Andy Farrell praised a “tremendous” Wales performance after Ireland secured a 27-17 bonus-point win in a hard-fought Guinness Six Nations clash in Dublin. The victory keeps Ireland’s slim title hopes alive, though France remain in pole position to retain the championship.
Ireland led 12-10 at half-time after tries from Jacob Stockdale and Jack Crowley, either side of a fine solo score from Wales prop Rhys Carre. Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne crossed in the second period, with Welsh flanker James Botham also touching down, as the hosts battled to a crucial win ahead of next weekend’s Triple Crown decider against Scotland.
Farrell admitted Wales made life difficult for his side, saying: “I actually thought Wales did fantastically well to stay in the game. They played tough, they hung on in there and kept it close. It was a proper Test match and for us to come away with a bonus-point win, we’d certainly take that.”
Wales head coach Steve Tandy expressed pride in his team’s performance despite a 15th consecutive championship defeat. “Massive pride in the boys and the shift they put in,” Tandy said. “Disappointed we didn’t get something from the game because I felt we deserved something by the fight they showed.”
Wales will seek to avoid the wooden spoon for a third straight year when they host Italy in the final round, while Ireland must hope France slip up against Scotland to keep their title hopes alive.
