Ireland player ratings: There are mismatches, and then there’s this. Ireland racked up 106 points under a scorching Lisbon sun, but the most heat Portugal felt came from their own defensive meltdowns.
This was a Test in name only, a glorified contact session against a side that barely offered resistance for 80 minutes. Ireland were sharper, faster, stronger and better drilled in every department, and at times, it was hard not to feel sorry for the hosts.
A 15-minute dip in shape during the second half was Ireland’s only blemish in an otherwise brutal dismantling.
Here’s how we rated the Ireland players, which was difficult given how poor Portugal were.
15. Jimmy O’Brien – 7.5
Took the ball to the line repeatedly as Ireland’s early tempo had Portugal scrambling from the off. Played with intent and linked well in the backfield.
22m Entries
14. Tommy O’Brien – 8.5
Two tries within 23 minutes. Picked up where he left off against Georgia, though his eagerness to shoot in defence saw the odd missed tackle. Still, far too hot to handle.
13. Hugh Gavin – 8.5
Showed real class on debut. Took his try well, finished his second with power, and was a physical presence throughout. At 6’4 and 103kg, he looks built for more than just summer hit-outs.
12. Stuart McCloskey – 7.5
Opened Ireland’s account through sheer strength — and admittedly, some laughable Portuguese tackling. Didn’t overplay his hand, just got the job done.
11. Shayne Bolton – 9
A debut to remember. One try was pure individual brilliance, the other a clinical finish from a defensive lapse. Nearly bagged a hat-trick before the break. Oozed pace and instinct.
10. Jack Crowley – 8
Took complete control from the off. Manipulated Portugal’s defence like a man playing with a cheat code. His variety, vision and tempo control were all on another level.
9. Craig Casey – 8
Suited the firm track and punished Portugal’s lethargy. Grabbed a try himself, created another for Nash, and kept the game ticking relentlessly. One of his sharpest outings in green.
1. Jack Boyle – 7
Quiet but effective. Anchored the scrum early and got through his minutes without fuss before being replaced.
2. Gus McCarthy – 7
Accurate with his darts and tidy around the park. Didn’t need to be flashy in this one-sided encounter.
3. Thomas Clarkson – 8
Got the better of the Portuguese scrum and ran a superb inside line for a 32nd-minute try, looking every bit the stand-in centre. Strong all-round showing.
Attack 
278m
Post Contact Metres
610m
4. Thomas Ahern – 7
A quieter outing than fans would have hoped. Didn’t see much of the open space where he usually thrives, but worked hard in the engine room.
5. Darragh Murray – 7
Did little wrong but failed to impose himself. Felt more like a passenger than a conductor. Needs to demand more involvement.
6. Ryan Baird – 7.5
A couple of nice turnovers and tidy involvements in defence. Didn’t get much opportunity to showcase his running game.
7. Alex Kendellen – 8
Hard to stop with ball in hand and crashed over for a deserved maul try. Added physicality and urgency in the second half.
8. Cian Prendergast – 8.5
Two tries and all-action. One trademark carry, one support-line finish, and busy throughout. Relished the chaos.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Tom Stewart – 7
Nailed his lineouts and kept things ticking during the second-half changes.
17. Michael Milne – 7
Former Roscrea man brought energy and carried with intent. Didn’t look out of place in the late-game onslaught.
18. Tom O’Toole – 7
Showed some deft touches in the loose and helped maintain set-piece dominance.
19. Cormac Izuchukwu – 7.5
Tried a little too hard early on and coughed up a turnover. Recovered with a nice lineout steal shortly after.
20. Max Deegan – 6.5
Slotted in seamlessly and helped restore some control during Ireland’s brief structural dip.
21. Ben Murphy – 7.5
Forced his way over in the final minutes to cap things off. Clean, confident cameo.
22. Ciaran Frawley – 8
Ghosted past defenders for a lovely solo try and looked hungry in every involvement. A strong contribution.
23. Calvin Nash – 7.5
Showed good pace and composure to finish off his try. Another who looked too sharp for the opposition.
