1909 It was Wales' first Six Nations defeat since Ireland beat them two years ago, while they have not won in the tournament on Irish soil for eight years.Tries by full-back Jordan Larmour, prop Tadhg Furlong, flanker Josh Van Der Flier and wing Andrew Conway saw Ireland home as they moved impressively towards a Twickenham appointment with England on February 22.Andy Farrell's team also remain on course for a Grand Slam, but Wales' hopes of a clean sweep are over, and they could have few complaints.Ireland captain Johnny Sexton converted two of Ireland's tries, with Wales fly-half Dan Biggar adding the extras to a sharp Tomos Williams score and Leigh Halfpenny converting flanker Justin Tipuric's touchdown in added time.There was no doubting Ireland's supremacy as they improved considerably on last weekend's performance in beating Scotland.Wales, though, have plenty of questions to answer during the build-up to their next game against a resurgent French team in Cardiff following Wayne Pivac's first defeat as head coach.Ireland showed two changes from the side that beat Scotland, with centre Robbie Henshaw replacing an injured Garry Ringrose and flanker Peter O'Mahony also starting in a reshaped back-row that saw CJ Stander move to number eight instead of Caelan Doris.Saracens centre Nick Tompkins, a try-scoring debutant off the bench in Wales' victory over Italy seven days ago, made his first Test start and George North moved back to the wing from midfield.Wales were under immediate pressure after Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale's kick left them retreating, but a strong early scrum reaped a penalty that was cleared to touch.The Wales forwards enjoyed early supremacy, proving technically efficient, and Ireland did not gain their first penalty until the 13th minute as both sides went about their business like two sparring boxers.Ireland had more than a fair share of territorial control, yet just as a tight opening quarter appeared to be moving towards a scoreless conclusion, the home side struck.They initially kept possession tight in the forwards, and when it was eventually moved wide, Larmour finished impressively after brushing off a Tompkins challenge.Sexton made a hash of the conversion attempt, but Ireland were off and running, leading 5-0 after finding their feet in what was proving an attritional encounter.Wales suffered a major blow 15 minutes before the interval when wing Josh Adams, who had scored 10 tries in his last eight Tests, limped off to be replaced by Johnny McNicholl.It came just at a time when Wales needed to find an attacking spark, but their response was impressive as Biggar darted inside and outside of Irish defenders before sending a scoring pass to Williams.Biggar's conversion made it 7-5, but Williams went from hero to villain just five minutes later.Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones won lineout ball deep inside his own 22, throwing the ball to Williams, but he dropped it and Ireland gained an attacking scrum from which they scored when Furlong crashed over.Sexton converted to restore a five-point advantage, before Ireland closed out the half and trooped off holding a 12-7 lead.Wales could not get going early in the second period, and Ireland hit them with a third try after 47 minutes when Van Der Flier claimed a close-range touchdown that Sexton converted.Wales thought they had cut the deficit 10 minutes later after Hadleigh Parkes went over, but video replays showed he lost control of the ball as he attempted a one-handed touchdown under pressure, and Ireland escaped.It was a key scoreboard moment, and Wales did not gain another opportunity until Tipuric stretched over in the dying seconds as Ireland comfortably closed out the contest with Conway's 76th-minute try, and they will now march confidently on to Twickenham.By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies.
By virtue of Wales beating France by more than three points, England finished second in the table, their best Six Nations finish since 2003. Wales' hopes of consecutive Grand Slams were ended in Dublin after 24-14 defeat to Ireland. The winger jumped above Elliot Daly and managed to keep hold of the ball as he juggled it between his hands and then stretched over the line.The roar from the crowd at that moment was huge and beer went flying all around the stadium as Wales fans celebrated.Wales dealt with the England kicking game – so effective in the first two rounds – extremely well, with full-back Liam Williams named Man of the Match. There were myriad double hits to stop players’ momentum or even drive them back in the tackle.Here’s a statistic to illustrate the defensive effort: England’s Kyle Sinckler and Tom Curry both made 16 tackles in that first 40 minutes.The two defences didn’t allow either side to break through into open space too often. Wales u20s v Italy u20s LIVE: Youngsters claim historic Grand Slam with four second-half tries. And they closed down the half-backs quickly so Ben Youngs and Owen Farrell didn’t have so much time to put boot to ball.It was a tight, feisty affair, with several scuffles breaking out in the second half, and some of the tackles going in were brutal.
Eight of their 13 tries have originated from line-outs, the highest total in … It was a controversial turning point in the game and, despite a try from Biggar five minutes from the end, Grand Slam holders Wales saw their championship charge this year fizzle out. Curry did find a gap in the 25Yet it was Wales’ patience in that final quarter that reaped dividends, with the tries from Hill and Adams proving crucial.Wales head to Scotland in round four and face Ireland at home in their final game, so the clean sweep is far from sealed – and England could still lift the title – but it is in the hands of Warren Gatland’s side.Find out what's inside the August 2020 edition of Rugby World magazine Wales won the Grand Slam for the second time in four championships. Wales were led out by Gwenan and Manon Gravell, the daughters of late Llanelli legend Ray Gravell, who died last year and was a member of the 1978 Grand Slam team that beat France in Cardiff. Wales travelled to Belfast for the Grand Slam decider, winning 11-5 after being held at 5-all late into the game. For more details of these cookies and how to disable them, see our Jumping for joy: Josh Adams celebrates scoring Wales' second try (Getty Images) The Hill try came after a 30-plus phases move that lasted four minutes in and around England’s 22 and included a series of pick-and-goes.The closing phases of the move involved a long pass to George North, who surged towards the line but was brought down two metres short.The ball was recycled, Dan Biggar feeding Hill and despite both Harry Williams and Billy Vunipola tackling the lock he managed to touch down on the line.Biggar converted to give Wales a 16-13 lead – then came the Adams juggling act.Wales had penalty advantage from a scrum and Biggar launched a cross-field kick towards Adams. Former Wales defence coach Edwards, now performing the same role with France, looked on as his team ran in tries from full-back Anthony Bouthier, lock Paul Willemse and fly-half Romain Ntamack. France remain on course for a first Grand Slam in 10 years after winning in Cardiff for the first time since 2010. Wales conceded just two tries all championship, the tightest ever defence in the Six Nations.