IRELAND continued their march towards another Six Nations title with a hard-fought 27-18 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium. While Andy Farrell’s men ultimately secured the win, the hosts delivered their best performance of the tournament so far, proving far more competitive than many had anticipated.
First half: A competitive opening
From the first whistle, Wales showed an energy and cohesion that had been missing in their previous matches. A sell-out Cardiff crowd roared them on as they matched Ireland’s early intensity, refusing to allow the visitors to dominate proceedings as they so often have in recent encounters.A stunning cross-field kick to James Lowe! Jamie Osborne is there to collect the ball and score!
It was Ireland who struck first, with Jack Conan powering over the line in the seventh minute after relentless pressure inside the Welsh 22. Sam Prendergast, stepping in for Johnny Sexton’s long-term successor Jack Crowley, slotted the conversion to make it 7-0.
However, unlike in previous matches where Wales had struggled to respond to early setbacks, this time they hit back almost immediately. A pinpoint cross-field kick from Sam Costelow found Rio Dyer, who soared above James Lowe to touch down in the corner. Costelow’s conversion attempt drifted wide, but at 7-5, Wales had sent a clear message: they were here to fight.
The remainder of the half saw Ireland’s trademark structured play tested by Wales’ aggressive line speed and improved breakdown work. While the visitors added a penalty through Prendergast, the Welsh continued to press, forcing errors from an Irish side that is usually so clinical. Costelow’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking, and at halftime, Ireland led by a slender 13-11 margin. Watch for the rugby, stay for the finish from Tom Rogers
Second half: Ireland’s quality tells, but wales stay in the fight
With the match finely poised, the second half began in breathless fashion. Ireland sought to assert their authority, and their cohesion in attack began to stretch the Welsh defence. A moment of brilliance from Caelan Doris, breaking through a tired Welsh defensive line before offloading to Dan Sheehan for a crucial try, shifted momentum back towards the visitors.
Prendergast’s conversion made it 20-11, and for a brief moment, it looked as if Ireland would pull away. But this new-look Welsh team had other ideas. Gareth Thomas epitomised their resilience with a thunderous hit on Bundee Aki, forcing a turnover that led to another attacking opportunity. A flowing backline move saw George North slice through before offloading to Tomos Williams, who dotted down under the posts. Costelow’s conversion closed the gap to 20-18, setting up a grandstand finish.
Wales, sensing an opportunity for an upset, surged forward, but crucial handling errors at key moments allowed Ireland to escape unscathed. As the clock ticked down, the visitors’ superior squad depth and game management proved decisive. A penalty won inside the Welsh half provided the platform for one final assault, and a slick move off a rolling maul saw Josh van der Flier crash over to seal the victory. Prendergast’s conversion added the final gloss to the scoreline, but the margin of victory did not reflect the closeness of the contest.
Final thoughts: A step forward for Wales, a step closer for Ireland
For Ireland, this was another significant step towards retaining their Six Nations crown and securing the Triple Crown. Their ability to withstand pressure and execute clinically in key moments was the difference, with players like Doris, Sheehan, and Prendergast making telling contributions.
Yet, despite the loss, Wales can take great encouragement from this performance. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt had demanded a response from his side, and he got one. This was a display full of grit, intelligence, and attacking ambition—qualities that had been missing in recent matches. Young talents such as Costelow and Dyer shone, while the experienced core of North, Williams, and captain Dafydd Jenkins provided the leadership needed to challenge one of the world’s best teams.
Though they remain winless in the tournament, this was a performance that should instill belief in the squad and fans alike. If they can replicate this level in their remaining fixtures, that first victory may not be far away.
Final score: Wales 18-27 Ireland
(Cover photo: via WRU)
