How the Ireland players rated in Rugby World Cup loss to Japan

How the Ireland players rated in Rugby World Cup loss to Japan
Ireland's Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony dejected after the game. Picture: INPHO/Jayne Russell

ROB KEARNEY: Took his try well but faded along with his team after the break: 5/10 

KEITH EARLS: Threatened early on but was uncharacteristically sloppy as Ireland were outgunned: 5 

GARRY RINGROSE: Ireland were overrun in midfield and unable to keep the Brave Blossoms at bay: 5 

CHRIS FARRELL: A bullish presence but was never allowed to cut loose as he did against Scotland: 5 

JACOB STOCKDALE: Subdued effort as Japan shut down everything Ireland wanted to do: 5 

JACK CARTY: A good first half was eclipsed after the break as the pressure and lack of space told its tale: 5 

CONOR MURRAY: Struggled to boss proceedings without Johnny Sexton: 5 

CIAN HEALY: Scrummaged well early on but Ireland were eventually outmuscled up front: 5 

RORY BEST: Put himself about again but was unable to lead a reversal of fortunes as Ireland came up short: 5 

TADHG FURLONG: Not the force everyone would expect as Japan squeezed Ireland in all the most uncomfortable places: 5 

IAIN HENDERSON: Another to start well but fall spectacularly off the pace and standard: 5 

JAMES RYAN: Did his best to arrest the slump but could not stop Japan's waves of attack: 5 

PETER O'MAHONY: Had no joy all night either over the ball or in the loose: 5 

JOSH VAN DER FLIER: Scampered around for some last-ditch defensive efforts: 5 

CJ STANDER: Shut down at source and unable to impose his physicality when it mattered most: 5 

REPLACEMENTS: Unable to make anything happen with the game already ebbing away as the bench was unloaded: 4

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