Ireland ran into a red wall in Cardiff yet they remain in the Six Nations championship picture after leaving it all on the pitch.
Here is how we rated the men in green.
Rob Kearney 6
An extremely quiet game from the fullback despite, paradoxically, making 104 metres. Eclipsed by Leigh Halfpenny and made none of his trademark high ball claims or counter attacks. Made two first-half tackles. Landed one and missed another. Decent scrambling defence to prevent a Liam Williams try.
Tommy Bowe 5
Could not provide the same kick-chase momentum as he did in the opening three games. Was utilised in midfield for ball carries and made some tough yards. Brave defence to take down Scott Williams. Bought Williams’ dummy for his vital try.
Jared Payne 6
His best outing for Ireland yet as his deft passing and footwork took him past red jerseys and into the Welsh 22 on three occasions.
Robbie Henshaw 5
Subdued. Found himself drawn into a defensive slog in the first half and rarely showed in attack. Led Ireland’s tackle count.
Simon Zebo 5
Sketchy under the high ball in the first half and struggled to get himself into the game thereafter.
Johnny Sexton 3
A poor outing from Sexton as his restarts, kicking out of hand and chips forward were off the mark. Was fended off in brutal fashion by Jonathan Davies [below] and missed a first half penalty. Not looking at Jamie Heaslip’s pass, on the half hour mark, summed up Irish disarray under Welsh pressure. Gave away a penalty for going off his feet, on 56 minutes, to end a siege on the Welsh line.
Conor Murray 5
Felt the pressure right from the off. His passing was not as crisp and exact as it needed to be, in close quarters, and his kicking out of hand was often inaccurate.
Jack McGrath 6
Wayne Barnes had a problem with McGrath and frequently let him know about it. The Irish front row looked solid but the Leinster loose-head was penalised at one scrum and again at a Welsh ruck. Was close to getting yellow carded. Tackled like a demon.
Rory Best 4
Just when we needed the hooker’s line-out throwing to stand up, it faltered. Poor throw found Sam Warburton 5-metres from the Welsh line and another one, minutes later, stunted Irish momentum. Throwing did not improve after the break.
Mike Ross 6
Solid and unflappable in the scrum but did not contribute much around the pitch.
Devin Toner 6
Gave away a penalty from 5-metres out but it was more down to Best’s bad throw. His immense effort stalled a Welsh rolling maul before half-time.
Paul O’Connell 6
As committed as ever but found himself in Wayne Barnes’ bad books early in the game after he conceded a penalty. Missed a couple of tackles. Made a line break in the first-half that eventually led to a Sexton penalty. Another line break after the break but Ireland were not rewarded.
Peter O’Mahony 6
Found himself in one hell of a battle and while he did well in defence, he offered little for his team in terms of carries. Gave away two penalties as Barnes scolded the Munster captain about his breakdown [slow-ball] antics.
Sean O’Brien 7
Ireland’s best forward. Teamed up with O’Mahony for a choke tackle turnover. Won his team a couple of crucial turnovers and made some big carries deep into Welsh territory. A key role in securing Ireland the penalty try. Gave away a silly penalty near the end.
Jamie Heaslip 6
Cannot fault the effort but the Irish back row were shaded by the Welsh. Hearty in the tackle and a roving tackler and support runner.
Replacements
Cian Healy 4
[On for McGrath ’56] Knock on under the Welsh posts. Outpaced on outside by Williams for Welsh try.
Sean Cronin 6
[On for Best ’63] Strong carries when he came on. Throwing was on point.
Marty Moore 5
[On for Ross ’63] Irish scrum was an attacking weapon when he came on.
Iain Henderson 5
[On for Toner ’63] Got his team on the front-foot.
Jordi Murphy N/A
[On for Heaslip ’71] Too late to truly influence the game. One knock on.
Eoin Reddan
[On for Murray ’63] Added some vim to proceedings.
Ian Madigan N/A
[On for Sexton ’74] Lucky to get second chance with kick fotr line.
