Following Ireland’s narrow 13-8 win over the Springboks in a tight Rugby World Cup Pool B clash, here are our ratings for the victors.
Ratings
15 Hugo Keenan: It was another quality outing from the star who showed yet again that he is right up there as possibly the most complete full-back in the world. He negotiated the high ball well and almost scored a peach in the first period. 7
14 Mack Hansen: The wing was brave all game long even despite being smashed after taking high balls. He scored Ireland’s only try in a spirited performance. 7
13 Garry Ringrose: Copped a big bounce-off from Damian de Allende so spent some time off the field for an HIA. He was solid otherwise without greatly influencing the clash. 6
12 Bundee Aki: Another powerhouse performance complete with a key clean break that shifted the momentum in the game. He also beat four defenders as he battered his way up the park all night. 9
11 James Lowe: The moment when he met Eben Etzebeth in contact and lifted him up to secure the scrum typified a brave and passionate performance. Ireland used his boot to exit well and he was brilliant otherwise. 9
10 Johnny Sexton: The Boks ran at him all night and he stood strong, making 11 tackles with only one missed. He ran the game well when he could and was solid off the tee. Not quite a masterclass but a solid showing from an experienced campaigner. 8
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: There is a notable difference in the speed at which Ireland attack when he is on the pitch. He dictated tempo well where he could and was decent with the boot in a tight clash. 7
Hard working pack
8 Caelan Doris: Made decent metres with his carries but tackled like a man possessed, tallying up to 13 on the night. His hard work was one of the key elements in defusing the Boks approach. 8
7 Josh van der Flier: Two important turnovers were won by the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year. He was also a rock on defence making 11 tackles. Not quite the performance that would grab the headlines but one laced with hard work. 8
6 Peter O’Mahony: Completed an outstanding effort from the back-row with 11 tackles of his own in an industrious effort. Not quite as good as his loose trio partners in the carry but still accomplished enough. A big shift. 8
5 James Ryan: A difficult game in the tight but one well negotiated by the second-row. There was a disconnect with the line-out although that may not be his fault entirely. 7
4 Tadhg Beirne: He operated almost like an extra loose forward through his work rate, particularly on defence where he notched up 10 tackles on the day whilst claiming a turnover. Tireless outing indeed from the Munsterman. 8
3 Tadhg Furlong: The tighthead well and truly held his own against a strong pack at scrum-time. He was not too prevalent in open play otherwise. 7
2 Ronan Kelleher: Probably the only negative performance from the Ireland 23 as the hooker unfortunately failed to find his jumpers in the line-out on several occasions. Things may have been a lot more comfortable for his side if they could make more efficient use of their set-piece. 4
1 Andrew Porter: Another strong outing as he faced up to Frans Malherbe very nicely on the night. He also notched up a handy tally of six tackles in a brutal clash. 7
Replacements: The bench did really well when introduced with Dan Sheehan bringing stability to the line-out. Conor Murray made a couple of key tackles whilst Jack Crowley looked comfortable enough when he was on the pitch. 7
READ MORE: Ireland win Rugby World Cup epic against Springboks
The article Ireland player ratings: Bravery ever-present in clutch win over Springboks appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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