James Cronin: 7.5
Worked his arse off and locked out the scrum but Kilcoyne is definitely the go-to man if you are looking for regular go forward ball.
Niall Scannell: 8.5
Perfect in the lineout, scored a try and hustled well all afternoon. Possibly his best game yet.
John Ryan: 8
Another member of the brilliant frontrow, that made Racing’s life misery at the scrum in particular. Ryan has been the best scrummaging tighthead in the country this season but doesn’t struggle to impose his size in the carry either.
Donnacha Ryan: 9.5
As close to the perfect second row performance as you are likely to see anywhere this year. 13 tackles – none missed, three lineout wins -including one against the head, 12 metres made and at least 20 outstanding facial expressions. Mr Angry is back to his best this season.
Billy Holland: 8
Went about his business quietly but effectively. Lead the tackle charts with 16 hits and aside from his two offloads – yes, it was very much so a Billy Holland performance.
Peter O’Mahony: 8
It’s no coincidence that Niall Scannell’s throwing has seemingly improved since O’Mahony has come back into the side. Organizing his lineout to perfection and taking 9 throws, the Corkman must be the finest lineout specializing backrow in world rugby. Today his tackling was likewise, a flawless 9 from 9 attempts.
Tommy O’Donnell: 8
Tommy had an all-action first forty – 6 runs for 24 metres and a fine boot of the ball also in his highlights reel. He looked the furthest thing from a man who’s fitness was hanging in the balance during the week but his early withdrawal ultimately denied him for a higher rating.
CJ Stander: 9
As you would come to expect. Just the 62 metres made and a try to match. It’s amazing but at this point this is the Stander standard.
Conor Murray: 8.5
Managed the game superbly and had the ball on a string at times. Showed his exceptional tactical awareness to put Andrew Conway in for his try.
Tyler Bleyendaal: 8
Started shakily with a missed conversion and an ugly strike out on the full but composed himself thereafter to fire 5 kicks between the sticks.
Ronan O’Mahony: 7.5
Not too many touches for O’Mahony today but looked lively in his limited chances.
Rory Scannell: 8
Displayed his explosiveness off the mark with a number of dashes on attack and hits in defence. Added to his game were a couple of nicely drilled kicks to touch but didn’t have a huge effect on proceeding overall.
Jaco Taute: 7.5
Slightly uncharacteristic from Taute. The South African bruiser threw three lovely lofted passes but his tackling in defence saw him make three and miss three. Those stats may be related to the Jacques Nienaber’s defensive system however and Taute still most certainly brings a solidarity and confidence to the backline that is unmatched.
Andrew Conway: 7.5
Similar to Ronan O’Mahony, the winger saw little ball, but of course scored a splendid try with one of his six times in possession.
Simon Zebo: 7.5
Showed just what a brilliant finisher he is to find the try line but Zebo’s fielding wasn’t quite where he would like it to be. He nonetheless, will go home happy after a supreme team performance and with his 50th Munster try on his 110th appearance.
Substitutes
Marshall 7, Kilcoyne 8, Archer 7, Foley, 6.5, O’Donoghue 7, Williams, 7, Earls 8, Saili 6 .5
Munster Haka 