Six Nations 2022:Player ratings from England’s 32-15 loss to Ireland | Rugby Union News

How the players from England and Ireland rated out of 10 after an enthralling Six Nations encounter at Twickenham

Maro Itoje was at his very best during England’s contest with Ireland

Ireland secured a bonus-point victory at Twickenham to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive and end England’s in the process, but not before the 14-man hosts had put up a real fight in a 32-15 defeat.

Here’s how the players rated…

England

Freddie Steward: The full-back’s presence grew as the match reached its decisive phase. 7/10

Max Malins: Unable to get involved as his pack sucked Ireland into the closer quarters where the odds were evened. 6

Joe Marchant: Known for his attacking repertoire but it was his defence that held up to scrutiny. 7

Henry Slade: Like Marchant, rolled up his sleeves to help halt the green tide with a series of tackles. 7

Jack Nowell: Packed down in the back row to cover for Charlie Ewels and was immense. 8

Marcus Smith continues to step up on the international stage

Marcus Smith: Kicked his goals and managed a difficult game well, but others around him shone more. 7

Harry Randall: Among the weaker links against Ireland, but Ben Youngs hardly improved matters. 6

Ellis Genge: A team-mate could be heard calling him an “animal” on the ref mic – and it was meant as a compliment. Towering performance. 8

Jamie George Roared on every England mini-victory like he had won the World Cup. Outstanding. 8

Kyle Sinckler: Did not to reach the interval after taking a knock, but powerful until then. 6

Maro Itoje: Led English resistance on both sides of the ball. The Saracens lock was everywhere. 8

Charlie Ewels: Sent off after 82 seconds for a dangerous tackle and can have no complaints. 4

Courtney Lawes: Rose to the occasion knowing it would take a super human effort to keep England in touch. 7

Tom Curry: Limped off with a hamstring injury in the first half and England missed his work-rate. 6

Sam Simmonds: The pick of England’s back row cut Tadhg Furlong in two with one tackle. 8

Replacements: Most contributed fully, Alex Dombrandt playing far longer than he might have expected after Curry went off. Ben Youngs kicking the ball away was disappointing. 6

Ireland claim bonus-point win vs 14-man England

Read the match report after England second row Charlie Ewels was shown the earliest red card in Six Nations history and Ireland eventually notched a 32-15 victory.

Ireland

Hugo Keenan: Exceptional energy and work-rate rewarded with his sixth international try. Strong under the high ball. 8

Andrew Conway: Struggled to influence the game from an attacking perspective but produced with the boot including a stunning spiral kick to touch. 7

Garry Ringrose: Made a couple of sharp breaks and put in his share of tackles. At times wasteful in possession. 6

Bundee Aki: Added much-needed beef on a breathless afternoon but was relatively quiet and made limited impact. 6

James Lowe: Capitalised on oceans of space to expertly finish the opening score and had a pivotal role in the final try. 8

Johnny Sexton: Not his finest game in the green jersey. Soaked in his surroundings as he exited Twickenham for probably the last time. 7

Jamison Gibson-Park: Arguably the sharpest man on the pitch, constantly propelling Ireland forward with his quick thinking. 9

Cian Healy: Struggled on his first Test start in a year as depleted England enjoyed scrum success. 5

Dan Sheehan: Started magnificently on his first meaningful Test start but part of a front row which was second best. 7

Tadhg Furlong worked hard in the loose during the Test match

Tadhg Furlong: A tireless shift, albeit Ireland’s scrum constantly malfunctioned and remains a work-on. 6

Tadhg Beirne: Scrapped hard on what proved to an extremely testing afternoon for the error-strewn visitors. 7

James Ryan: Forced off inside two minutes by contact from the red-carded Charlie Ewels. N/A

Peter O’Mahony: Had mixed success in attempting to inspire Ireland when they were in danger of crumbling. 6

Josh van der Flier: Another solid showing from an increasingly influential player. Teed up Lowe’s try. 7

Caelan Doris: A class act and a fine sight when in full flow. Denied a first-half try by Ringrose’s knock-on. 8

Replacements: Andy Farrell was reliant on his bench to end the resistance of the heroic English, with subs Jack Conan and Finlay Bealham claiming crucial tries. 8