Wales travelled to Dublin off the back of a convincing home win against Italy while Ireland had rather scraped home against Scotland. This was an entirely different kettle of fish for Wales and I was mentally prepared for Wales to come down to earth with a bump. I had Ireland to win 26-12 in the sweep before the game and in blustery conditions I saw no reason to think any different on the day. It is not that I am disloyal but I had felt some concerns with the scrum and also the defence in the Italian game as I watched from behind the posts.
So to the match. Ireland proceeded to dominate the first half in terms of territory and possession and Wales had to put in an extraordinary defensive stint to restrict the Irish to just twelve points. Ireland scored two tries both through Welsh defensive lapses – the first by Tompkins allowed Larmour to slip through and the second a knock on from Williams close to the Welsh line with Furlong ploughing over from the resulting scrum. Sandwiched between the two Irish tries, Wales scored a try against the run of play through Williams after some excellent offloading. For Wales to go in at half time only 12-7 down was something of a triumph. They had, however, lost Adams their main try scoring weapon through injury but at least they were still in touch.
Wales needed to start well in the second half but failed to do so. Van der Flier was credited with a try for Ireland after a forward drive close to the Welsh line. The mystery is how the ball ended up over the line when it was clearly grounded short. Wales were now 19-7 down with it all to do.
As we hoped, at last Wales rolled up their sleeves and went to work. It was their turn to dominate territory and possession and they hammered away at the Irish line for ten minutes or more. Parkes got over the line but was adjudged to have lost the ball as he touched it down. Then came the moment that sealed the Welsh fate. They opted for a scrum from a penalty under the Irish posts and were penalised for collapsing the scrum. As momentum changers go, this was as big as it gets. The Irish were elated and the Welsh deflated and there was no way back for Wales. A rejuvenated Ireland marched back down the field and minutes later Conway was crossing for a try in the corner to make it 24-7.
The Irish relaxed with the bonus point secured. Stander was shown a rather belated yellow card for an offence at the ruck. With the last play of the game, Wales salvaged some pride when Tipuric touched down for a try from a forward drive that was converted by Halfpenny. The final score at 24-14 slightly flattered Wales.
This match was much more reminiscent of an Irish Province playing a Welsh Region than the recent internationals. Aside from about ten minutes or so in the second half and the occasional flash here and there, the Irish put a stranglehold on Wales and fully deserved their bonus point win. The Welsh coaching team will have some thinking to do before the next match against the resurgent French in a couple of weeks.
Terrible conditions at Murrayfield led to an awful spectacle as England just managed to beat the Scots 6-13. If ever there was an advertisement for the benefits of a stadium with a roof this was it. France play Italy in Paris today and it is difficult to envisage anything other than a resounding French victory.
Next week we are back to the important stuff! Pontypool travel to Trebanos as they continue their quest to secure promotion to the Premiership. With ten games left and Bargoed hot on their heels they cannot afford to slip up.
Come on Pooler!
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