Looking back at all the matches, moments, scores, turning points and player ratings and certain names crop up time and again.
Ireland finished 2017/18 with a Grand Slam, Triple Crowm Six Nations and Lansdowne Cup in the trophy cabinet. They are second in the world rankings, on a best-ever points total. Joe Schmidt’s men are clear of the chasing pack but New Zealand, over three points clear, remain top dogs.
It is a measure of how good the All Blacks are that Ireland could have won 14 of their last 15 Test matches and yet be a good way back from the world champions.
That, of course, gives Ireland someone to aim for while trying to improve again on last season and build for the 2019 World Cup. Steve Hansen brings the world number ones to Dublin in November for a sell-out clash against Ireland and, while we are remaining as calm as possible, a second win over the ABs in two years may very well tilt the nation into hyper-drive.
With 2018/19 in the history books, we took some time to look back upon the season and deliver our verdict on Ireland’s Most Valuable Player. With all due respect to likes of Healy, Earls, Kearney, Aki, Ringrose, Leavy, Henderson, O’Mahony, Toner and more, these were Ireland’s top five contenders:
- Tadhg Furlong
- CJ Stander
- Conor Murray
- Johnny Sexton
- James Ryan
- Jacob Stockdale
Poring over our match reports, ratings and back over the key moments, these are Ireland’s best performers:
JACOB STOCKDALE (9 matches, 705 minutes, Average rating – 8.25/10)
Incredible first full season in the Irish squad. Kicked on from his tour success, last summer, to blaze a trail through the November internationals and set a try-scoring record in the Six Nations. Was our star player of the November games and Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph but was less effective Down Under. Intercept try king.
JAMES RYAN (9 matches, 594 minutes, Average rating – 8/10)
Credit: Natwest 6 NationsHas made himself a fixture in the Irish second row. It is now up to the likes of Henderson, Toner, Dillane and Beirne to play at their very best to get a spot beside him. Took to the November challenges well, was excellent in the Six Nations and was Ireland’s best player Down Under.
TADHG FURLONG (10 matches, 533 minutes, Average rating – 8/10)
Features like an extra loose forward, and one with great handling and passing. Scored his First Test try in Australia but featured in many set-plays – such as for CJ Stander’s Twickenham try – for scores. So often asked to do his worst to opposition teams for 50 minutes before the cavalry is called on but went to the well in Australia.
CONOR MURRAY (10 matches, 747 minutes, Average rating – 7.75/10)
So consistently good. Was only really rattled in Brisbane and that was during Ireland’s only Test loss of the season. Was solid without being spectacular in November, pure class on the Grand Slam charge and managed the final two Tests in Australia so well.
JOHNNY SEXTON (10 matches, 673 minutes, Average rating – 7.75/10)
Georgina Robinson of the Sydney Morning Herald called Murray and Sexton “peerless as half back partners” and there are no arguments from us. Sexton was the playmaker and shot-caller for his side, kicked out of hand so well and got over mini goal-kicking jitters to close out big wins over Australia and England. Plays such a threatening, high line and is brave as hell.
CJ STANDER (11 matches, 778 minutes, Average rating – 7.75/10)
Joe Schmidt flogged Stander like a redoubtable pack horse and yet the Munster back-row still found it within himself, 10 and a half months into a post-Lions season, to pull out a man-of-the-match performance in Sydney. Ireland’s top ball-carrier, tackler and top man for ruck involvements too.
It is worth mentioning, too, that Garry Ringrose, Dan Leavy and Andrew Conway were all class when called upon but they all took their fair share of injury knocks. All three staying injury clear over the next 18 months would be a huge boost for this impressive Irish rugby squad.
