Rob Kearney – 8

While not reaching the stellar heights of last week in Paris, Kearney was Ireland’s driving force and kicked well from the hand to pin the Scots back.

Tommy Bowe – 6

Denied a try in the second-half when he couldn’t squirm quickly enough to get a try awarded. Not as much attacking ball but did well in the build up to Trimble’s try.

Keith Earls – 7

A great kick, chase and thumping tackle in the first half and showed superb pace in a second-half break that forced Scotland back onto their tryline. Illegally denied a try when Evans pulled him back late on.

Gordon D’Arcy -6

Was solid in defence apart from a moment early in the second-half when Gray ran over him. Fumbled knock-on under no pressure and substituted with a third of the game remaining.

Andrew Trimble – 7

Showed great strength to crash over for his try in the first half. Was fortunate to escape with a sore jaw after clashing heads with Scotland’s Lee Jones.

Jonathan Sexton – 7

Place kicking was excellent, apart from a missed conversion on the right touchline. Showed quick thinking to kick cross-field for Bowe’s near miss and worked well with Reddan.

Eoin Reddan – 8

The best and worst of Reddan demonstrated in three first-half minutes. Spun on the reverse to snipe through and score Ireland’s second try but was exposed in defence for Gray’s try.

Cian Healy – 7

Ireland dominated the scrums, especially as the game wore on and Healy will take a lot of heart from a solid 80 minute shifts. Did conceded a couple of needless penalties.

Rory Best (capt) – 7

Eventually found his throwing radar and proved his try-scoring credentials again to put Ireland into a first half lead. Appeared in the backline and made yards before being replaced by Cronin.

Mike Ross – 8

Ross had the better of Allan Jacobsen all day and won his team at least four penalties. Was used as a decoy runner but showed great lungs and was only replaced late on.

Donncha O’Callaghan – 6

O’Callaghan is becoming the master of doing enough for his team but was at the periphery of most of Ireland’s most eye-catching plays. Was lucky not to be yellow carded late in the first half.

Donnacha Ryan – 7

Was named the official man of the match but was guilty of knocking the ball on twice to scupper dangerous attacking positions. Was a willing ball carrier and excellent in the line-out.

Stephen Ferris – 8

The Ulster flanker’s outstanding (Wales yellow card aside) Six Nations continues and one shunting challenge on Denton in the second half epitomised his game.

Peter O’Mahony – 7

The rare sight of a green No. 7 making upfield breaks as O’Mahony enjoyed his full debut. Set Best up for his try and scrapped for his team at the bottom of countless rucks.

Jamie Heaslip – 6

A couple of serious drives up the centre put Ireland on the front foot but he was overshadowed by his back-row colleagues. Useful takes at the back of the line-out.

Replacements:

Sean Cronin – 6

Some strong drives made up for a spurned line-out soon after he came on.

Tom Court – 7

Combined well with Ross as a blood replacement for Healy and replaced Ross late on.

Mike McCarthy -6

Had three minutes to make an impact and barrelled into two late rucks.

Shane Jennings – 6

A handy replacement No. 7 and took up some line direction and on-field calls when he came on.

Tomás O’Leary – 7

Came close with a diving effort under the posts and will be happy with his outing.

Ronan O’Gara – 6

Took over the on-field responsibilities as captain and combined well with Earls in the centre.

Fergus McFadden

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