You can only play what’s in front of you….
Ireland’s dished out a 106-7 hammering to Portugal, who were one of the poorest sides these men will ever face.
Given the standard of the opposition in Lisbon, it’s hard to put too much weight into the performances, but the performances of the debutants were encouraging.
In the end it was a whopping 16 tries.
Jack Boyle – 6.5
A solid showing at the scrum, but didn’t have much to do for most of the game.
Gus McCarthy – 7
His main job, the lineout, went well, with a couple of slick variations thrown in for good measure.
Made one eye-catching carry in the first half.
Thomas Clarkson – 7.5
A great showing from the tighthead, and was arguably the pick of Ireland’s forwards.
Scrummaging and carrying were very strong, and chipped in with a turnover as well.
Tom Ahern – 6
Would have liked to have made more of an impact with ball in hand.
Dropped two kick-offs.
Darragh Murray – 6
The Connacht lock is at his best when in the trenches, so this game wasn’t really for him.
Ryan Baird – 7
Carried and passed really, getting himself involved.
Also had a turnover.
Alex Kendellen – 7
Made a few errors and had a bad missed tackled in the lead up to Portugal’s try.
He was, however, tireless in defence and finished with 14 tackles.
Cian Prendergast – 8
Was the best carrier in Ireland’s pack and really put himself about.
Craig Casey – 8.5
A magnificent game again for the in-form scrum-half.
It’s taken for granted just how good his passing is, while his decision making was also on point.
Jack Crowley – 8.5
Led the backline superbly, attacking the line aggressively, and calling the right plays at the right time.
Set up Ireland’s first try with a perfectly weighted grubber for Stuart McCloskey, and had a nice chip-and-chase for himself in the second half.
Shayne Bolton – 8.5
A monster with a ball in hand who couldn’t have had a much better debut.
Ireland’s answer to Duhan van der Merwe, and finished with 138 metres made.
Stuart McCloskey – 8
After a poor performance against Georgia, he redeemed himself on both sides of the ball, with big carries, while leading the defensive line.
Showed nice hands for Hugh Gavin’s second try.
Hugh Gavin – 7.5
A great debut from the most exciting prospect in the side.
Didn’t have to do too much for his tries, but ran his lines well.
Is a great passer as well.
Tommy O’Brien – 7.5
Another impressive showing from one of the most in-form players in the country.
The pace he brings to Ireland’s backline is a game changer.
Jimmy O’Brien – 7
An encouraging performance at fullback.
Made some errors but also had some standout touches.
Replacements:
Tom Stewart – 6
Michael Milne – 6.5
Tom O’Toole – 6
Cormac Izuchukwu – 7
Max Deegan – 6
Ben Murphy – 6.5
Ciarán Frawley – 7
Calvin Nash – 6.5
