Autumn Nations: Ireland Player Ratings (NZ)
Ireland faced a formidable challenge in the form of the All Blacks in their Autumn Nations Series opener, and while they ultimately fell short in a tight encounter, they showcased their growing strength and potential. Here's a breakdown of the Irish players' performances, rated on a scale of 1 to 10:
Forwards
Huw Sheehan (8/10): A dominant force in the scrum, Sheehan consistently won his lineouts and provided a reliable platform for the backs. His workrate was exceptional, consistently putting himself in the thick of the action.
Tadhg Furlong (7/10): Solid performance from Furlong, who anchored the scrum with his usual authority. While not as dominant as Sheehan, he was a key contributor in the set piece and provided valuable support in the loose.
James Ryan (7/10): Ryan put in a typical hard-working shift, leading the lineout and making crucial tackles. His leadership on the field was evident, guiding the defense and encouraging his teammates.
Iain Henderson (6/10): A quiet performance from Henderson, who didn't quite have the same impact as his fellow forwards. However, he remained a reliable presence in the lineout and made some important tackles.
Peter O'Mahony (7/10): A relentless force in the back row, O'Mahony was a nuisance for the All Blacks. He tackled with ferociousness, stole crucial turnovers, and was a constant threat in the loose.
Josh van der Flier (7/10): A tireless worker, Van der Flier was all over the pitch, making crucial tackles and carrying the ball with purpose. He was instrumental in driving the Irish attack, creating opportunities for his teammates.
Caelan Doris (7/10): A dominant display from Doris, who was a menace at the breakdown. He constantly disrupted the All Blacks' flow, winning turnovers and creating chaos. His ball-carrying was also impressive, gaining valuable yards and putting the New Zealand defense under pressure.
Jack Conan (6/10): Conan came off the bench and provided a strong presence in the second half. He carried the ball with intent, adding power to the Irish attack, and made some vital tackles.
Backs
Craig Casey (7/10): A lively and energetic performance from Casey, who controlled the tempo of the game and kept the All Blacks on their toes. His passing was sharp, and he created opportunities for the Irish backs.
Johnny Sexton (7/10): A cool and composed display from the veteran fly-half. Sexton's kicking was accurate, and he orchestrated the Irish attack with precision. He provided a calming influence on the team and kept them focused throughout the game.
Garry Ringrose (6/10): Ringrose had a mixed performance. While he made some crucial tackles and carried the ball effectively, he was guilty of dropping a couple of passes, costing Ireland valuable possession.
Robbie Henshaw (7/10): A strong performance from Henshaw, who tackled with ferocity and carried the ball with power. He was instrumental in keeping the Irish attack moving, linking effectively with the forwards and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Mack Hansen (6/10): Hansen showed glimpses of his attacking brilliance, with a couple of dangerous runs, but his overall performance was inconsistent. He needs to find a way to be more decisive with the ball in hand to truly maximize his potential.
Hugo Keenan (7/10): A dependable performance from Keenan, who was solid under the high ball and provided a reliable outlet for the Irish backs. He was also effective in creating space with his intelligent runs.
James Lowe (5/10): Lowe struggled to find his rhythm in this game, making a couple of errors with the ball in hand. He will be looking to bounce back and showcase his attacking potential in the next match.
Overall: Despite the defeat, Ireland showcased their progress and challenged the All Blacks throughout the match. They will be looking to build on this performance and secure victory in their upcoming encounters.