Gavin Cummiskey’s Ireland player ratings

Rob Kearney 7

Primarily a goalkeeping fullback who rules aerial exchanges, so crucial if Ireland are to see Twickenham next month, but he ran for 121 metres here and finished a try created from turnover ball in the 22.

Dave Kearney 8

Secured the bonus point when swerving inside DTH van der Merwe, on seeing Jack McGrath was the overlap, but the most encouraging aspect of his current form is it compels more established players to raise their standards.

Jared Payne 8

Ireland’s second most important back now. Undetachable tackler who gives Sexton the offensive outlet of a second distributor. Gifting DTH van der Merwe that try was instantly forgiven.

Luke Fitzgerald 7

So skilful he brings a different dimension to the Robbie Henshaw approach, instinctively knowing when to pass and kick just before contact. So nearly claimed a 90-metre intercept try.

Keith Earls 8

One terrible knock-on with the line at Ireland's mercy aside, he seemed to react to every impressive half break by Fitzgerald with a threat, a twist, a turn to carry for 95 metres. Bounced Matt Evans.

Johnny Sexton 8

Masterful 55 minutes. Defensively imposing (no way to stop that), accurate line kicking, which Van der Merwe said afterwards cannot be predicted from watching his eyes, and his try after trailing Seán O’Brien.

Conor Murray 7

Cleverly spotted the vacant Canadian blindside for that early break up the left touchline and while a couple of kicks were a little short he roamed and tackled assuredly. Irreplaceable.

Jack McGrath 7

Scrummed well and was a physical presence without being his usual dynamic self. Maybe he’s focussing more on propping. Remains the slight favourite to start against Italy ahead of Healy.

Rory Best 8

A brilliant breakdown, defensive performance, here’s a hooker who covers as much grass as the backrowers and even flipped up one of Ireland’s seven offloads.

Mike Ross 7

Not a bad word can be said about him as Ireland’s scrum cooked all day long.

Iain Henderson 9

Mighty addition to Ireland’s starting XV, there’s no budging him after this towering, ball carrying, try scoring, herculean display. A lock for the time being and maybe the ages.

Paul O’Connell 8

Aggressively led the defensive line when it was required most. Unlucky with the sin-binning, he didn’t know he was offside, and flawless in the lineout.

Peter O’Mahony 8

Ferocious response after people dared to whisper his place was under threat from Henderson. Too important in the lineout, he stole a big Canadian throw, and a punishing carry helped create Henderson’s try.

Seán O’Brien 8

He has a gainline breaching equal now in Henderson, but his value in so many areas, especially the breakdown, makes his removal essential whenever the game is won. Also irreplaceable.

Jamie Heaslip 8

Doesn’t make the turnover or the line break, nor is he the primary tackler. No, he’s the man who clears the road and ensures the opponent stays down. Phenomenal statistics, again.

Bench 7

Ian Madigan ran the line well with a few deep counter attacks while Seán Cronin barrelled over for a trademark try. Cian Healy returned which is enough for now.

Coach 8

Streams of decoy runners amidst a distinct attacking plan and he whipped off Sexton, O’Brien and O’Connell at the earliest opportunities.