Wales player ratings vs Ireland as despite a spirited performance, Warren Gatland’s men fell to a third straight Six Nations defeat.
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Ireland edged closer to securing back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams with a hard-fought bonus-point triumph over a resilient Wales side in Dublin.
An early try from Dan Sheehan followed by a James Lowe score propelled the hosts to a commanding 17-0 lead at halftime, asserting their dominance in the initial stages.
Despite Wales clawing back with a penalty try and Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne facing a sin-bin, Ciaran Frawley’s timely intervention allayed any home supporters’ anxieties before Beirne clinched the crucial bonus point.
This victory sees Ireland equaling England’s Six Nations record of 11 consecutive victories and staying on track to replicate France’s 1998 achievement of consecutive Grand Slams.
While Wales suffered their third successive defeat, their tenacity on the field proved they were far from being easily overwhelmed, contrary to some pre-match predictions.
Scroll down for the Wales player ratings vs Ireland.
The Scorers:
Ireland:
- Tries: Dan Sheehan(20′), James Lowe(31′), Ciaran Frawley(66′), Tadhg Beirne(80′)
- Cons: Jack Crowley(21′, 32′, 67′, 80′)
- Pens: Jack Crowley(06′)
Wales:
- Tries: Penalty Try (43′)
- Cons:
- Pens:
RUCK’s Player Of The Match:
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Wales player ratings vs Ireland:
15. Cameron Winnett – 7.5
Swarmed by Bundee Aki on his first involvement and gave away a penalty on deck. Bounced back and had a stunning performance at fullback. Regathered his kick chases, and left Lowe in the dust with his footwork. Oustanding under the high ball, and always found a way through contact with his 73rd min offload to Rio Dyer picking this out. Withdrawn at 75 minutes for a gum-shield activated HIA, having previously been busted up. Plenty of war wounds in his shift. (Off – Sam Costelow – 76′)
14. Josh Adams – 6
Came off on bad end of Bundee Aki collision in the early goings, and was immediatey holding his neck. Nailed Calvin Nash, but couldn’t stop the wing’s pass to James Lowe, for Ireland’s second try. Strong defensivly, but never got off to his flying best on the front foot. (Off – Mason Grady 57′)
13. George North – 7.5
Contributed his leadership to the inexperienced backs, with excellent contributions on the front foot. Carried hard but equally as impressive in defence, with a highlight reel match up against Bundee Aki. Very impressive, got stuck in.
12. Nick Tompkins – 6.5
Put in an early high tackle on James Lowe, yet redeemed himself with some key hits throughout the match. Strong playmaking skills, but Wales were unable to click in the final third.
11. Rio Dyer – 6
Great effort in the carries, nice step at 48 minutes to break into the back-field. Quietened down quite early on in the contest, but showed his talent with some good second half bursts. Defensively astute, making hits on far more powerful players and put his body on the line.
10. Sam Costelow – 6.5
Ran the line well. Organised his forwards to match up the favourites for the match. Had plenty of eyes on him with Llyod dropped to the bench, and made his minutes count with quick ball distribution and some good territorial kicks. (Off – Ioan Llyod 72′)