Wales player ratings vs Ireland: 2026 Six Nations

Friday, 06 March 2026 at 22:04

byHarry Tovey

Wales player ratings vs Ireland as Steve Tandy's men improved yet again, but their losing run in the Six Nations goes on.

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Ireland kept their faint hopes of winning the Six Nations alive with a bonus-point victory over a determined Wales side in Dublin. Two weeks after their dominant win against England, Ireland were unable to produce another commanding display, as Wales delivered a physical performance while searching for their first championship victory since 2023.

Andy Farrell’s team still managed to secure the crucial five points thanks to tries from Jacob Stockdale, Jack Crowley, Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne.

Stockdale and Crowley crossed early for Ireland, but Wales responded strongly when prop Rhys Carre produced an impressive solo try, leaving the teams separated by just two points at halftime.

Conan extended Ireland’s lead early in the second half, yet Wales continued to fight and narrowed the gap through a try from James Botham, raising hopes of a major upset. However, Osborne’s late try secured Ireland’s bonus point and condemned Wales to a 15th consecutive Six Nations defeat.

Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs Ireland.

IRELAND 27

Tries: Stockdale (6'), Crowley (37'), Conan (44'), Osborne (68')
Cons: Crowley (7', 45')
Pens: Crowley (76')

WALES 17

Tries: Carre (40'), Botham (63')
Cons: D Edwards (40', 64')
Pens: D Edwards (17')

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Wales player ratings vs Ireland

By Harry Tovey at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin

15. Louis Rees-Zammit – 6

Didn’t play his best game last time out for Wales, but this evening he was one of his side’s main protagonists in attack. Notably, he produced a marvellous 50:22 after 14 minutes, which was then followed by his side scoring their opening points of the contest. There are still areas for improvement, but overall it was a vastly improved performance from previous outings.

14. Ellis Mee – 5.5

After being left out of Wales’ best performance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Scarlets winger was perhaps playing with a point to prove against Ireland. However, it was a relatively quiet evening for him in terms of attacking opportunities. Defensively, though, he was useful, particularly in the wide channels.

13. Eddie James – 7.5

It has been a breakthrough Six Nations Championship so far for James, who has been one of his side’s standout performers. His sheer size in attack made the difference as Wales looked to get over the gainline. That strength also carried into his defensive work, where he delivered some thumping hits.

12. Joe Hawkins – 6

Compared to his midfield counterpart, the inside centre has had a quieter campaign. This was a decent outing in Dublin: he carried well and played an important role in orchestrating attacking phases, helping to put Wales on the front foot.

11. Josh Adams – 5.5

After proving his naysayers wrong in Wales’ narrow defeat to Scotland, the Cardiff Rugby winger endured a quiet evening — as did both wingers, in truth. His experience was evident as he looked to work his magic in attack, but with limited ball out wide, he was unable to make a significant impact.

10. Dan Edwards – 5

With Sam Costelow sidelined through injury, Edwards may count himself fortunate to retain his place after difficult outings against England and France. The evening began nervously for the 22-year-old, as Ireland soon punished Wales after he kicked the ball dead in the opening exchanges. It was also a bruising return to Test level, following a huge early hit from Nick Timoney.

Despite the shaky start, he did improve as the game progressed. However, Jarrod Evans surely needs to come into the conversation ahead of Wales’ final game against Italy.

9. Tomos Williams – 5

He hasn’t been firing for Wales in this Six Nations, and like Edwards, this was another performance that raised questions about the British and Irish Lions scrum-half. He may count himself fortunate that his aimless box kicks did not lead to another Ireland try, as Tom O’Toole fumbled possession near the whitewash.

So far it has been a Six Nations to forget for Williams, who will need to improve next Saturday against Italy after receiving a late yellow card.

1.⁠ ⁠Rhys Carré- 8

The looshead was one of Wales’ top performers against Scotland, and tonight the big ball-carrying prop shone again. He was one of his side’s main ball carriers close to Ireland’s whitewash, and almost scored his third of the tournament at the start of the second quarter.
That excellence was on show right at the break, as he made a superb break to score and bring Wales right back into the contest.

2.⁠ ⁠Dewi Lake- 8

He took his time to get going in the championship, but Lake has been solid for Wales in their last couple of outings. It was a confident start at lineout time, and was hugely beneficial around the breakdown.
Particularly worked well inside his side’s own 22, as he expertly relieved pressure following a brilliant turnover. It was his best Wales performance for some time.

3.⁠ ⁠Tomas Francis- 5.5

The Provence Rugby player made his debut at Aviva Stadium 11 years ago for Wales, and despite a somewhat of a quiet return to the international arena, he worked well for his side when needed.
In defence, made some great hits and scrummaged well at times, but was eventually replaced by Archie Griffin after 56 minutes.

4. Dafydd Jenkins – 7

Jenkins is another member of Tandy’s XV who has been performing extremely well throughout this championship. Once again, he was one of Wales’ standout players this evening. The 23-year-old’s work rate was the highlight of his performance, consistently showcasing his strength in defence when his side were on the back foot.

5. Ben Carter – 6

Carter was given his first Six Nations start against Scotland and excelled alongside Jenkins in the second row. The pair are beginning to look like a formidable partnership. He carried well for his side and was strong in defence, and having Jenkins alongside him will only continue to benefit his development.

6. Alex Mann – 7

It is turning into a Six Nations to remember for the Cardiff Rugby player, who was solid in defence throughout. One notable moment came with a big hit on tighthead Tadhg Furlong. In the closing exchanges of the first half, the blindside also regained possession for his side following an interception after a sustained period of pressure close to Wales’ line.

7. James Botham – 6

The Cardiff Rugby forward, who came on early in Wales’ previous contest, was arguably Tandy’s side’s best player on that occasion. However, this evening in the Irish capital his work was largely overshadowed by the performances of his back-row counterparts, despite managing to score late in the contest.

8. Aaron Wainwright – 6.5

The ultra-reliable Gallagher Premiership-bound forward was reported to have been struggling with a knee injury throughout the week but still delivered a strong performance. However, following Jack Crowley’s cross just before the interval there were concerns about his fitness, and his evening was cut short as he was replaced by Olly Cracknell minutes into the second half.