Ireland’s journey begins by thrashing Wales in the Dragon’s Den.
Here is how we rated Joe Schmidt’s triumphant men after their 35-21 win in Cardiff today.
Felix Jones – 7
Went close with a breakaway try attempt and showed his coaches that he has pace to burn. Coped well under high balls. His performance was rewarded with a second-half try.
Andrew Trimble – 8
Only played 35 minutes but there were memorable. Tore into the Welsh and his hit on Eli Walker set up Keith Earls for his breakaway try. Almost had one of his own but was bundled out in the corner.
Keith Earls – 8
Welcome back Earlsy. If he took the chances his instincts and pace created, he would smash world records. Picked up and raced free for a first-half score and could have had a hat-trick. Fell off one tackle but made up for it with a handful of bit hits. Did his World Cup chances good.
Darren Cave – 7
Proved to Joe Schmidt that he can be that inside centre worker bee. Put his hand up for clear-outs and carries and scored a great try after Ireland set Wales up with a feint to go wide.
Fergus McFadden – 6
A quiet game in attack as most of the play went down the right or up the guts. When the ball did come his way he made metres – 100 in total, off 13 carries. A favourite of Schmidt’s, he starred in defence as Wales bit back.
Paddy Jackson – 6
One would be forgiven for cursing Jackson in the opening quarter [I certainly did] but his grubber tactic was surely an order from on high – to set the Welsh on their heels. Bad conversion miss early on but his kicking improved briefly only go go sour in the second half.
Eoin Reddan – 9
As if there was any doubt before, this [34-year-old] lad is off to the World Cup. Tormented the Welsh with snipes and, just when they thought they had him figured, found willing runners. A couple of great line breaks from inside his 22. Our man-of-the-match.
Jack McGrath – 8
Super clear-outs from the prop and he was effective in the loose. Provided Ireland with a solid scrum and worried his opposite number throughout.
Richardt Strauss – 7
Went off for a concussion check but was back on and flinging himself into tackles. Won an early turnover to set the tone and offered himself up for carries. Did well in the line-out.
Mike Ross – 7
Deserves all the credit in the world, again, for his anchor role at the scrum. Provided a solid platform all day. Targeted in defence and – left with a two-on-one – could not prevent Richard Hibbard’s try.
Donnacha Ryan – 8
Controlled Ireland’s line-out and directed their mauls. For a man that was basically learning to walk again [after foot surgery] less than a year ago, Ryan has given himself a real World Cup chance.
Iain Henderson – 7
Got his chance from the start and impressed. The Welsh often needed two, and three, men to take him to ground. Drew men in, which created space elsewhere.
Jordi Murphy – 7
Caused Mike Phillips no end of grief. Pressed the Welsh half backs all afternoon and was a brusque presence in broken play.
Tommy O’Donnell – 8
First up, we hope the injury he sustained late in the game is not as serious as it looked.
If O’Donnell can bounce back, and cut out the amount of penalties he concedes, he could win 60 more Irish caps. A couple of turnovers won and broke tackles with ball in hand. Set up Zebo for his try.
Jamie Heaslip – 9
Back in the tries – Irish fans will take that as a great sign. A nuisance on the ground, for the home side, and showed up in numerous attacks. Great hands and awareness. Serious set of lungs. Lineout stealing to put the cherry on top.
Bread of heaven for Jamie Heaslip.Replacements
Rory Best – 6
Had a first-half cameo, when he came on for Strauss. More of a chance to shine after the break. A turnover machine.
Dave Kilcoyne -5
On for McGrath when the job was done. It was more a matter of seeing the game out but did reasonably when he scrummed down.
Michael Bent – 5
Got the final 20 minutes after Ross was called ashore.
Dan Tuohy – 5
Replaced Ryan with a little under 30 minutes to play. Was given an easy ride but did a tidy job.
Chris Henry – 4
Replaced Heaslip with 25 minutes to go and quelled any forlorn thoughts of a Welsh comeback… when he was on the pitch. Had to sit in the sin bin when
Kieran Marmion N/A
Got involved for 10 minutes but not on long enough to rate.
Ian Madigan N/A
Same as above. Couldn’t prevent the Justin Tipuric try.
Simon Zebo – 6
On for Trimble just before half-time. Nearly had his head taken off by Ross Moriarty but played on. Two minutes later and he was over in the corner for a try.
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