Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY

3 MIKE ROSS

The Irish scrum is now a weapon and this must largely be credited to Ross. Directly responsible for Allan Jacobsen’s yellow card and minced the Scottish loosehead to create Eoin Reddan’s try.

13 BRIAN O’DRISCOLL

His calm and constant communication with referee Nigel Owens was important. Captain’s job down the home straight with some important tackles.

7 DAVID WALLACE

Usual high number of carries and tackles, where he was particularly noticeable in monitoring the charging Scottish lock Richie Gray and backrow.

8 JAMIE HEASLIP

Ran foul of Owens for grabbing Mike Blair and was penalised for infringements on the ground. A few years ago they would have been excellent turnovers but the rules have changed. Heaslip will evolve.

10 RONAN O’GARA

Ireland may be trying to change their ways, but the man reverted to type with a masterclass in territorial kicking. His fingerprints were all over every Irish score – and he handed off Scottish hooker Ross Ford for the try.

12 GORDON D’ARCY

Hungry and feisty throughout, remains hugely important to the team’s defensive system and, while nothing of note in open play, was last up from umpteen rucks.

6 SEÁN O’BRIEN

Some monstrous runs dented holes in the Scottish defence. These contributions seemed to galvanise David Wallace and Paul O’Connell to follow suit. Scary thing is, he will only get better.

14 TOMMY BOWE

With little ball coming his way, he may have to take a leaf out of Keith Earls’ book and go hunting the next day. Minor cameos when the ball went wide. More to come as fitness improves.

1 CIAN HEALY

Part of the collective Irish problem at the breakdown; fingered for Scotland’s first three points and penalised for not binding in two scrums. Everything is fixable, and produced the usual immense work-rate.

4 DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN

Good 60-minute shift in what has been a resolute campaign from the veteran lock. Probably did enough to keep the Leinster captain at bay.

9 EOIN REDDAN

Can be happy with this lively performance, showing the street smarts to rip the ball from Jamie Heaslip for the second try.

11 KEITH EARLS

Starved of ball throughout the championship, he went looking for it yesterday, even popping up as first receiver and finally stretching his legs.

15 LUKE FITZGERALD

Nice hands and unfussy display, but O’Gara’s brilliant kicking display meant the back three were not required in an offensive capacity. Came up with a late, try-saving tackle on Max Evans.

2 RORY BEST

Clever pass for Heaslip’s try and forced a five-minute scrum with a bruising hit on Seán Lamont that led to Reddan’s touchdown. Gave away one of the “not releasing” penalties. One of his better outings in the loose and scrum.

5 PAUL O’CONNELL

Some lineout problems that need sorting out ahead of Cardiff, but he came up with three heroic turnovers at the death to wrestle possession back from Scotland.