Ireland player ratings: leaders Sexton and O'Mahony show the way in impressive victory
STAR MAN:Â Ireland's Jonathan Sexton. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Ireland are master of maximising chances and Keenan is both reliable as well as opportunistic, eagle-eyed in spotting where the play is headed. Two first-half tries were fitting reward for such a smooth operator 8Â
Such a hard-working presence in the Irish backline, grafting and watching, willing and able at every turn as he showed when sweeping round to feed off Ringrose’s pass to send his mucker on the left wing to the line. A shame he left early, injured 7Â
A consummate performer in the outside channel, aware of all possibilities, the perfect link man for others as he proved when busting through so early in the game to tee up Lowe’s try before nabbing his own well-deserved effort. 8Â
Aki has been one of the stand-out turns of this World Cup and he confirmed his new-found status with a trademark muscular performance, full of clever and selfless running, taking the game to the line. 8Â
Right place, right time, Lowe has proven himself to be a consistent performer, doing what needs to be done as a wing and taking opportunities. 64 seconds into a key match is no bad time to live up to that billing. Sadly, another early departure. 8Â
His opposite number may garner more headlines for his attacking prowess but Sexton is every bit his equal as witnessed by his clever, subtle interventions, looping or passing short or long as needs be. Classy and influential, job done by the 45th minute. 9Â
There is so much all-round talent wrapped up in his game, busy and slick at the base but also versatile as illustrated by the ease with which he switched to wing. 8Â
Brought power and technique to bear on Zander Ferguson to win an early scrum penalty, the rock upon which so much is built for Ireland, a master of the breakdown. Without stability up-front, nothing happens with any fluency behind. 8Â
There was a simple role for Sheehan, to repair the fault-line that was Ireland’s lineout against South Africa. That Ireland should have a bonus point by half-time owed much to the forward pack, Sheehan getting a try for good measure. 8Â
There were no blemishes to be found in Ireland’s game on the night and even though there was an early scrum infringement given against the tighthead, Ireland’s set-piece was again a real asset. 7Â
There was little need for Beirne to be really prominent in what was unfolding but there is simply no gainsaying how important the likes of the lock-forward are in terms of providing solidity and presence. 7Â
Ireland knew that they need more bulk as well as presence in the set-piece and Henderson’s elevation over James Ryan brought the desired end with a measured display with a first-half try as the icing. 8Â
The only man who would refuse a toast to his 100th cap achievement, O’Mahony did as O’Mahony does, nicking Scotland lineouts, devoted to the cause, ever-present, ever-willing, an Irish icon. 9Â
Ireland are a team of precision and van der Flier typifies the importance of accuracy as well as of ceaseless endeavour. Always close to the ball, always on hand. 8Â
Renowned for his full-bore carries, Doris is also a master of the detail as evidenced by his early turnover when Scotland went for broke. In the thick of everything. 8Â
There was a full-blown South Africa Bomb Squad feel about Ireland’s bench with its 6-2 split to be then summoned into mass action in the 49th minute, testimony to Irish supremacy on the scoreboard as well as faith in the bench to see the job through. It gave a vital rest to key figures such as Sexton and O’Mahony. Stuart McCloskey stepped up to the mark when coming on in the first half for Mack Hansen, slotting in seamlessly and featuring in the second try of the night. Conor Murray had an extended run as James Lowe left the field early in the second half. Everyone made a contribution. 8
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