1 CIAN HEALYPenalised at first English scrum but unrelenting in the heavy lifting and "choke tackling" with a memorable dump tackle on Simon Shaw. Enjoyed the scrap. 7/10
14 TOMMY BOWE
Marginal forward pass, as seen by touch judge Tim Hayes, for O’Driscoll’s disallowed try but chased well and finished Sexton’s quick tap with a bloody mindedness. 7/10
5 PAUL O’CONNELL
Took a horrendous front-on hit from Haskell that would have severed a lesser man to present the recycle that led to O’Driscoll’s try. Excellence defined. 8/10
10 JONATHAN SEXTON
Five from six kicking return and ruthlessly created Tommy Bowe’s try. Denied the opportunity to showcase his line kicking when the rain fell but this classy display even included an impressive revenge hit on Ashton. 8/10
2 RORY BEST
A leader. Refused to fade, capping a fine Six Nations campaign that leaves the hooker role in a safe grip despite the continued absence of Jerry Flannery. 7/10
4 DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN
Rubbished those who called for his head with a crazed performance, yet could be heard talking sense over the ref-link. Teamed up with Healy to brutally punish any Englishman who carried upright into contact. 8/10
8 JAMIE HEASLIP
Back strutting his stuff with one particularly impressive turnover near the Irish line on 67 minutes. A valuable outlet at the tail of lineout. 7/10
12 GORDON D’ARCY
Added some decent handling to a constant stream of tackles and carries in traffic. Utterly atoned for errors against Italy and France. A particularly enjoyable intercept from Ashton’s only line break.7/10
15 KEITH EARLS
Strangely never tested in the air. His grubber turned England early and a 78th-minute mopping up of loose ball saw him sprinting into open country. Firmly established weapon in the back three. 7/10
11 ANDREW TRIMBLE
Justified selection with a physicality and industry that denied the English any space down his wing. 7/10
9 EOIN REDDAN
Yes, he threw five points to an opposing forward for the second time this season but controlled Ireland’s attack in a hectic first half to overshadow the scrappier ball presented after the break. 7/10
3 MIKE ROSS
Minced Corbisiero in most scrums. His importance to the Irish pack was proved when Tom Court’s head popped out of two scrums after his departure. 7/10
13 BRIAN O’DRISCOLL
Thrilling pick up and skinning of Nick Easter for a record-breaking 25th championship try. Tutored Banahan in the art of outside centre defending, agreeing afterwards to give the big Bath man the precious memento of his number 13 jersey. 8/10
6 SEÁN O’BRIEN
Gave up early penalty that Flood missed but has come alongside O’Connell in value. Bumped Banahan and offloaded to O’Driscoll in one exhilarating play. Nearly murdered Strettle in another tackle and loosened ball carriers. Immense. 8/10
7 DAVID WALLACE
Life in the old Munster dog. Brilliant rip and charge that led to Youngs sin-binning and Sexton making it 17-3. Outstanding for 70 minutes. 8/10
