IRELAND LOST 16-10 to Warren Gatland’s Wales at the Aviva Stadium today. Read our match report on the game here.
Iain Henderson
Devin Toner might have watched this one with an element of discomfort. Though Toner’s status as a starter for Ireland has been well-earned with his set-piece excellence and accuracy around the pitch, Henderson continues to push and push.
Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
His barreling try was the clear highlight, but the Ulster lock’s power was notable in almost every contact he was involved in. From big hits to potent counter-rucking and strong carries to important lineout involvements, Henderson put his hand up in a big way.
His footwork and agility only adds to the physical strengths the 23-year-old possesses and this performance will mean the heat on Toner is fiercer than ever.
Robbie Henshaw
Another young Irishman with extraordinary physical prowess, Henshaw was reliably effective with ball in hand against the Welsh this afternoon. Time and again he made yards in contact, even when the situation suggested that goal might be unachievable.
Source: James Crombie/INPHO
The speed of his foot movement allows Henshaw to find softer shoulders than other centres, while he is always willing to run into the well-defended channels from set-piece too.
Defensively, the Connacht man got some good shots in on Welsh carriers, while his role in the oft-used loop play was central and superbly executed much of the time. Still only 22, Henshaw could be a star of the World Cup.
Rob Kearney
One of the experienced heads in this Ireland team, Kearney was something of a leader with his individual showing against the Welsh.