WALES 17-22 IRELAND
Conor Murray assured us, midweek, that we would see ‘a different Ireland’ this weekend. In terms of personnel, attitude and finishing, he was on the money.
A week and a world away from Twickenham. Ireland looked back to themselves, albeit against a much-changed Wales side, and several of their starting XV have now pressed a strong case for World Cup inclusion. The Ireland ratings make for much better eading.
Ireland went 3-0 ahead when Jack Carty confidently slotted over a penalty and there was much better to come when, sparked by Will Addison and Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Conway made a slaloming run from right to left before teeing up Jacob Stockdale to score.
That was the Ulster winger’s 15th Test try and No.16 arrived soon after when he hacked a loose ball ahead and outpace the Welsh defence to dot down. HALF-TIME: Wales 3-15 Ireland
Jacob Stockdale outpaces Hallam Amos to score the second Ireland try at Principality Stadium. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)The second half saw Ireland put the hammer down after their forwards sensed the Welsh pack was there for the taking. Welsh prop Leon Browne went to the sin bin and Ireland spent most of that 10 minutes putting serious scrum pressure on before referee Jerome Garces awarded them a penalty try.
Wales bounced back into the contest, driven on by Rhys Patchell, when they were restored to 15 men. Ireland were suddenly in defensive mode until some sleight-footedness from Owen Lane got his side a try in the corner.
Garry Ringrose had a try chalked off by referee Jerome Garces – Bundee Aki was penalised for tackling James Davies in the air – and was then stepped, five minutes later, by Patchell as his try made it a one-score game. Ringrose forced a Lane knock-on, on 78 minutes, though and Ireland hung onto the ball until the final whistle.
Here’s how we rated Joe Schmidt’s men in green.
Will Addison – 7.5
Nice early run and offload to Aki to settle in. Mopped up well to take Owen Lane down after Stockdale was taken out by a cross-field kick. Fielded a high ball superbly to get Ireland on the front-foot for that Stockdale try. Made a last-ditch tackle on Aled Davies to prevent a try after Wales went offload crazy.
Andrew Conway – 8
Wonderful attacking line, wheels and patience to tee up Stockdale’s try. Kick-chase was committed as ever. A couple of knock-ons in the air for a player who is usually spot-on in that regard.
Chris Farrell – 6
Quiet day from the Munster centre and he will be annoyed with himself for knocking on straight in front of the Wales posts as he tried to burst past Rhys Patchell. Stuck all his tackles in defence and cleaned out rucks with intent but only made four carries.
Bundee Aki – 7.5
The beard was gone but the venom was back. Unlucky with a couple of knock-ons but almost inevitable given the gung-ho pace he was hitting the line at. Ran over poor Aled Davies at one stage. Looked to have created a James Davies knock-on for a Ringrose try but video replays showed he tackled the flanker in the air.
Jacob Stockdale – 8
(Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)Give this lad a haircut every week. Was caught out by a lovely Evans cross-field kick but much more assured in defence this week. Stayed out wide and profited from Conway’s pass for his 15th Test try. Made 64 metres from eight carries, with a clean break and four defenders beaten.
Jack Carty – 7.5
Nailed an early penalty to settle any nerves on his first start. Showed the sort of bravery and invention that Connacht fans will know all too well. Missed a conversion and penalty and put a little too much on a couple of kicks out of hand. His looped pass to Conway drifted forward so a try was ruled out.
Kieran Marmion – 7.5
Kept up a lively tempo in attack. Hopped in on the left flank to poach the ball and secure a brilliant turnover.
Dave Kilcoyne – 9
Took a great inside line, at pace, to help spark that Stockdale opener. Was smoking lads out there and made a few superb carries.
Niall Scannell – 7
Lineouts went well in the first half and the team hummed as a consequence. Solid in the scrum and tidy carries too.
John Ryan – 7
After Wales won an early scrum penalty, the Irish set-piece improved and Ryan did well in this regard.
Iain Henderson – 7
Teamed up with Conan for an early turnover. Was kept out there for the full 80 minutes and tackled until the very death.
James Ryan – 8
Good to be back. Great to have him back. Lineout was ticking nicely with Ryan calling the shots and he belted a few Welsh lads back on their heels.
Tadhg Beirne – 7
Great to have his pace and bite in the back row. Only made two carries but had his hands full with hitting breakdowns and taking down red Welshmen.
Peter O’Mahony – 7.5
Was pinged by Jerome Garces for holding onto Navidi inside the Irish 22. Won his side a turnover just after the hour mark and looked very good at openside.
Jack Conan – 7
Gobbled up Jarrod Evans in a choke-tackle for an early turnover. Would be upset with himself for giving away a penalty for being offside. A dogged 80+ minute effort.
Replacements
Dave Kearney (for Stockdale ’40) – 5
Was left with no choice but to bolt out of his line but could not prevent the pass to Lane for his try.
Andrew Porter (for Kilcoyne ’45) – 7
Won a scrum penalty with his first involvement. Will definitely go to Japan.
Rory Best (for Niall Scannell ’51) – 7
Won his team a turnover near his line as Ireland stoutly defended a Welsh maul.
Tadhg Furlong (for John Ryan ’51) – 5
Devin Toner (for James Ryan ’51) – 6
Luke McGrath (for Marmion ’59) – 7
Made a try-saving tackle on Elliott Dee in the final quarter.
Garry Ringrose (for Addison ’59) – 6
Had a try chalked off when Bundee Aki was penalised. Was stepped inside by Pathchell for his try. Tackle on Lane forced late knock-on.
Jordi Murphy (for O’Mahony ’60) – 5
