
Rugby


Our Ireland player ratings as they just about beat an out-of-form Wales side, 27-17.
He had a lot to prove in this game and delivered.
The scrum was the best it's been in good while and he won a brilliant turnover with Kelleher in the second half.
Has moved ahead of Jeremy Loughman in the pecking order.
In a rare start he did all he could.
It's no coincidence the scrum went well with him starting.
He was Ireland's top tackler with 17.
Part of a strong scrummaging unit.
Still not at his best and you feel that he needs to be used sparingly by club and country.
Failed to put his usual aggressive stamp on the game, but didn't do much wrong.
The second rows deserve credit when the scrum goes well.
After his performance against England, we were hyped for something similar.
Didn't have his usual impact but put in a strong shift.
Ireland's best player along with Kelleher.
Was unlucky to have a try chalked off in the first half, but got lucky after it looked like his second-half try was a knock-on.
Was big opportunity for the Ulsterman but didn't do enough to raise questions over the 7 jersey.
Given the standard we hold Ireland's captain to, he had far from his best game.
He usually stacks the stats sheet but didn't today.
Had some really poor moments at crucial times, most notably an intercept pass with Ireland pounding the Welsh line.
He's still the focal point of Ireland's attack.
Didn't do much wrong other than two missed kicks at goal.
Carried well and put in a good defensive shift otherwise.
Unfortunately he didn't get the ball in space like he would have wanted, and where he thrives.
Had a couple of good moment in the air, which was encouraging.
Another strong showing among a poor collective performance.
Made an impressive 59 metres.
Did his job, but Ireland could do with trying out another option against Scotland.
Was at fault for Wales' first try.
He made up for it with a couple of standout moments.
Another solid performance.
Didn't put a foot wrong, and bagged another try.
Tom Stewart - 6
Michael Milne - 6
Tom Clarkson - 6
Joe McCarthy - 7
Josh van der Flier - 7
Nathan Doak - 6
Ciarán Frawley - 6
Tom Farrell - 6
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6th March 2026
10:10pm GMT