Keith Earls – 77
Fully justified Declan Kidney’s decision to leave our Luke Fitzgerald with an accomplished performance. England failed to put him under any pressure
Tommy Bowe – 84
The best wing in the Six Nations showed what a class act he is. If he stays fit he could have a massive World Cup
Brian O’Driscoll – 88
Simply the best. In BoD they trust and everyone can see why after this faultless performance from the skipper. Surely no one can doubt him now.
Gordon D’Arcy – 74
The quiet man of the side his distribution is excellent and his defence impenetrable. Needs a kicking game to go to the next level.
Andrew Trimble – 71
Brought much needed bulk to the Ireland backline and his form and fitness will be crucial for the World Cup campaign. Passionate and fired up.
Jonnny Sexton – 80
Finally settled the argument over who is Ireland’s No 1 outside-half with this performance. O’Gara’s role is now to come off the bench and tie things up.
Eoin Reddan – 70
Still has a battle on his hands to stay ahead of Tomas O’Leary as he needs to develop his running game to be feared by the top three sides
Cian Healey – 84
The supposed weak link of the Irish scrum laughed in the face of the England pack. Got the upper hand at scrum time and we all know what he can do in the loose.
Rory Best – 80
Proves the strength in depth at hooker that Ireland possess with a stand out show. Hit his ‘O Team’ jumpers all day
Mike Ross – 82
Harlequins should have broken the bank to hold on to this under-rated tighthead. Had a fierce battle with Corbiserio
Donncha O’Calllghan – 77
Obviously shaded by his Munster mucker who he shares the boiler room with, not contributed well to the Irish effort. Needs to get his hands on the ball more
Paul O’Connell – 88
The key reason for the Ireland victory he was a man mountain and I now know why Superman wears Paul O’Connell underpants. Immense in the driving mauls of both sides.
Sean O’Brien – 86
A star is born. O’Brian has been the revelation of the Ireland campaign. Here we have a Lion in the making
David Wallace – 84
The king of the breakdown caused havoc as England came calling without a man who can operate on the floor. Made hay.
Jamie Heaslip – 85
His charging runs were crucial as was his ability to hold English ball carriers in the air. Huge strength to power him on.
Ben Foden – 78
Never looked troubled under the Ireland up and unders he put in a good shift and should not be too hard on himself
Chris Ashton – 67
When he scores the tries he praises the forwards but on a day like this they were smashed and he was left as a virtual spectator
Matt Banahan – 62
Too much to ask the young Bath man to outfox O’Driscoll, but the key thing is that he is improving and learning a new position
Shontayne Hape – 68
The solid stopped in midfield that England need and got the ball too often on the back foot to get his offloading game going.
Toby Flood – 62
Never got the ball on the front foot so could do little to spark his backline. Was hauled off too early
Ben Youngs – 55
A torrid time was ended with his 35th minute yellow card for throwing the ball away. Tried hard behind a beaten pack
Alex Corbisiero – 65
Like Banahan the London Irish loosehead is on a steep learning curve. He now needs to bring the lessons to the World Cup.
Dylan Hartley – 62
Too many lineouts misfired, and he failed to get his running game going under the barrage from the Ireland forwards.
Dan Cole – 60
Still a young man and England needed to rotate him through the Championship, but they don’t have experienced back up
Louis Deacon – 66
Has been on great form in this Championship but with Palmer’s early exit he lost the head to head in the second row.
Tom Palmer –
Can’t give him a mark as he only lasted xx minutes to be replaced by Simon Shaw, who’s strength was his big asset.
Tom Wood – 70
Has been England’s biggest find of the Championship but would never have experienced an atmosphere like this before. Has learnt so will come back bigger and better
James Haskell – 74
The forward who stood up to the Irish onslaught best – his improvement in the last three months has been immense. We are starting to see the Haskell of three years ago at Wasps, only bigger!
Nick Easter – 68
Forced into the scrum-half role when Youngs went to the bin England were so much on the back foot he couldn’t get his running and offloading game going.
THE KEY
0 – Should never play for this team again
10 – Shocker – lucky to get picked again this season
20 – Out of his depth
30 – Did one or two things right – must improve
40 – Willing but woeful
50 – Minimum requirement for a professional – average
60 – Solid effort and a decent performance
70 – Made key contributions and guaranteed his place for next time
80 – Superb – should give himself a pat on the back
90 – A personal best – his greatest game ever
100 – Faultless – no one could play a better game in this position