Ireland are 2018 Grand Slam champions.
Ireland defeated England 24-15 at Twickenham to cement their status as Six Nations champions and add on only their third Grand Slam in their long history.
Tries from Garry Ringrose, CJ Stander and Jacob Stockdale were the outstanding moments in an effort from all 23 Irish players.
Here’s how we rated the Ireland heroes.
Rob Kearney – 9
Another big game from the Leinster fullback. Chewed up the metres for his team. Pressured Anthony Watson into shelling Sexton’s high ball for the Ringrose try.
Keith Earls – 8
Undone by a fantastic Farrell grubber but defence was otherwise sound. Crucial ankle-tap on Elliot Daly to prevent a try in the corner.
Garry Ringrose – 10
On the spot to follow up on that Sexton up-and-under and Anthony Watson’s spill. Great try to get his team going. Superb in defence too.
Bundee Aki – 7
Some day! Shelled a Kearney pass out on the left wing, 10 metres out, to let England off the hook. Stunning break set up Stander’s try. Was lucky to escape a card for his hit on Daly but that didn’t stop him lighting English players up. Went off injured with 25 to go.
Jacob Stockdale – 9
A genuine, bonafide star. 11 tries in 9 Tests and what a bloody chip and chase try! Lively and committed in defence too.
Johnny Sexton – 7.5
One hell of a bomb to set up that early Ringrose score. Missed one penalty but made a couple of good kicks. Took a bit hit from Ben Te’o ut returned after a Head Injury Assessment, looking shaken but unbowed.
Conor Murray – 9
World-class in everything he does. The beating heart of the Ireland team and kept a relentless tempo. Shook off some late English hits. Kicked himself another penalty too.
Cian Healy – 8
Huge 50 minutes from Healy and some big hits in defence. Won a massive scrum penalty against Sinckler in his final contribution to the game.
Rory Best – 8
His best game of the championship. Busy across the pitch and tidy at the set-piece. Annoyed the hell out of England at the breakdown.
Tadhg Furlong – 10
Made a lot of big carries. Pinged by the ref for not driving straight in a crucial England scrum. 12 carries and 14 tackles in 65 minutes. Beast.
James Ryan – 9
What a man. Carried and tackled and cleared rucks with serious intent.
Iain Henderson – 9
Sat Owen Farrell down with his first carry. Made a couple of brutal clear-outs and hits to send out statements.
Peter O’Mahony – 8
Got himself yellow-carded when Ireland were under the pump. Was unflustered and domineering in the lineout. Busy, busy, busy at the breakdown.
Dan Leavy – 9.5
What a man! Started superbly and made a number of strong carries to get his team on the front foot. A Lion in waiting.
CJ Stander – 9
So, so smart to touch against the post for his try. His best game of the championship – 24 carries and 10 tackles.
REPLACEMENTS
Sean Cronin – 6
Jack McGrath – 7
Andrew Porter – 7
Devin Toner – 6
Jordi Murphy – 5
Kieran Marmion – 7
Joey Carbery – 7.5
Jordan Larmour – 6
