By Ben Jaycock, Assistant Editor at Murrayfield
Despite a valiant first half performance from hosts Scotland, Ireland underlined their Grand Slam credentials yet again with an untouchable second-half display to win in Edinburgh.
Johnny Sexton's penalty put Ireland into an early lead before Huw Jones' sent Murrayfield into jubilation as a potential upset looked a possibility.
But Ireland hit back before half time with Mack Hansen's try and further scores through James Lowe and Jack Conan in the second half showed their superiority.
Scotland
15. Stuart Hogg – 6 out of 10
Full of passion and desire as expected on his 100th cap but much like Scotland's attack he faded in the second half and would have been annoyed that he was tackled into touch when he looked like scoring in the first half.
14. Kyle Steyn – 6 out of 10
Ran for just 10 metres in total and never had the opportunities to show what a pest he can be to opposition defences.
13. Huw Jones – 7.5 out of 10
His incredible try scoring continues. From struggling to get game time at Harlequins last season to now looking like an established 13. Produced a brilliant line for Scotland's only try.
12. Sione Tuipulotu – 7.5 out of 10
Anything good seemed to come through the Glasgow Warrior, who is a wrecking ball in Scotland's midfield. His contribution faded late on when Ireland took the ascendency.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 7.5 out of 10
Always a threat with ball in hand as it often takes three defenders to contain the Jok Bok who made more meters than any other Scotland player (85). Wasn't allowed as many touches in the second half.
10. Finn Russell – 6.5 out of 10
Wasn't allowed to showcase his usual flair as he was often wrapped up by Ireland's watertight defence but is building an excellent midfield partnership with his two centres.
9. Ben White – 6 out of 10
Failed to live up to his strong performances in the opening rounds and his box kicks were often wayward.
8. Jack Dempsey – 8 out of 10
Some very strong carries making a commendable 40 metres, made more tackles than anyone (23) and was a huge part of the physicality that allowed Scotland to match Ireland in the first half. Could be just what Scotland are looking for at No.8.
7. Jamie Ritchie – 6.5 out of 10
Went off with a rib injury which didn't help Scotland's line out woes. Made 16 tackles but failed to make an impact when presented with the ball in wide channels.
6. Matt Fagerson – 5 out of 10
A careless forward pass in the second half halted what looked a promising Scottish attack. Looked out of depth at times in the six jersey.
5. Richie Gray – N/A out of 10
Withdrawn after just six minutes through injury.
4. Jonny Gray – 6 out of 10
An absolute tackle machine but failed to make an impact in the loose. Also part of a Scottish line out that disappointed.
3. Zander Fagerson – 7 out of 10
A resilient and hard nosed performance from the tight head who put in a dogged shift. The game seemed to turn when he was hooked.
2. George Turner – 6 out of 10
Lineout woes were a serious issue and despite hitting double figures in his tackle tally, he will need to improve on his set piece next week against Italy.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 7 out of 10
Produced continuous cries of ‘Schoooo' from the Murrayfield crowd and made decent metres each time. Like Fagerson, the game seemed to turn when he was hooked.
Replacements:
16. Fraser Brown – Struggled to make impact 4 out of 10
18. Simon Berghan – Scotland's scrum fell apart late on 4 out of 10
19. Scott Cummings – Needed to make more of an impact. 4 out of 10
20. Hamish Watson – Was Scotland's first name on the team sheet now bit part player. 4 out of 10
21. Ali Price – Came on as Ireland began to turn the screw. 5 out of 10
22. Blair Kinghorn – Provided good metres. 6 out of 10
23. Chris Harris – Another Lion who is now a fringe player N/A
Ireland
15. Hugo Keenan – 7 out of 10
Not his most influential game and certainly won't steal the headlines but so secure under the high ball and a key linch pin in Ireland's backline.
14. Mack Hansen – 8 out of 10 POTM
Fearless, durable and potent. Despite suffering with cramp, Hansen threw himself about all over the park and provided a constant threat in both the air and out wide. Took his first half try brilliantly and played a key role in the second.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7.5 out of 10
His coach Andy Farrell said he was delighted to have rewarded his centre with a big win on his 50th cap. Great distributor with his hands and feet.
12. Bundee Aki – 7 out of 10
You're always guaranteed gainline with the wrecking ball inside centre and Aki was on hand to produce more of a well-rounded performance than his Jeckyll and Hyde display against Italy.
11. James Lowe – 8 out of 10
Always looks a threat on the ball and works so hard off it creating opportunities coming off his wing. Would have been annoyed his offload in the dying minutes to O'Mahony was wayward as would have sealed a wonderful display.
10. Johnny Sexton – 8 out of 10
Ireland's greatest ever player? If Sexton leads his side to Grand Slam glory then the Leinster man has a serious case. Killer edge goal kicking and clever handling but it's his aggression in defence that sets the tone in Ireland's backline.
9. Connor Murray – 6 out of 10
A solid display in terms of box kicking and distribution from the Munster man but he lacked the energy his substitute Gibson-Park provided.
8. Caelan Doris – N/A out of 10
Will be gutted to have been taken off with an injury so early on as his form has been unplayable in recent weeks.
7. Josh van der Flier – 8 out of 10
Is there anything this man can't do? Impressive with his line outs after being forced to take over due to Kelleher's and Sheehan's injuries. Farrell told the media post-match that he took up golf a few years ago and now has a handicap of single figures, while also being World Rugby Player of the Year. Of course he also contributed a team-high 18 tackles.
6. Peter O'Mahony – 8 out of 10
Ireland are a much better team with this man. Would have been gutted that Lowe's offload wasn't on the money as the Munster back row deserved a try for his heroic efforts throughout. Throws his weight around the park producing brutal hits.
5. James Ryan – 7.5 out of 10
Went the full 80 and his dynamism for such a big second row can't be underestimated. Great line out option and a towing presence both mentally and physically.
4. Iain Henderson – 5 out of 10
Substituted after just 20 minutes with a nasty looking injury, Ireland will want him fit for the Grand Slam decider next weekend.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7.5 out of 10
On his return from injury, he looked like the exact same player that was tearing up trees last year. Provides shuddering hits, an often overlooked part of his game, and helped turn the tide with his scrum prowess.
2. Dan Sheehan – 5 out of 10
Withdraw after 19 minutes through injury.
1. Andrew Porter – 7.5 out of 10
Put in a real shift with 12 tackles and went the full 80. Often doesn't get the plaudits Furlong gets as he doesn't have the dancing feet but is just as integral to Ireland's formidable pack.
Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher – Only on half an hour before being forced off. 5 out of 10
17. Cian Healy – The veteran has still got it. 7 out of 10
18. Tom O'Toole – Saw the game out well carrying on the good work before him. 6 out of 10
19. Ryan Baird – Excellent showing after coming on earlier than expected. 7 out of 10
20. Jack Conan – Took his try brilliantly and just devastating over the ball. 8 out of 10
21. Jamison Gibson-Park – Instant impact that showed why he should be Ireland's number one nine. 8 out of 10
22. Ross Byrne – N/A out of 10
23. Robbie Henshaw – Fact he's on the bench shows Ireland's embarrassment of riches. 6 out of 10
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