ENGLAND
FREDDIE STEWARD: The full-back’s presence grew as the match reached its decisive phase. 7/10
MAX MALINS: Unable to get involved as his pack sucked Ireland into the trenches where the odds were evened. 6
JOE MARCHANT: Known for his attacking repertoire but it was his defence that held up to scrutiny. 7
HENRY SLADE: Like Marchant, rolled up his sleeves to help halt the green tide with a series of tackles. 7
JACK NOWELL: Packed down in the back row to cover for Charlie Ewels and was immense. 8
MARCUS SMITH: Kicked his goals and managed a difficult game well, but others around him shone more. 7
HARRY RANDALL: Among the weaker links against Ireland, but Ben Youngs hardly improved matters. 6
ELLIS GENGE: A team-mate could be heard calling him an “animal” on the ref mic – and it was meant as a compliment. Towering performance. 8
JAMIE GEORGE: Roared on every England mini-victory like he had won the World Cup. Outstanding. 8
KYLE SINCKLER: Failed to reach the interval after taking a head knock, but powerful until then. 6
MARO ITOJE: Led English resistance on both sides of the ball. The Saracens lock was everywhere. 8
CHARLIE EWELS: Sent off after 82 seconds for a dangerous tackle and can have no complaints. 4
COURTNEY LAWES: Rose to the occasion knowing it would take a super human effort to keep England in touch. 7
TOM CURRY: Limped off with a hamstring injury in the first half and England missed his work-rate. 6
SAM SIMMONDS: The pick of England’s back row cut Tadhg Furlong in two with one tackle. 8
Replacements: Most of the cavalry contributed fully, Alex Dombrandt playing far longer than he might have expected after Curry went off. Ben Youngs kicking the ball away was disappointing. 6
IRELAND
Hugo Keenan 8
Took his try very well but didn't crack under pressure in the second half.
Andrew Conway 6
Made a sluggish start and made several errors, but came up with two superb kicks.
Garry Ringrose 6
Mixed bag from the centre. Always involved but careless at times.
Bundee Aki 5
Industrious as always but not as involved as he normally is.
James Lowe 8
Flying start with early try, led Ireland's charge back onto the front foot at 15-15.
Johnny Sexton 7
Solid on his Twickenham Six Nations swansong. Kicked five of six penalties.
Jamison Gibson-Park 7
Played an important role in the visitors' first half tries when he showed good vision.
Cian Healy 5
Won first scrum contest but was downhill from there, bar one vital first half try-saving tackle.
Dan Sheehan 6
Outstanding start but part of a front row that struggled. Lineout was in trouble too.
Tadhg Furlong 6
Frustration at scrum time as he claimed Ellis Genge was hinging. Prominent in the loose.
Tadhg Beirne 7
Improved as the game went on but found it difficult to have his usual breakdown dominance.
James Ryan 6
Worryingly, suffered another concussion. Clash of heads with the red-carded Charlie Ewels in the opening moments.
Peter O'Mahony 5
May return to the bench for Scotland as Jack Conan made his time count as his replacement.
Josh van der Flier 7
Nice work for Ireland's opening try and kept running at England, soaking up punishment.
Caelan Doris 6
Had a try disallowed and a second break end in disappointment. Likely to switch to the blindside next week.
Replacements: Iain Henderson 5, Rob Herring 8, Dave Kilcoyne 6, Jack Conan 8, Finlay Bealham 7, Robbie Henshaw 6, Conor Murray 7, Joey Carbery 6,
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