Guinness Six Nations | Three Takeaways From Ireland's Win Over Wales
Guinness Six Nations | Three Takeaways From Ireland's Win Over Wales
Ireland edged Wales 27-18 in Cardiff, but a spirited Welsh side impressed. Key takeaways include Ireland’s fly-half debate, Wales’ resurgence & Irish depth.
Ireland’s quest for a third consecutive Six Nations title continued with a tight 27-18 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Coming into the clash on the back of 14 consecutive losses, Wales put on a performance unlike any since the 2023 Rugby World Cup against the reigning champions.
Taking a deserved lead into the halftime break, the 24-point underdogs were well on their way to the upset of the season.
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Starting strong with the opening try through No. 8 Jack Conan, Ireland eased into a two-score lead through a Sam Prendergast penalty.
While Ireland certainly made the early yards, the Irish couldn’t quite capitalize on their pressure.
The momentum soon would shift to the home side, which scored 13 unanswered points, with captain Jac Morgan crashing over just before halftime.
Matt Sherrett’s side would come out swinging to open the second half with an early try to take them a score clear of their visitors.
Despite not quite firing, Simon Easterby’s side methodically worked its way back into the contest.
Drilling a penalty to come back within a score through Prendergast, Ireland would get back on level terms with a brilliant try by fullback Jamie Osborne.
From here, the men in green would score the final nine points to take the win and rather cruelly deny Wales the losing bonus point.
Although the champions took the win, it is the home side that arguably will feel the more positive of the two sides, having taken major strides forward since Round 2.
Here are three key takeaways from the fixture:
Irish Fly-Half Selection Remains Debatable
Undoubtedly the hottest topic in Irish Rugby in 2025, the debate around who should start in the No. 10 shirt continues to rage.
Playing the full 80 once again this afternoon, Sam Prendergast had a mixed showing.
Starting with the positives, Prendergast was superb with his long-range kicks, both from hand and the tee. Yet in open play, his defense was questionable at best, as Wales clearly targeted him from the off.
Missing a key tackle in the buildup to Wales’ second try was the most notable of his missed efforts.
Certainly, he has plenty of time to improve in this department; however, with an ultra-physical French side coming to Dublin in Round 4 there is little doubt he once again will be a point of focus.
In attack, his early crosskick to Mack Hansen was pinpoint, as were a few of his passes at the line. When his pack isn't dominant, however, he tends to run laterally, cutting down the space for his outside backs.
Coming off the bench for eight minutes, out of position, Crowley no doubt will be disappointed with his lack of opportunity. He did, however, win a key turnover, which Prendergast drilled to give his side some breathing space.
For clarity, this is not a hit piece on the exceptionally talented Prendergast, but one can’t help but feel at this juncture, the 25-year-old Crowley could get more out of this Irish side.
Indomitable Welsh Spirit
At its lowest ebb, this Welsh side proved that no matter what, the pride in the jersey is unquestionable.
Putting aside what certain ‘media personalities,’ who venture more into the world of trolling may believe, Welsh Rugby is far from dead and buried.
Bringing a new-looking attacking structure, interim head coach Matt Sherratt deserves huge credit for bringing back Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn.
Pulling the strings masterfully, Anscombe brought direction to the previously rudderless Welsh attack.
Combining with Ben Thomas, who unsurprisingly looked far more assured in the centers, the pair offered Wales a sublime dual playmaking option.
Bringing a hard edge and directness to the attack, Llewellyn clearly heard former coach Warren Gatland’s comments in the media this week as he got on the ball routinely.
Up front, Wales dominated the scrum early on and challenged the Irish line-out, which went a long way to getting them on top.
At the breakdown, Jac Morgan and Tommy Reffell were supremely efficient in stunting Ireland’s ability to secure quick ball.
Completing the performance, the young back three of Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Tom Rogers looked dangerous.
This performance no doubt will have put a spring in the Welsh step, and this writer has a feeling they will win at least one of their remaining two fixtures.
Irish Growth Continues
Sure, this was far from a vintage performance and, from a layman’s standpoint, could’ve been viewed as a lethargic Irish performance. But this summation would not do the Welsh performance justice, which full value and looked a side reborn.
For Ireland, the ability to make eight changes, be pushed to the limit in a hostile environment and still win is a huge feather in the team's cap.
Of these changes, the bulk of the players are yet to hit their prime and very much are in the infancy of their careers. This only bodes well for Irish Rugby in the long-term, as the team clearly has an eye toward bringing an end to its Rugby World Cup hoodoo.
In addition to the new faces, by naming Dan Sheehan as captain in the absence of Caelan Doris, rather than the experienced Peter O'Mahony or Tadhg Beirne, Ireland confirmed that it is firmly a new squad with new leaders for the future.
Finally, unlike any Irish side before them, this team is blessed with an impact bench that can swing results in the key moments of contests.
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