Wales 10-34 Ireland: Andy Farrell's side pick up impressive win

Wales 10-34 Ireland: Josh van der Flier’s try wraps up the bonus point for the Six Nations favourites in Cardiff, as they secure a convincing win to open their campaign  after a dominant first half display

• Ireland scored three tries in the first half to take a commanding lead
• Wales fought back after the break, but never looked like overturning the deficit
• Josh van der Flier went over late on to ensure Ireland claimed a bonus point 

The Welsh Rugby Union probably thought it couldn’t get any worse.

Until this.

After a fortnight of negative off-field headlines focusing on shocking allegations of sexism and misogyny at the governing body and the resignation of chief executive Steve Phillips, this Six Nations opener was a chance for everyone in Wales to focus on the action on the pitch.

It was an unmitigated disaster, certainly before half time.

World No 1 Ireland were utterly dominant, far too good for the home side even without key duo Tadhg Furlong and Jamison Gibson-Park due to injury.

For Warren Gatland, it was a chastening first game back as Wales boss. Gatland had spoken in the build-up of his team being in a good place to challenge Andy Farrell’s Ireland.

Caelan Doris scored a try early on to set the tone for the match at the Principality Stadium

Ireland made a lightning fast start, and Wales could not get a foothold in the game

But their opening 40 minutes was totally abject. Wales conceded nine first-half penalties and Ireland walked – or rather crashed – straight through the door to score three times.

This was Ireland’s first Six Nations win in Cardiff since 2013 and while it was a statement victory, the paucity of their opponents must be acknowledged when assessing their display.

‘Welsh rugby is a game for everybody,’ announced the Principality Stadium host before kick-off in an attempt to showcase the WRU in a positive light. There has not been much of that recently.

The pre-match choir was also banned from singing the Tom Jones hit Delilah, but it was sung loudly in the streets of Cardiff before the match and also by supporters during the game.

A blank look lay across Gatland’s face in the coaching box during a first half in which Ireland scored through Caelan Doris, James Ryan and James Lowe. You wondered if Gatland was wondering whether he had made a mistake in returning to the Welsh hot seat.

Wales will surely get better from this. They definitely can’t get any worse than their first-half display in Cardiff. For Ireland, it was an ideal start to the Six Nations as Josh van der Flier’s late effort meant a four-try bonus-point.

Even without Furlong and Gibson-Park – who was an 11th hour withdrawal with a hamstring injury – Ireland’s start was perfect. It must not be forgotten Robbie Henshaw was also absent.

Ireland were given a helping hand by Wales full-back Liam Williams. When Lowe kicked ahead, Williams went back to cover.

James Ryan dipped under some Welsh tackles to score Ireland’s second try 

James Lowe made an interception and raced clear as Ireland scored their third try

The full-back, who was playing just his fifth game this season, assured Dan Biggar he was in control but didn’t boot clear and put Josh Adams under pressure. Adams’ clearance kick was poor.

It gave Ireland a perfect set-piece platform in the Welsh 22 and Doris soon crashed over from close range after multiple phases. Johnny Sexton converted. Ireland are clinical when given a chance.

And Wales gifted them opportunities, allowing easy entries into their own 22 through poor discipline. Lock Ryan made it two for Ireland following a quick tap.

Sexton again improved the effort to make it 14-0 in less than 10 minutes. A sold-out Welsh crowd was shocked. Their first chance to cheer came when an Irish attack broke down.

Home wing Rio Dyer hacked on, but outstanding Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan got back to avert the danger. Biggar did kick a penalty despite the Welsh scrum being shoved backwards.

Sexton soon cancelled that out.

It then got even worse for Wales. From their first real phase attack, Biggar looked to spread the ball to Williams. It was picked off by Ireland wing Lowe, who went the length.

Wales improved after the break and Liam Williams scored their only try in the second half

Ireland were scoring at more than a point per minute. It was car crash stuff for Wales and Gatland.

Even when a home score looked certain, Garry Ringrose produced a stunning try-saving tackle on Biggar and Lowe got over the ball to win the turnover.

Wales’ discipline was shocking. They gave away stupid, easy penalties. Ireland didn’t need any second invitation. The green shirts were totally dominant in contact. Stepping in for Gibson-Park, Conor Murray was given an armchair ride. His service was slick as he found runners at will.

Wales supporters cheered ironically when referee Karl Dickson awarded them a penalty. What they failed to realise was that it wasn’t the official holding them back.

Wales were shooting themselves in the foot time and time again. The number of offside penalties was embarrassing. Gatland’s side were held up over the line and Taulupe Faletau spilled a ball before the break. The half-time score of 27-3 meant the game was over as a contest.

An errant line-out throw from Wales captain Ken Owens summed it all up.

Josh van der Flier ensured Ireland picked up a bonus point after an impressive display

Jonny Sexton was reliable from the kicking tee all afternoon for the visitors

MATCH FACTS

Wales

Try: L Williams 46

Con: Biggar 46

Pen: Biggar 14

Ireland

Tries: Doris 2, Ryan 9, Lowe 21, Van der Flier 73

Cons: Sexton 3,10,22 Byrne 74

Pens: Sexton 19, 28

Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)

Star man: Hugo Keenan (Ireland)

Owens and Biggar, who is never one to not give his opinion, looked on the verge of a major falling out such was the state of the debacle that was the Welsh performance.

Williams did grab one back at the start of the second half. Backs Adams, George North and Tomos Williams were all unusual presences in the line-out.

North won the ball and from there, Biggar’s pass sent Liam Williams over. As he scored, Ireland’s Andrew Porter slid in late. Biggar took exception and a brawl broke out before the conversion.

Porter’s hit meant Wales had a penalty from the halfway line at the restart. They kicked to the corner, but Owens’ line-out throw was all wonky. Biggar’s frustration was clear.

One of only a few Welsh positives was the performance of rookie centre Joe Hawkins who showed some nice touches at centre on just his second cap.

What must surely have been a half-time rocket from Gatland meant Wales did have more about them in the second period. Liam Williams – who has never lacked bottle – stormed through midfield.

He was then hit late by Ireland replacement Iain Henderson, but only a penalty was awarded.

Wales did rally to some degree, but it was too little, too late. Owens, unusually, struggled badly at the set-piece and Ireland weathered the storm with a healthy lead already banked.

Owens and his fellow Welsh old guard of Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Biggar were all withdrawn. Wing Dyer never stopped running. But Wales were second best throughout.

Liam Williams’ mixed day was completed by a yellow card for a high tackle on Sexton. It was slightly harsh on the Welshman, but he did make contact with the Irish pivot’s head.

With Wales’ full-back in the sin bin, Ireland grabbed a crucial fourth when Van der Flier – the world’s best player – crashed over between the sticks.

It completed a thoroughly miserable day for Wales and one of jubilation for their opponents.

It was all smiles at full time for Ireland as they made the perfect start to their Six Nations

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