Ireland vs Wales Player Ratings: Sensational Stander shines again as four-try Ireland beat Wales
IRELAND continued their unbeaten start to the Six Nations with a 24-14 bonus point victory at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Tries for Jordan Larmour, Tadgh Furlong, Josh van der Flier and Andrew Conway saw Ireland pick up all five points as they put pay to Wales’ hopes of landing back to back Grand Slams and gave them their first defeat in nine Six Nations games.
CJ Stander picked up his second man of the match award in a row after backing up his impressive showing against Scotland with a stellar showing here.
Sun Sport’s Josh Graham hands down his ratings to the stars on the Aviva Stadium pitch.
Jordan Larmour 9
Fantastic footwork and lively running throughout. Beautiful side-step to take him past Nick Tompkins and score the opening try. Solid at the back.
Andrew Conway 9
Second start in the Six Nations and gave a fine individual performance scoring Ireland’s bonus point try just before the end. Flawless under the high ball and kicked well when Ireland called on him to exit.
Robbie Henshaw 6
A solid performance cut short after failing a head injury assessment. Some strong carries as he seemed to be edging opposite number Tompkins before being replaced.
Bundee Aki 5
Not his usual destructive self. Went low on Alun-Wyn-Jones in the first half allowing him to get the offload away and was lucky not to be punished in defence when Hadleigh Parkes dropped the ball over the line.
Jacob Stockdale 6
Always eager to get his hands on the ball, looked threatening at times and formed part of a great back three performance.
Jonny Sexton 6
Not at his most fluent best but still the heartbeat of this Irish side. Recovered from a horrible shank on his first conversion to lead the side to an important victory. Still questions over his ability to manage the referee.
Conor Murray 7
Put in some lovely passes to help Ireland on their way to a try bonus point. Fizzed the ball out to Larmour for the first try after letting the forwards
Cian Healy 7
The veteran loosehead was solid in the scrum throughout and did the dirty work around the park to let his flashier team-mates shine.
Rob Herring 7
Nailed his man in the line-out almost every time and looked a danger in the loose with some impressive carries in space. Filling the big shoes of Rory Best very well so far!
Tadhg Furlong 8
Ferocious in the tight and as strong as an Ox in the scrum, a terrific performance capped with a powerful surge for a well-deserved try. Fourth try in eight tests – incredible recent record!
Iain Henderson 6
Solid and dependable without excelling, a dependable tackler and showed willing to carry the ball forward for his team.
James Ryan 7
A mammoth at the line-out, the go-to for hooker Herring. Showed the kind of form that has led many to believe he will be a future Ireland captain.
Peter O’Mahony 7
Recalled to the starting line-up and showed why with a typically industrious performance. A veteran warrior who used all his experience to help Ireland get over the line.
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Josh van der Flier 7
Another solid showing from the openside flanker who was awarded a try by the TMO after Ireland charged over the Welsh line. More to come but plenty of promise.
CJ Stander 9
The turnover king does it again! Simply phenomenal at the breakdown and imperious everywhere else. Back to back man of the match awards and you could not argue with either decision. Would have been 10 but for a late yellow card.
Replacements:
Kelleher 6 (on for Herring, 66), Kilcoyne 6 (on for Healy, 50), Porter 6 (on for Furlong, 66), Toner X (on for Henderson, 66), Deegan 6 (on for O’Mahony 70), Cooney 6 (on for Murray 72), Byrne 6 (on for Sexton, 70), Earls 7 (on for Henshaw, 45).