Five takeaways from Ireland v Wales

Editor

Following a high-octane 37-27 victory for Ireland over Wales, here are five takeaways from Saturday’s game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

No stopping Ireland today: Such a powerful yet dynamic force when in this kind of form, Ireland were outstanding as they sensed blood in that second-half spell and duly went out and grabbed a bonus-point victory. With England losing at Murrayfield, the Irish now take a step towards the title and if they can replicate this balanced performance in the closing two matches, the Grand Slam is there for the taking.

No shame for Wales: They knew defensively they had to be on their game and despite leaking those five tries, Wales deserve a good deal of praise for a 92% tackle success rate from their 175 hits. To soak all that up and still finish within touching distance of what would have been an incredible victory is a credit to their fitness and character. A lot better sides might have been blown away by such Irish dominance.

Ireland’s backs show their class: Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton were superb once again. Yes, Sexton’s goal-kicking wasn’t up to par but in every other aspect he was on point alongside the classy Murray. Outside the duo, Bundee Aki and Chris Farrell edged an in-form Hadleigh Parkes and Scott Williams while Jacob Stockdale, Keith Earls and Rob Kearney blended nicely, with Stockdale’s rise continuing at a rate.

A deserved try: For a while now Cian Healy has been playing second fiddle behind Jack McGrath at both provincial and Test level. Recently though he has edged his nose in front and today he was a rock for Ireland. Such a physical yet mobile prop who fully deserved that score.

Two outstanding back-rows: From minute one both sets of back-rows were excellent in their own right. While Wales had scraps of possession, when they did get their hands on the ball their transition into attack was rapid, thanks largely to Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi and Ross Moriarty. Against them we saw Peter O’Mahony’s rugged style, Dan Leavy growing and growing as a Test flanker and CJ Stander’s customary carries.