For a team that’s match record in 2016 reads W:6, D:1, L:5, Irish rugby is in a great place.
Ireland may have under-performed in the opening stages of the Six Nations but they managed their first ever away win in South Africa, defeated the All Blacks in Chicago, saw off Canada and out-lasted the Wallabies in the final Test of the year.
Joe Schmidt’s men are firmly ranked No.4 in the world, eyeing up a third Six Nations title in four years, scored the try of the year and have a bevvy of young, fearless talent surging through.
There will be a lot of looking forward [and Lions talk] in the coming days and weeks but, before we leave the past behind, here are the Irish players that we rated highest during the four-match November series.
Tadhg Furlong: Average rating 9
Our Player of the Series.
The man was immense throughout his three starts against the All Blacks [twice] and Australia. Has shot into the Lions Tour conversation and deservedly so.
Robbie Henshaw & Jordi Murphy: 9
These ratings come from their excellent outings in Chicago. Unfortunately for both, injury struck just as they were looking fantastic.
Jamie Heaslip: 8.66
The Ireland No.8 got a perfect 10 in Chicago, was our best player in the New Zealand return match and gave it 60 minutes of sheer effort against the Wallabies. Back to his best.
CJ Stander, Devin Toner, Rory Best & Simon Zebo: 8.33
All four featured prominently in our epic encounters against the southern hemisphere giants. Best led from the front as a true captain, Toner was a rucking machine, Zebo lit up matches and who will ever forget Stander taking on Jerome Kaino and coming up with that big, big try?
Ultan Dillane, Conor Murray, Keith Earls & Tiernan O’Halloran: 8
Conor Murray is now the stand-out 9 in world rugby. Dillane was thunder-striking impact off the bench. Earls did for Canada and had a blinder against Australia while O’Halloran will be pushing for that fullback role in 2017.
Josh van der Flier: 7.66
Finally got the start, against Australia, his two excellent outings off the bench in the Kiwi games deserved. Did enough against Australia to win the RTE man-of-the-match and stake a claim for the No.7 jersey next year.
Jack McGrath, Jared Payne, Finlay Bealham: 7.33
All three were superb in Chicago, resilient in the ABs return and fought their arses off to help beat the Aussies.
Andrew Trimble, Rob Kearney, Joey Carbery, Garry Ringrose, Sean O’Brien, Luke Marshall & James Tracy: 7
Injuries and late outings off the bench hindered the ratings of a few of these men but all played crucial roles in a highly successful series. Rob Kearney was majestic at Soldier Field, a place where Trimble brought the hurt in a big way.
Donnacha Ryan & Paddy Jackson: 6.66
The big man impressed in his two starts. Jackson proved he can lead his team to victory, again, as the Wallabies discovered.
Cian Healy, Johnny Sexton & Peter O’Mahony: 6.5
Unfortunate that injury hindered the outhalf as he was magnificent in the 40-29 win over the world champions. Will hopefully return to full fitness before the year is out.
Healy’s only start was against Canada but his best contribution was against Australia. O’Mahony captained against Canada but, like Healy, saved his best til last.
Sean Cronin: 6.33
13 crucial, bruising, ball-carrying minutes when we really needed him in Chicago.
Iain Henderson, Craig Gilroy, Billy Holland, John Ryan, Dave Kilcoyne & Jack O’Donoghue: 6
Great to see Henderson back and causing havoc against the Wallabies.
The others only saw time against Canada but did themselves proud nonetheless.
Niyi Adeolokun, Luke McGrath & Dan Leavy: 5
Did not get much time to shine against Canada but definite ones for the future.
****
Note: Many of the Irish players featured only played once [or twice before getting injured early] so may have a skewed rating.
Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.
