Munster men top player ratings as Ireland battle to draw

Ireland began their Six Nations title defence with a 16-16 draw with Warren Gatland’s Wales.

A Conor Murray try and the right boot of Johnny Sexton had Ireland 13-0 up before Wales wrested control, landing 16 unanswered points before a Sexton penalty eight means from time brought the sides level.

The Aviva resembled a war zone at times in the closing stages as two tired, worn out sides battled for ground to try and force a result but in the end both had to settle for a draw.

The result means hopes of a grand slam or triple crown are gone, but a tilt at the championship is still very much on for both sides.

Here is how we rated the men in green.

Simon Zebo – 7

Spilled his first high ball but responded well to make an early line break. Mixed sublime carries with simple errors and fumbles. Did enough to prevent a cross-kick try in the first half. Made a scything break that almost led to another Murray try. Almost held onto a Payne pass that would have set up a two-on-one.

Andrew Trimble – 7

A man on a mission. Huge defensive hits and effective choke tackles. Covered acres and acres but featured more prominently in defence than attack. Bundled out of play as he threatened a late try.

Andrew Trimble will be sore tomorrow, putting his body on the line big time

— Conor Poland (@CBP__10) February 7, 2016

Jared Payne – 6

Received close attention from Jonathan Davies all afternoon but, more often than not, made small gains. Really important choke tackle won Ireland an attacking scrum in the final minute. His ill-advised grubber kick in the final minute no doubt brought groans from every living room in Ireland.

Robbie Henshaw – 7

Dug in for a crucial turnover 10-metres from his own tryline. Pinned Wales back with one kick but it looked as if he was trying to find Earls with it. Somehow survived a meaty barge from Jamie Roberts.

Keith Earls – 9

Big, big hit on Williams looked to have forced a turnover but Jerome Garces awarded a Welsh penalty. That didn’t stop him from making plays and landed another hefty hit after the break. Unfortunate not to connect with Payne and toss the ball out of play.

Johnny Sexton – 9

Made early inroads through Welsh lines and kept his team ticking. We witnessed the wraparound again, numerous line breaks and took heart from a player getting back to his best. Held his nerve with a late penalty from distance.

Conor Murray – 8

Brilliant awareness and snipe to score Ireland’s opening try. Stunning aerial take under pressure from Biggar and Williams. Almost had another after fine support to a charging Zebo. Good pressure on Priestland’s drop goal attempt.

Jack McGrath – 6

Struggled to impose himself in a scrum under massive pressure. Put his hand up for more carries in the second half.

Rory Best – 6

Was part of a front row that was feasted upon. Quick to pounce and turn the ball over after one big White tackle.

Nathan White – 5

We feared a scrumming lesson and that is what he got. Huge defensive hit forced a turnover in the Irish 22. Improved in the scrum after the break and landed 11 tackles in total.

Mike McCarthy – 5

Very quiet game for the big man. Only made five successful tackles and for carries.

Devin Toner – 7

Superb block down of Davies kick put Wales under heaps of pressure. Stepped up well in the absence of Paul O’Connell.

CJ Stander – 9

A bloody bull! Carries tallied double figures after only 20 minutes. Huge go forward provider and came close to a debut try only to be denied by the TMO. Ended up with 23 carries and 11 tackles landed. Nailed the anthem too.

Passion & Pride during the anthem from CJ on his debut for Ireland. Followed by a blitzing start #IREvWAL pic.twitter.com/cCHv3thCcb

— @Aoifs123 (@Aoifs123) February 7, 2016

Tommy O’Donnell – 8

Hacked a dropped Welsh ball on to gain his team 50 metres. Vital tackling around the fringes but could not hold Toby Faletau up for his try. Conceded a penalty in the second half for going off his feet. Carried well all afternoon. Went off for treatment to a head injury after 50 minutes and failed to return.

Jamie Heaslip – 7

Made some vital tackles as Ireland soaked up oodles of Welsh pressure in each half. Dogged as ever and another full 80 minutes of graft.

Replacements

Rhys Ruddock – 6

[For O’Donnell] Got through a lot of work when he replaced the concussed O’Donnell.

Donnacha Ryan – 5

[For McCarthy] Hustled and bustled for the final 20.

Tadhg Furlong – 6

[For White] Made six big hits in his 20 minutes on the pitch.

Dave Kearney – 6

[For Earls] Was needed in defence and did his job well.

Ian Madigan – 5

[For Sexton] Good snag on a charging North, late on.

Sean Cronin – 5

[For Best] Not really afforded much of a run but did okay in his cameo.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10