That was way too close for comfort
Ireland have scraped past Wales, 27-18, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The home side were much improved, while Ireland were wasteful, got beaten up at the scrum, and Garry Ringrose was given a 20-minute red card.
Thankfully, the Grand Slam is still on.
Player ratings:
Andrew Porter – 5.5
Ireland’s shocking performance at scrum time was the key to Wales’ lead at half-time.
Dan Sheehan – 6
A decent showing from the captain, nothing more.
Tom Clarkson – 5
See Andrew Porter.
Joe McCarthy – 7
One of Ireland’s better players, and a beast in the carry.
Tadhg Beirne – 7
Not his best game but his standards are so high that even a slight off day is still impressive.
Peter O’Mahony – 6.5
Carried well in the tight but did not have as much impact as he would have liked, but did top the tackle charts.
Josh van der Flier – 7
A tireless performance from Ireland’s openside.
Was key in a later counter ruck which was the winning of the game.
Jack Conan – 7.5
By far Ireland’s best player in the first half and unfortunately had to go off early.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 7.5
Another strong performance and key to Ireland’s best passages of play. So cool under pressure and his box kicks were excellent, although probably lucky to get POTM.
Sam Prendergast – 7
Was on for a 7.5, but a woeful kick out on the full nearly killed his team.
Had a magnificent 50:22 and a great long-range penalty kick.
Mack Hansen – 6
Solid with the little ball he got. Was a dog in defence.
However, he did butcher a try near the end when he was held up after not passing to Dan Sheehan.
Robbie Henshaw – 7
Carried and defended well.
Garry Ringrose – 5
Was good while he was in the pitch but his red card was costly.
James Lowe – 7.5
Excellent once more. Kicked well and got up brilliantly to assist Jamie Osborne for his try.
Jamie Osborne – 6.5
Butchered what looked like a certain try early on but was fairly flawless from then on.
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy – 6
17. Jack Boyle – 6.5
18. Finlay Bealham – 7
19. James Ryan – 6
20. Ryan Baird – 6.5
21. Conor Murray –
22. Jack Crowley – 6
23. Bundee Aki – 7
