Five takeaways from Ireland v Wales

Following a 32-9 victory for Ireland over Wales in their Autumn Nations Cup game, here’s our five takeaways from the fixture at the Aviva Stadium.

James Lowe immediately settles in

It was a superb first outing from the Leinster man, who was regularly involved and showed some classy touches as Ireland dominated the first half. Although it wasn’t the most auspicious of starts after he dropped Johnny Sexton’s pass – albeit it wasn’t totally his fault – Lowe was excellent from thereon in. There were a couple of trademark off-loads and he continually tested the visiting defence with his pace and dexterity. It was certainly a promising debut from the New Zealand-born wing, who thoroughly deserved his try at the end.

The pressure continues to mount on Wayne Pivac

Defence coach Byron Hayward lost his job on Sunday but Wales were once again exposed as they failed to stop the Irish attack in the opening period. They were much more aggressive than in their previous five matches, but there were a number of system, as well as individual, errors which allowed the hosts to gain ground. There were a few more promising signs defensively in the early stages of the second period, while Lloyd Williams added some spark with ball in hand, but the Welsh were quite frankly toothless for most of the match. You don’t expect it to be perfect right away under a new head coach but they have gotten worse over the past few games. The attack, something which was a positive prior to lockdown, is now faltering and has left Pivac with plenty to ponder.

Set-piece issues add to Wales’ worries

You had to feel for Rhys Carre. The loosehead prop was absolutely tormented by Ireland’s Andrew Porter and was eventually replaced a minute before half-time, summing up a torrid evening for the visiting scrum. Although there was a slight improvement at the start of the second period, Ireland once again gained the ascendancy in the latter stages of the contest as their front-row finished the stronger. There were also issues with the Welsh lineout, particularly in the opening 40 minutes, and their list of problems is getting rather lengthy.

Rhys Carré isn't the first, and won't be the last, young prop to have a half like that.

It happens.

He'll come back from that.

— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) November 13, 2020

Time up for the old guard?

There has, quite rightly, been much fanfare over the achievements of the great Alun Wyn Jones, who became the first player to reach 150 Test caps on Friday, but is the time coming for Wales to gradually ease the next man in? Jones has proved plenty of people wrong before but, once again, he failed to really make an impact in the contest. Similarly, there are questions to be answered over Sexton after the fly-half succumbed to injury and was forced off relatively early on. Billy Burns was his replacement and did fairly well, but Ireland gradually lost their attacking shape as the game wore on. With the World Cup still three years away, they have the time to find the next in line, but head coach Andy Farrell can’t wait too long.

Jamison Gibson-Park provides the tempo

Another New Zealand-born player to impress, following the efforts of Lowe, was the Irish scrum-half, who was instrumental in their victory. Gibson-Park’s passing was excellent, while his box-kicking was pinpoint and kept Wales on the back foot. Johnny Sexton’s departure could have derailed the hosts but, although there wasn’t quite the same attacking threat without his provincial partner on the field, the scrum-half’s performance levels never dipped. Conor Murray has had his critics over the last couple of seasons and the Leinster player has certainly done enough to keep his position.