hugo Keenan (Leinster)
Rose to the high balls from the start. Put in a huge tackle on the breaking Ben Earls. Instilled confidence. Supported in attack and barely made a mistake. Rating: 9
14 Mack Hansen (Connacht)
Ran 50 metres for Ireland’s first big hit of Murley. Always probing with ball in hand, even in the tough first half when England had some of their best minutes. Rating: 7
13 Garry Ringrose (Leinster)
Much better at 13 with his trademark fast, hard-up tackles. Defended the outside channels and contested well. Even outjumped Itoje for a high second half ball. Rating: 9
12 Bundee Aki (Connacht)
Fell for Marcus Smith dummy but bundled his way through heavy traffic and was the battering ram Ireland needed. Bumped three England players for his try. Rating: 7
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Ireland 27 England 22: Irish player ratings as Jamison Gibson-Park stars
Huw Jones runs in hat-trick of tries as Scotland hold off Italian comeback
Ireland thankful to be able to call on three centres of excellence
11 James Lowe (Leinster)
Broke for Beirne’s try muscled Alex Mitchell out of the way to load up Gibson-Park for the first half try. Always positively involved and pivotal in two scores. Rating: 8
10 Sam Prendergast (Leinster)
A mixed bag for the callow outhalf. Threw away a few balls in the first half and missed a kick he should have nailed. Pass to Aki for the try had trademark zip. Rating: 6
9 Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)
Did everything without fuss. Tackled, cleaned out rucks, kept his head all the time and beautifully stepped inside England fullback Freddie Steward to score. Rating: 9
1 Andrew Porter (Leinster)
Cleared England bodies all day. As ever at the heart of a fierce breakdown battle. Much of his work unseen but always a not a step back warrior to the end. Rating: 8
2 Rónan Kelleher (Leinster)
No throwing mishaps and immersed in action from the off. Both aggressive and mobile, almost making the try line shortly before departing for Sheehan. Rating: 8
3 Finlay Bealham (Connacht)
Put in huge work rate and high tackle count against an aggressive England side. The scrum was in question before the match but it stayed solid throughout. Rating: 7
4 James Ryan (Leinster)
Was content to do a lot of the unseen grafting. Didn’t carry the ball as much as he has been doing at Leinster but stood up to a fierce battle for the ball. Rating: 6
5 Tadhg Beirne (Munster)
Leg pull on England player to disallow Kelleher’s try was not subtle. Savage workload and availability for Lowe in the second half was rewarded with a try. Rating: 7
6 Ryan Baird (Leinster)
Got his hands on the ball in the first half and made some hard yards. An athletic runner in space but got very few opportunities to really get going in a crowded field. Rating: 6
7 Josh van der Flier (Leinster)
Grew into the game and began to show up more nearing half-time. Had a more influential shift in the second half with hard carries and trademark tackling. Rating: 8
8 Caelan Doris (Leinster, capt)
None of his trademark carries in the first half. But played a captains roll defensively, no panic and taking the ball in traffic, especially during England’s dominance. Rating: 7
Replacements
The score only went one way when Easterby emptied the bench with Dan Sheehan grabbing a try. Henshaw, Conan, Henderson and Crowley too all handsomely contributed. Rating: 9
Coach Simon Easterby
An excellent win in the opening game with a second half performance that won the match. Will be disappointed with some tackles falling off and England grabbing 22 points. Rating: 9
