Ireland cruise to Six Nations win over Wales

Warren Gatland’s return was spoiled by Ireland because the world primary facet beat Wales of their opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Wales improved within the second half and replied with a attempt from Liam Williams.

But it was Ireland who completed the scoring with a bonus-point effort to flanker Josh van der Flier.

Ireland’s first Six Nations victory for 10 years in Cardiff shone on the gang as Andy Farrell’s facet took one other step in the best path as they aim Six Nations and World Cup success in 2023.

Gatland, who was introduced again as Wales coach to interchange fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac, will now know the scale of his process heading into the World Cup 12 months.

Ireland outplayed a weak Wales workforce within the first half, with the hosts repeatedly penalized for indiscipline and fouls.

The second half noticed Wales dominate possession and territory however Ireland have been content material to soak up the strain as they frequently counterattacked their opponents.

The fourth and closing attempt showcased Ireland’s scientific edge as they recorded their largest Six Nations win since 2001 in Cardiff.

Ireland quantity eight Dorris was excellent, whereas participant of the match Hugo Keenan excelled from full-back.

Wales’ troubled build-up

The scenario in Wales improved after allegations of sexism and misogyny throughout the Welsh rugby union resulted within the resignation of chief govt Steve Phillips.

The boss was hauled in entrance of a process power set as much as look into the senate and the organisation’s tradition.

The Tom Jones anthem Delilah was not included within the choir’s playlist on the Principality Stadium as a result of the lyrics have been linked to home violence, though it was sung by some within the Cardiff crowd.

Off-the-field controversy overshadowed Gatland’s return for his second spell as Wales head coach following a primary stint in 2008–2019 – throughout which the workforce gained 4 Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams.

He was again for extra after 12 months, throughout which Wales gained three Tests in 12 matches and suffered house losses in opposition to Italy and Georgia.

Gatland stored the religion with 12 of the facet ranging from Pivac’s final recreation, the workforce choosing eight gamers with over 900 caps between them and aged over 30.

Based on this proof, Wales could should revisit this technique within the coming weeks.

Hooker Ken Owens turned Wales’ oldest-ever captain as he led his nation for the primary time on the age of 36.

Ireland arrived as the highest workforce on this planet, a place they achieved after two away victories over New Zealand and consolidated with autumn victories in opposition to South Africa and Australia.

Lions prop Tadhg Furlong was dominated out with damage and changed by Finlay Belham, with Sexton, 37, beginning and World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Van der Flier at flanker.

There have been late adjustments with scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park out with a hamstring damage and Lions quantity 9 Conor Murray out.

It was anticipated that Gibson-Park’s absence would lead to a change of tempo for the guests, but it surely didn’t make any distinction.

Strong begin for Ireland

Ireland began strongly, setting the attacking platform for the opening attempt with a intelligent low kick.

Patient building lastly supplied Doris the chance to dive in with Sexton’s conversion.

As Wales’ indiscipline identified, Ireland’s energy got here to the fore once more, with Farrell’s facet main 14–0 inside 10 minutes when Ryan dived in from a brief faucet penalty.

Wales hit again with Rio Dyer virtually scoring with a free kick, however was denied by Keenan, earlier than Biggar went over for the hosts’ early factors.

Sexton responded with a penalty of his personal earlier than Lowe intercepted Biggar’s cross to dash 70 meters to attain. Sexton transformed and slotted over one other penalty.

Wales middle Joe Hawkins, on his Six Nations debut, made a decisive break however Birger couldn’t capitalize as he was fouled simply wanting Ireland’s line.

The house facet have been additionally denied when Jack Morgan was fouled by Andrew Porter with Ireland main by 24 factors at half-time, a bonus they didn’t relish.

Wales get well from Ireland strain

The house facet’s inaccuracy within the opening 40 minutes was in stark distinction to their opponents, however they initially remedied this firstly of the second half.

An ingenious line-out adopted by North earlier than paving the best way for a intelligent Hawkins cross which allowed Liam Williams to canter over for a transformed attempt.

Ireland’s poor self-discipline earned a penalty on the restart to Wales, however the momentum was initially halted with a wayward line-out throw and a scrum penalty conceded by Dillon Lewis, who changed Tomas Francis.

Full-back Williams, a late call-up for the injured Leigh Halfpenny to start out, continued his spectacular show with a flamboyant break earlier than falling sufferer to a late problem from substitute Ian Henderson.

The hosts loved dominance of possession and the sphere, however the hapless Wales struggled to transform this strain into factors as Ireland repeatedly absorbed and repelled assaults.

A bunch of replacements included Wales hooker Scott Baldwin, who made his first worldwide look in almost six years.

Full-back Williams was proven a yellow card by English referee Carl Dixon for a excessive deal with over his shoulder on Sexton.

Wales continued to assault however couldn’t cross for a second rating and Ireland demonstrated their scientific edge with Van der Flier diving in for the ultimate rating.

Wales face a visit to Scotland subsequent weekend, with Ireland internet hosting France in what might show to be a vital recreation within the battle for the 2023 Six Nations trophy.

line-up

Wales: L Williams; Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer; Biggar, T. Williams; G Thomas, Owens (c), Francis, Beardsley, AW Jones, Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacement: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reiffel, Webb, O’Williams, Cuthbert.

Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Sexton (Captain), Murray; Porter, Sheehan, Beilheim, Beirne, Ryan, O’Mahony, Van Der Flier, Doris

Replacement: Herring, Healy, O’Toole, Henderson, Conan, KC, R Byrne, Aki.

Ref: Carl Dixon (England)

Touch Judge: Angus Gardner (Aus) and Luke Pearce (England)

TMO: Tom Foley (England).