sport news Wales 10-34 Ireland: Andy Farrell's side make convincing start to their Six ... trends now
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.
