Ireland 29 England 16: How the Irish players rated in famous Grand Slam win

• Author: Johnny Watterson
• Published date: 18 March 2023
• Publication title: Irish Times: Web Edition Articles (Dublin, Ireland)

Excellent all round until hit by Freddie Steward. Tackling, high ball, lines of running excellent for 40 minutes

Rating: 9

Mack Hansen

Lots of early involvement in defence and attack and was a threat when Ireland had few on offer. Strong performance

Rating: 9

Ireland got there in the end but boy oh boy, they'd put years on you

Robbie Henshaw

Worked hard and tackled his share. Less visible in the first half but scored a crucial try when it was a one point game.

Rating: 8

Bundee Aki

A tackling machine in the first half. Willing and real physicality threatened England. Smashed Steward. Carried hard.

Rating: 8

James Lowe

A bit of everything but got under the opponent's noses and made ground. Tackled hard too and kept energy levels high.

Rating: 7

Johnny Sexton

An excellent crossfield kick in the second half when Ireland needed something. Place kicking flawless. A captain's game.

Rating: 8

Jamison Gibson-Park

Set the tempo as always. Quick to the break down with crisp passing and always the threat of something else.

Rating: 8

Andrew Porter

Aggressive and effective in the loose. As always put his body on the line and sets a feisty example around the park.

Rating: 8

Dan Sheehan

Great take and showed real dynamism in the dash for his first try. Then another on the right wing and why not for player of the match?

Rating: 9

Tadhg Furlong

A few signs of rust in the first half but a good shift and high work rate. Super defensive work in the opening phases.

Rating: 7

Ryan Baird

Showed great athletic ability and always able to grind in defence. Big turnover late in the second half and carried strongly in traffic.

Rating: 8

James Ryan

Big...