Ireland v England - Key Points and Player Rankings
Peter O'Mahony was the stand out player for Ireland
©PA
Iain Henderson and Johnny Sexton scored points for Ireland as they sealed a 13-9 victory over England in the final round of Six Nations 2017 at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Here are the key points and player rankings from the encounter.
TWEET OF THE MATCH:
"Getting the trophy now is one of the most upsetting things as a player.. #2001 but this feeling sent Johnson's team forward!!!" England World Cup-winner Will Greenwood after England failed to achieve the Grand Slam but ended as tournament winners.
STAR MAN:
Peter O'Mahony, Ireland: The Munster flanker jumped into the starting line-up after a last-minute injury to Jamie Heaslip in the warm-up. And how he took his chance on his return to a starting jersey. England had no answers to his controlled but deadly mix of emotion, passion and ferocity.
FURIOUS DEFENCE CARRIES IRELAND HOME:
Former England coach Andy Farrell has copped some stick for Ireland's recent defensive troubles during this tournament. But after this gritty showing in denying England a try, how all Ireland will adopt Farrell overnight. In a first meeting against his son and England fly-half Owen, it was dad who emerged with the bragging rights.
AND THE AWARD FOR UNNECESSARY CEREMONY GOES TO:
The Six Nations organisers. Sponsors and tradition perhaps dictates that the pyrotechnics and medal ceremonies have to happen no matter the result. But really? England just blew a third grand slam chance in Dublin in 16 years and then had to endure dance music blaring round the stadium, ticker tape covering them all while all they wanted to do was mourn another grand slam lost.
TARGET OF THE MATCH:
Once again Johnny Sexton was used as target practice by Ireland's opposition forwards hunting any questionable late hit to try to rattle the classy fly-half. Captain Rory Best insisted he had to ask the referee for justice in the interests of safety. England ploughed on undeterred, but then so did Ireland, and that proved pivotal.
RATINGS:
Ireland -
JARED PAYNE: 8/10
KEITH EARLS: 7
GARRY RINGROSE: 7
ROBBIE HENSHAW: 8
SIMON ZEBO: 7
JOHNNY SEXTON: 8
KIERAN MARMION: 7
JACK MCGRATH: 8
RORY BEST (CAPT): 8
TADHG FURLONG: 8
DONNACHA RYAN: 8
IAIN HENDERSON: 8
CJ STANDER: 8
SEAN O'BRIEN: 8
PETER O'MAHONY: 9
REPLACEMENTS: 7
England -
MIKE BROWN: 6
ANTHONY WATSON: 5
JONATHAN JOSEPH: 6
OWEN FARRELL: 6
ELLIOT DALY: 6
GEORGE FORD: 6
BEN YOUNGS: 5
JOE MARLER: 6
DYLAN HARTLEY: 6
DAN COLE: 6
JOE LAUNCHBURY: 5
COURTNEY LAWES: 7
MARO ITOJE: 7
JAMES HASKELL: 6
BILLY VUNIPOLA: 5
Replacements - 5.
WHO'S UP NEXT?
Argentina v England, Estadio del Bicentario, San Juan, June 10
USA v Ireland, Red Bull Arena, New Jersey, June 10
