sport news PLAYER RATINGS: Hugo Keenan shines by Alun Wyn Jones struggles trends now
Ireland put down a marker in the opening game of the Six Nations as they eased past Wales 34-10 in Cardiff.
The visitors scored three tries in the opening 21 minutes, and never looked like surrendering their lead, despite a spirited fightback from Wales after the break.
Sportsmail's Rob Cole was on hand to rate the players from both teams.
Ireland proved their class as they eased to victory against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday
Liam Williams: Solid under high ball and dived in for a great try. 7
Josh Adams: Didn’t get a chance to show much his pace. 6
George North: Unable to get into the game as Wales struggled to gain a foothold in the match. 5
Joe Hawkins: Underlined his debut against Australia with another good showing. 7
Joe Hawkins had some bright moments after impressing in the Autumn Internationals
Rio Dyer: His kick and chase effort in the first half could have changed the game. 6
Dan Biggar: Poor first half but got his mojo back after the break. 6
Tomos Williams: Under pressure to begin win but caused problems later on. 7
Gareth Thomas: Not the dominant force Wales needed at scrum time. 6
Ken Owens (captain): Didn’t know what had hit his side in the opening half and left after an hour. 5
Owens struggled with his line-out throwing throughout the match in Cardiff
Tomas Francis: Had a tough time in the first half and left at the break. 5
Adam Beard: Gave away too many penalties in first half before growing into game. 6
Alun Wyn Jones: Had his hands full with Ireland’s two young locks 5
Jac Morgan: Showed a few flashes of brilliance and brightest player in the home pack 6
Justin Tipuric: Couldn’t get hands on the ball or into early exchanges. 5
Taulupe Faletau: For once
