6 Geordan Murphy Looked in good nick setting up try by Kearney until his early exit with further Achilles problem.

6 Tommy Bowe Did his best to make inroads and eager for work but could make little headway.

6 Andrew Trimble Not his best game. Lacked creativity and needs a playmaker to make the most of his direct style.

5 Shane Horgan Too often blasted aimlessly into contact and became isolated. Part of a misfiring midfield.

7 Rob Kearney Ireland’s find of the championship. Big, strong, direct and a menacing runner with a great kick. Took try well.

5 Ronan O’Gara Started brightly and wanted to try things but when the pressure mounted he struggled to impose himself.

6 Eoin Reddan Found it hard to raise the tempo for Ireland. Always eager but could not test the England fringe defence.

6 Marcus Horan Part of a front row that pushed England hard and can be satisfied with his afternoon’s travails.

6 Rory Best Solid scrummager and forceful in the loose. Endeavour can never be faulted but a little wobbly at lineouts.

6 John Hayes Kept his end up against Sheridan and managed to put himself about in a lost cause. Amazing stamina.

6 Donncha O’Callaghan All fire and brimstone to begin with but defensive chores limited him. Few chances to carry the ball.

5 Paul O’Connell Still searching for best form after injury. His forays became increasingly predictable. Too many mistakes.

6 Denis Leamy Shoulder injury ended his game very early. Ireland missed his energy and cussedness.

5 David Wallace Anonymous against Wales and again failed to assert himself before a leg injury forced him off.

7 Jamie Heaslip Can reflect on a decent Six Nations. Has brought balance and drive to Ireland’s back row and lineout.

Replacements

Luke Fitzgerald Plenty of fizz and should have been moved to centre 7

Simon Easterby Solid but unspectacular and badly botched overlap 5

Tony Buckley, Mick O’Driscoll, Bernard Jackman, Peter Stringer and Paddy Wallace All late replacements.