Wales How the players rated

15. Leigh Halfpenny Solid and dependable as always. Came into the line to good effect at times and, let’s face it, he was never going to miss that kick at the end.9

14. Alex Cuthbert Lively first half display that saw him look for work – and find it. But was at fault defensively for Rory Best’s late first half try. Replaced half-time.7

13. Jonathan Davies The pick of the Welsh backs. Ran great angles all day, took his first try expertly and had the confidence to hit the gap for his second. Shone all afternoon.9

12. Jamie Roberts Made a couple of menacing surges at the Irish midfield, but otherwise a quiet game for the Blues powerhouse. Second fiddle to Davies in the centre.7

11. George North Hugely influential. Immense strength to claim the late try and beautiful flicked pass out of the back of his hand to set up Davies’ second.9

10. Rhys Priestland Kicked reasonably well out of hand and his passing was polished, but first half penalty miss from point blank range was unforgivable and almost cost Wales dear.6

9. Mike Phillips Looked right at it from the first minute. Zingy passing, so strong, so alert, and led from the front with his confidence and bullishness. Hugely influential.9

1. Rhys Gill Didn’t look out of his depth stepping in for Gethin Jenkins. Played his part in a solid scrummaging effort and his work rate came to the fore as the game wore on.7

2. Huw Bennett Must accept some responsibility for the wobbly Welsh lineout, but yet again his energy and willingness to put his body on the line couldn’t be faulted.7

3. Adam Jones Locked the set-piece the way we all know he can, and used his physicality well at the breakdown too. But then he never has a poor game.7

4. Bradley Davies Almost cost Wales the game for a silly and indefensible rush of blood. Pity, because he had done well. One great early surge off a short lineout.6

5. Ian Evans Hasn’t been back at Test level long, but won the decisive penalty and had a quietly effective afternoon. Stood up well to opposite number O’Connell.7

6. Ryan Jones Excellent display in place of the injured Dan Lydiate and unlucky not to get first half try ruled out by TMO. Mounted strong case to stay put against Scotland.8

7. Sam Warburton Came off at the interval with a dead leg. Had been a handful up to that point, coping well despite being heavily marked by the Irish.7

8. Toby Faletau One of his less spectacular afternoons but proved he can get through the donkey work. Had his hands full trying to contain classy Irish back row.7


Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/02/05/ireland-21-23-wales-how-the-players-rated-91466-30271531/#ixzz1lY5NXZzk

Does anybody have the stats ?

Was this bllx about the Irish back row?

Did anyone watch ryan jones?

SAMs and Toby's tackling was emense!

...Irish back row blah blah

Cymro:

Good sum up, the subs that came on all did well, I thought the forwards did well in the loose not so well in the line out. R Jones was very good in the back row and made a good captain in the second half. Toby suffered some of his old handling issues but by his standards he had a quiet game. Ireland need to put a specialist 7 in their team, both our 7's turned over their ball. I Evans and Bradley played really well (except the yellow) showing we have some strength in depth. The backs are looking good but I wish we like Ireland stop kicking good possession away. Roll on next week!

More or less agree. Think Halfpenny and Phillips were maybe 8's but otherwise spot on. J Davies and North were immense. In the forwards agree that Evans went well on his return, think AWJ may have a fight on to regain his shirt. Bennett a 6 for me due to the lineout (although not just his fault) and would only give Adam Jones a 6. He was his usual strong self in his main role but again looked very sluggish around the pitch and was lucky not to give a couple of pens away as he ambled back into the defensive line and luckily didn't get in the way. If Murray had been more aware he could have 'accidentally' thrown a pass his way and got him pinged. Don't get me wrong I think the guy is a legend and is by far my favorite Welsh player (considering I'm english) but he just seems off the pace this season to me.

Read on this site in the build up that more than a couple of welsh posters didn't want Ryan Jones in - thought he was great today, absolutely everywhere and for me put in a brilliant traditional blind side flanker display. Would have given him a 9 - best forward on the field.

B91212:

You will notice it is only Dragons supporters that have a go at R Jones as they want their players in the team, the fact is he is from Newport. Jones had the sense to play for Bridgend as Newport had loads of imports at the start of his career and it made if difficult to see a way into the team I suspect.

I know Jones has played very well for the Ospreys but they insist in playing him in the second row hence they have a lightweight back row as a consequence (Smith, Thomas and Tip's)

Think too many players have 9s. Wales did ship 21 points after all and sneaked a win. B Davies should get nothing more than 3 for his sheer stupidity. He can count himself lucky he was allowed back onto the ground. You don´t get points for being tackled allegedly dangerously by Ferris.

Davies was the best back and Ryan Jones was the best forward. Good to see him back playing well in the red jersey. They get 9s.

Halfpenny did well with his kicking but doesn´t deserve a nine for his general play. As impressive as North was, he still has much to learn. I think he was caught out a couple of times on defence.

Phillips is very good when Wales are in motion. But too often he hangs onto the ball and hesistates too much. At times his service is laboured and ponderous like a politician´s speech. I agree though that he gets involved physically and is a nuisance to the opposition which is what every good halfback should be.

I agree the lineout looked shaky. A lot of injuries which doesn´t help but as encouraging as the win was, there is much to improve on still.