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22nd February 2025
04:52pm GMT
Ireland have scraped past Wales, 27-18, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The home side were much improved, while Ireland were wasteful, got beaten up at the scrum, and Garry Ringrose was given a 20-minute red card.
Thankfully, the Grand Slam is still on.
Ireland's shocking performance at scrum time was the key to Wales' lead at half-time.
A decent showing from the captain, nothing more.
See Andrew Porter.
One of Ireland's better players, and a beast in the carry.
Not his best game but his standards are so high that even a slight off day is still impressive.
Carried well in the tight but did not have as much impact as he would have liked, but did top the tackle charts.
A tireless performance from Ireland's openside.
Was key in a later counter ruck which was the winning of the game.
By far Ireland's best player in the first half and unfortunately had to go off early.
Another strong performance and key to Ireland's best passages of play. So cool under pressure and his box kicks were excellent, although probably lucky to get POTM.
Was on for a 7.5, but a woeful kick out on the full nearly killed his team.
Had a magnificent 50:22 and a great long-range penalty kick.
Solid with the little ball he got. Was a dog in defence.
However, he did butcher a try near the end when he was held up after not passing to Dan Sheehan.
Carried and defended well.
Was good while he was in the pitch but his red card was costly.
Excellent once more. Kicked well and got up brilliantly to assist Jamie Osborne for his try.
Butchered what looked like a certain try early on but was fairly flawless from then on.
16. Gus McCarthy - 6
17. Jack Boyle - 6.5
18. Finlay Bealham - 7
19. James Ryan - 6
20. Ryan Baird - 6.5
21. Conor Murray -
22. Jack Crowley - 6
23. Bundee Aki - 7
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