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15 Hugo Keenan
Whatever happens to Jacob Stockdale’s “calf pain”, Ulsterman’s chance to repair his setbacks in Paris turned into a great opportunity for Keenan to fill the fullback role. The debate continues. Rating: 6
14 Andrew Conway
He fell until Stockdale’s late removal saw him bypass Keith Earls, an odd decision considering Earls was named to the bench, but for the second game in a row, the game avoided the right wing. A brilliant catch. Rating: 6
13 Chris Farrell
The big center always does what it says on the tin. He made some decent strides, but he never released his hands, but I’m not ashamed to keep up with Jonathan Davies. Rating: 6
12 Robbie Henshaw
Happy to take on the responsibility of being the leader of Ireland’s midfield, with or without Sexton, by pushing the Welsh players for a major rotation. Indroppable if your distribution continues to improve. Rating: 7
11 James Lowe
The late attempt proves he’s cut out for international rugby. The defensive responsibility that came from New Zealand three years ago has been erased by Stuart Lancaster’s patient guide, without taking away his rare ability to break through defenses. Rating: 7
10 Johnny Sexton
He looked really good on the carry and was racking up another great score before straining a muscle in his aging body after making it 13-3. That could be the midseason break you always need. Rating: 5
Agile service and constant probing of small holes in the TJ Perenara vein
9 Jamison Gibson-Park
Agile service and constant probing of small gaps in the vein of TJ Perenara, the man who forced him to give up his dreams of becoming an All Black. First outing, but comfortably looks like the best backup scrum-half. Rating: 6
1 Cyan Healy
It deserved a try to get the conscience to pick up on Doris’s lovely movie, but plenty of brutality around Ed Byrne or whoever wants to stop his quest for John Hayes’ record 105 cap for an Irish prop. Four more to go. Rating: 6
2 Ronán Kelleher
Throws in the lineout have the odd wobble, but they are mostly excellent with hard carries that make him an irresistible choice compared to the alternatives. There is no place to hide in Twickenham. It seems ready. Rating: 6
3 Andrew Porter
He sent Rhys Carre packing, tail between his legs, before the break with a succession of penalties that emphasized Ireland’s dominance. The best game in the green jersey so far. The loose head discussion is shelved for now. Rating: 8
4 Quinn Roux
Eight long years ago, this son from Pretoria said goodbye to stand-in for Eben Etzebeth to join Leinster. Always, always injured, he ended up at Connacht, but a strong attempt here will make it difficult to return to the unavailable Iain Henderson. Rating: 7
5 James Ryan
Look at it from Warren Gatland’s perspective: This was a Lions trial against Alun Wyn Jones, but a slight drop from the ridiculous heights of the past two years could be due to attrition, leaving him only slightly better than most of his teammates. Rating: 6
6 Peter O’Mahony
Munster’s captain’s value remains threefold: physically, he’ll challenge the opposition (he was directly behind Alun Wyn Jones), that rare moment to steal lineouts and leadership, seeing him nod toward the studs for every penalty after Sexton limped away. . Rating: 8
7 Josh van der Flier
The acid test for any open side is an 80 minute dance with Justin Tipuric. Only the top one percent can overcome the Welsh tear. Van der Flier broke even, but Will Connors could have earned another shot at taking down Billy Vunipola. Rating: 6
8 Caelan Doris
Built for this stage. Gentle hands, especially the touch from Cian Healy’s near-try. Complete football number eight with all the evidence pointing towards CJ Stander and the rest discarding wing roles. Rating: 8
Bank
Billy Burns had a great opportunity, but was denied a hit to the head when Conor Murray kicked Ireland home with a neat display in the outhalf. Rating: 7
Coach
Andy Farrell would be forgiven for thinking that the players are not hearing a word from the coaches at half time but, unlike Paris, none of his strategic or tactical decisions were exposed. Rating: 7
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