Rory Best was Ireland’s best player at Twickenham but there was too much inconsistency elsewhere in their last game before the World Cup

Simon Zebo 4/10

Generally solid under the high ball, but kept quiet in attack and was badly beaten for both England tries, run over by May and outjumped by Watson.

Tommy Bowe 5

Hardly saw the ball as Ireland opted for a forward-dominated game. His most noteworthy moment was being trampled by May in the first half.

Jared Payne 6

Tackled well and his partnership with Henshaw continues to develop impressively quickly. A battering ram in midfield but was well marshalled.

Robbie Henshaw 6

Much like his centre partner Payne had little joy against Barrett and Joseph. Worked tirelessly but found very little reward.

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Dave Kearney 7

Easily Ireland’s best back but looked nowhere near as convincing as he did against Wales when England kicked to him.

Jonathan Sexton 5

For the second game in a row was unable to assert his authority on the game and could not unlock England’s defence

Conor Murray 5

Replaced after only 16 minutes after a clash of heads left him flat out. Seems unfair to judge as he had little time to make an impact.

Jack McGrath 7

Got the better of his opponent, Marler, at scrum time and will be pleased to have contributed to two wins against the head.

Rory Best 8

Ireland’s best player as he worked tirelessly, hit his man every time at the lineout and gave Youngs a torrid time in the scrum. Carried well.

Mike Ross 7

As with his fellow prop, McGrath, was outstanding as Ireland’s front row took England’s apart. Aside from that though, offered little around the park.

Devin Toner 6

The 6’11” giant was imperious in the lineout, with not even Courtney Lawes able to challenge him. Also showed surprisingly good hands in the loose.

Paul O’Connell 6

Scored Ireland’s try after a good lineout move and led his team well. However a number of uncharacteristic errors marred his game.

Peter O’Mahony 5

Imparted a surprising lack of authority as Ireland’s vaunted back row was bossed by England’s at the breakdown.

Sean O’Brien 5

Like his fellow flanker O’Mahony struggled to make an impact on the game. A few good carries and tackles, but did not win many turnovers.

Jamie Heaslip 7

Instigated a clever move off the back of a lineout to outwit England’s pack and create O’Connell’s try but was left to do too much in defence.

REPLACEMENTS Eoin Reddan (for Murray 16) Often kicked aimlessly but got comfy ride from pack 5 Nathan White (for Ross 59) Less dominant in scrum 5 Ian Madigan (for Kearney 59) Responded well to being shuffled all round the backline 6 Darren Cave (for Henshaw 59) Tackled hard but little threat 6 Richardt Strauss (for Best 60) Did well to stop Wigglesworth grounding ball 7 Chris Henry (for O’Brien 60) Little impact 5 Donnacha Ryan (for O’Connell 65) Little impact 5 Tadhg Furlong (for Zebo 69) Prop replaced full-back 1