Wales 23 Ireland 16: Irish player ratings

15 Rob Kearney

A few early errors but grew into the game with some traditional high fielding and a willingness to carry ball repeatedly: some success in breaking first line of defence on cut-backs and was his side’s most effective ball carrier with 104 metres. Rating 6

14 Tommy Bowe

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Jamie Heaslip: Another to defy medical convention with huge work-load, his footwork in contact got him metres and a massive 18 carries to boot. Rating: 7

When Ireland needed to muscle their way past Welsh defenders, Bowe invariably did so using his strength but crucially footwork. He will be unhappy with Welsh try. Rating: 6

13 Jared Payne

The way he subtlety changes angles, slides and takes tackles on his terms, traditionally committing multiple defenders and making metres, needs to be utilised more often. Rating: 7

12 Robbie Henshaw

He was strong, direct and did extremely well in his physical contest with Jamie Roberts but he is another who would benefit from being employed in a less orthodox fashion. His team's leading tackler (11). Rating: 7

11 Simon Zebo

Play didn’t really drift in his direction but when he did get on the ball, he was a little hesitant. He worked hard at the breakdown but no impact going forward. Rating: 5

10 Jonathan Sexton

He won’t reflect fondly on what was arguably his most mistaken ridden performance in an Ireland jersey; too many loose moments kicking, game management and tackling. Rating: 5

9 Conor Murray

Frustrated by how slow the ruck ball became during the game but there were times when he could have done more to speed up play without waiting for pods. Rating: 6

1 Jack McGrath

Conceded two penalties something he now needs to address because that’s six in total in the tournament. Typically impressive work-rate including super tackle count (nine). Rating: 6

2 Rory Best

Overthrew to a lineout five metres from the Welsh line and then under-threw another intended for Jamie Heaslip; it was a periodic problem area for Ireland. Industrious elsewhere. Rating: 5

3 Mike Ross

He helped to give Ireland an edge in the game but uncharacteristically fell off a couple of tackles and wasn’t as prominent in the loose. Rating: 5

4 Devin Toner

One knock-on from a re-start and while he put in a diligent shift he wasn’t as effective as he normally is either out of touch or in general play. Rating: 5

5 Paul O’Connell

On the occasion of his 100th cap, he produced a performance worthy of the milestone. The two line breaks were the cherry on top of an outstanding display. Rating: 8

6 Peter O’Mahony

He conceded a couple of penalties and there were a couple of handling errors but he never let his head drop and was a prominent figure in Ireland’s revival and a go-to in the lineout. Rating: 6

7 Sean O’Brien

He led the way with 19 carries which is a phenomenal effort given his recent injury concerns. Got his side over the gain-line but needs to be used in a more subtle fashion and coming from deeper. Rating: 7

8 Jamie Heaslip

Another to defy medical convention with huge work-load, his footwork in contact got him metres and a massive 18 carries to boot. Rating: 7

Bench

Eoin Reddan was excellent in speeding up ball from rucks and once the tempo increased Wales looked a little more vulnerable. Sean Cronin and Iain Henderson also made significant, positive impacts. Rating: 7

Joe Schmidt

He changed up the personnel when Ireland required momentum. Poor game management, failing to go wide with numbers and instead succumbing to white line fever, and poor discipline in the opening 25 minutes ultimately cost Ireland and these were player errors. Rating: 7.