ENGLAND
15 Mike Brown 7/10 The full-back was always going to face an aerial threat and was steady under the high balls than rained down. Excellent finish for second England try.
14 Anthony Watson 6/10 The Bath wing looked dangerous in the early stages and was on hand to score his try late in the third quarter. Kept Keith Earls honest throughout.
13 Jonathan Joseph 6/10 Three tries in Rome but had few opportunities to break the shackles of the Irish defence. The centre made some big tackles, though.
12 Owen Farrell 6/10 His 11 points kept England’s noses in front and kicked from hand intelligently and tackled with usual ferocity before being replaced by Elliot Daly.
11 Jack Nowell 6/10 No repeat of spectacular try at Murrayfield but his try-saving tackle on Robbie Henshaw in the second half was just as significant.
10 George Ford 6/10 England are still looking for the Bath fly-half to recapture the sparkle of last season and he looked happier in attacking mode after the break.
9 Ben Youngs 7/10 Man of the match in Rome, he sniped well and kicked intelligently. His tackle on Sexton and part in first try helped turn the game England’s way.
1 Joe Marler 6/10 He played important role in a dominant English scrum before giving way to the more explosive Mako Vunipola after the break. Solid game.
2 Dylan Hartley capt 6/10 Leading England for the first time at Twickenham he was unlucky not to be rewarded with a first-half try. Very effective in the set-pieces.
3 Dan Cole 7/10 Anchored the scrum well and made a big contribution in dominant English set-piece. The tight-head is back to his best and made some good carries.
4 Maro Itoje 7/10 A much-heralded debut by a forward who has been pulling up trees in the Premiership and looked instantly at home in this exalted company.
5 George Kruis 8/10 Facing Devin Toner was always going to be a tall order for England’s most improved forward but an effective lineout target. Worked tirelessly.
6 Chris Robshaw 7/10 The former captain got through a ton of work and made a telling pass for Watson’s try. Also got stronger as the game progressed.
7 James Haskell 7/10 The red scrum-cap was everywhere and was a menace at the breakdown. Blotted copy-book with yellow card for high tackle on Murray.
8 Billy Vunipola 9/10 The No8 made some telling charges in the first half and close to scoring a spectacular try. Constantly dented the Irish defence. Outstanding.
REPLACEMENTS Jamie George 6 (for Hartley 71) One good run Mako Vunipola 6 (for Marler 60) Kept dominant scrum on top Courtney Lawes 5 (for Haskell 77) No time to shine Jack Clifford 6 (for Robshaw 71) One big turnover Danny Care 6 (for Youngs 69) Raised the tempo Elliot Daly 7 (for Farrell 65) Saved late try with tackle on Van der Flier
IRELAND
15 Rob Kearney 6/10 His experience was invaluable, particularly when Ireland were on the back foot in the first half. Little chance to cut loose.
14 Andrew Trimble 5/10 The Ulster wing had a strong game in Paris and followed it up here with a solid defensive display but Simon Zebo will put him under pressure for his place.
13 Robbie Henshaw 6/10 The centre will rue his missed try-scoring opportunity when bundled into touch by Jack Nowell but still looks like Ireland’s most improved player.
12 Stuart McCloskey 6/10 The 17st Ulsterman and half of Ireland’s heaviest ever centre partnership made a great run before break and defended well on debut.
11 Keith Earls 6/10 His defence has been questioned in the past but he was important in repelling England’s first-half surges. Made runs of his own after the break.
10 Jonathan Sexton 6/10 Eddie Jones may have doubted his fitness but Europe’s best fly-half looked much happier than in Paris. Few attacking opportunities, though.
9 Conor Murray 7/10 He took his try superbly, piercing an English defence that has looked impregnable in the championship. Had to depart with a cut to the head.
1 Jack McGrath 5/10 He struggled in the scrums in Paris. The loosehead was solid enough but will come under pressure from Cian Healy for his starting spot.
2 Rory Best 6/10 Ireland’s captain had his hands full and will come under scrutiny for his set-piece work, which also misfired in Paris.
3 Mike Ross 5/10 The former Harlequin was up against current Quin Joe Marler. He gave the scrum more solidity but looks short of full fitness.
4 Donnacha Ryan 5/10 The Munsterman is as tough as they come but new boy Maro Itoje gave him lots to think about and replacement Ultan Dillane looked effective.
5 Devin Toner 6/10 The tallest man on the pitch was very effective in the lineout and also played well after the break. Made lots of telling tackles.
6 CJ Stander 5/10 He failed to make the impact that he did against Wales, when he made so many carries, and was outshone by the English back row.
7 Josh van der Flier 6/10 The Leinster man has emerged from nowhere and has speed to make up for his lack of bulk. Denied a late try by Daly’s tackle.
8 Jamie Heaslip capt 6/10 Leinster’s Lion has no peers as No8 but he is another player who is yet to find the form of last season. Some good runs after the break.
REPLACEMENTS Richardt Strauss 5 (for Best 71) Little chance to turn the white tide Cian Healy 6(for McGrath 60) A strong quarter Nathan White 6(for Ross 60) Made impact Ultan Dillane 7 (for Ryan 65) One terrific run Simon Zebo 6 (for McCloskey 65) Impressive Rhys Ruddock 6 (for Stander 66) Little chance to make impact Eoin Reddan 5 (for Murray 71) Looked sharp Ian Madigan 5 (for Sexton 77) No chance to make an impression
