England player ratings vs Ireland: Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje outstanding in Six Nations triumph
England remain in the hunt for their first Six Nations title since 2017 following an impressive win over Ireland on Sunday.
First-half tries from George Ford and Elliot Daly set Eddie Jones' side on their way to victory at Twickenham, while Luke Cowan-Dickie added a third after the interval either side of scores from Ireland duo Robbie Henshaw and Andrew Porter.
A second successive triumph saw England move second in the standings behind unbeaten France, who remain the only team still able to claim a Grand Slam in 2020.
England can also complete the Triple Crown with a home victory over Wales on March 7.
Will Macpherson was at Twickenham to cast an eye over England's performance...
Backs
15) Elliot Daly: 8
Back at full-back, and had a superb first half. Outstanding finish for his try and just so much more conspicuous as a playmaker than in the opening two games, where he was quietly tucked away on the wing.
14) Jonny May: 7
Part of a very strong effort under the high ball.
13) Manu Tuilagi: 8
Brings so much to England’s game. Carried well, solid in defence and scared Ireland. Kept up his record of six wins from six against Ireland.
12) Owen Farrell: 7
A little tetchy in his dealings with the referee, but managed the game well. Kicking was flawless, and ran the defence very well.
11) Jonathan Joseph: 8
Led England out on his 50th cap, but this was his first start on the wing. A selection gamble from Jones that paid off handsomely: Joseph was superb.
10) George Ford: 8
One wayward kick that flew backwards notwithstanding, Ford was superb. Scored England’s first try, made the second and just kept them ticking.
9) Ben Youngs: 8
Became England’s second most-capped player on his 100th appearance. He has been terrific since dropping to the bench at Murrayfield, with a lovely opportunistic nudge through leading to Ford’s try.
Forwards
1) Joe Marler: 8
Sporting a new close-cropped look, but was his old self – solid at scrum time, and very chatty with the referee. Good shift complemented by Ellis Genge’s excellent cameo off the bench.
2) Jamie George: 7
Missed one lineout but part of a big forward effort and found work in the wide channels too. His 80-minute partnership with Luke Cowan-Dickie is a very good one.
3) Kyle Sinckler: 7
Some neat hands in midfield, and a big shift at scrum time.
4) Maro Itoje: 9
An outstanding “spoiling” performance. Made 18 tackles, produced a sensational strip on Dave Kilcoyne, and a helpful charge down too. Just a total menace.
5) George Kruis: 7
Looked surprised to be withdrawn in the last quarter after a solid performance. Gave away a couple of penalties.
6) Courtney Lawes: 9
The focal point of England’s lineout, with the first seven all fired towards him. Put in a big shift with ball in hand, too.
7) Sam Underhill: 8
Made 21 tackles, more than anyone else, and played the full 80 minutes too. A quietly impressive performance.
8) Tom Curry: 7
Has started popping up in the loose, and looks more at home at no8 with every passing minute.
