Ireland player ratings v Australia: Bench 'spare Andy Farrell's ...

Following their 22-19 victory over the Wallabies in the final match of the Autumn Nations Series, here are our Ireland player ratings from the Aviva Stadium.

15 Hugo Keenan: Looked dangerous when given the ball and posed Australia’s defence plenty of questions, and as always was incredibly impressive in the air. 6

14 Mack Hansen: The poacher-in-chief was denied any meaningful time on the ball in this weekend’s clash, but did step into a new role to get the attack firing in the final exchanges. 5

13 Robbie Henshaw: Grew into the game as it went on, and certainly improved upon his shift to 12. Just runs super hard and fast into contact and was able to make some decent dents in the Wallabies defensive line. Did well in defence too when called upon. 7

12 Bundee Aki: Yet again carried like an angry bull through midfield, and was able to get his side consistently over the gainline. Should give his Lions chances a good boost considering he arguably had the better of Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaalii. 7

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11 James Lowe: Not his day. Came up with some decent carries when afforded time on the ball, but was just a fairly underwhelming performance if truth be told. Was also found wanting a tad in defence. 4

10 Sam Prendergast: A steady shift from the fly-half, which will certainly please boss Andy Farrell. Distributed well and came up with some nice touches, particularly when playing flat at the line, which added a new dynamic to the Ireland attack that it’s been missing since Johnny Sexton left. Also came up with some very clever kicks out of hand. 6

9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Not his finest shift in the green jersey. Distributed fine to Prendergast, but just lacked that threat around the breakdown which has been so crucial to his game and overall couldn’t have his usual effect on the game. 5

8 Caelan Doris: If he wasn’t already locked on for the Lions captaincy, he surely is now. Worked incredibly hard on both sides of the ball, but was able to make consistently big interventions precisely when it was needed to get his team on the front foot. His leadership was likely the catalyst for the comeback too. The only way I can genuinely sum him up is he’s just so bloody good at rugby. 8

7 Josh van der Flier: Another impressive shift from the flanker, who has likely cemented his Lions spot. Made plenty of work for himself around the park, and grabbed a nice try for his efforts. Also came up with some huge defensive efforts against a mighty Wallabies back-row. 7

6 Tadhg Beirne: Mixed bag, in all honesty. Did well around the park for the most part, but came up with a couple of uncharacteristic errors or penalties that denied his team a good opportunity. 5

5 James Ryan: Did what he needed to do without setting the pitch alight, which will likely disappoint the usually spectacular lock. 5

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4 Joe McCarthy: Continues to prove why he is a favourite of Farrell, and had another industrious showing. Just rolled his sleeves up and worked hard. 6

3 Finlay Bealham: Came up with a couple of knock-ons which cost Ireland some good chances. Otherwise fine. 5

2 Ronan Kelleher: Set-piece wasn’t fantastic, but overall should be pleased with his day’s work. Carried hard through traffic and came up with some nice offloads to boot. 6

1 Andrew Porter: Another player who grew into the game as it went on, and made himself increasingly busy with ball-in-hand. 6

Replacements: Ireland weren’t at the races for the most part, but the bench added that spark to proceedings which ultimately spared Farrell’s blushes. Sam Prendergast had a pretty good day, but the introduction of Jack Crowley and Craig Casey upped the tempo and brought the most out of the team. Garry Ringrose added a new dynamic to the backline too. The additions of Iain Henderson, Tom O’Toole, Cian Healy, Peter O’Mahony and Gus McCarthy helped Ireland win the battle up front, which also played a crucial role in their late resurgence. Their performances should also leave Simon Easterby with plenty of food for thought ahead of the Six Nations over his selection. 8

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