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Stockdale (5'), Crowley (36'), Conan (43'), Osborne (67')
Tries
Carre (40+1'), Botham (62')
Crowley (6', 44')
Conversions
Edwards (40+2', 62')
Crowley (76')
Penalties
Edwards (16')
Early season rust in the second half of the Six Nations is not all that common, but it would best describe Ireland’s win over Wales last Friday night. Four tries, courtesy of Jacob Stockdale, Jack Crowley, Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne was enough to see Ireland cement a top 3 finish at least, but with an eerily familiar feeling leaving Lansdowne Road.
In days gone by a win of any kind over the Welsh would be cause for celebration, but it is a sign of the times that the losing side will be happier with this scoreline than those in green.
Triple Crown Bid Alive
Andy Farrell said after the game that you can never take a Triple Crown for granted, although that would split opinion more than any referendum ever could. Ireland’s possession of the old silver plate in 2022, 2023 and 2025 means we probably can overlook it’s significance. But it still has to be won.
Unlike previous years, Ireland have a proper battle on their hands this time around. Unburdened and emboldeded, Scotland are seeking more substantial history, and are playing better rugby than at any stage of the Gregor Townsend era. Yet, Ireland have shown enough chinks in the armour across rounds 1, 2 and 4 to be fearful of a team who couldn’t buy a win over them in recent times.
Farrell’s messaging this week should be around the beauty in winning ugly, and grinding out maximum points when off colour; but all the while he should be plotting a way to make Twickenham a continuance, rather than a fun fluke.
Possession, not Procession
One of the big frustrations from last Friday night was not how much possession Ireland had… but how they made hard work of it. The first try, scored by Jacob Stockdale, indicated the floodgates opening. But then Ireland went 30 minutes without scoring. Jack Crowley and Jack Conan scored either side of the break, before a further 23 minutes of nothingness as Ireland did not register a single ruck in Wales’ half in that period.
So, on a night where Ireland had 57% possession, and 177 carries; they managed just 8 entries to Wales’ 22, albeit for 3.3 points per entry.
The trope that will get rolled out now will be around game management which only falls on the 10 in Irish circles. However, rugby teams are like clockwork, with every player having vital roles in order to reach maximum proficiency. Crowley’s imperfections showed up, as did Gibson-Park’s, Doris’ and so many others.
It’s a coaches job to negate any weak links, but Ireland seem to think they are invincible to said concerns.
Wales’ Grand STand(y)
It would be remiss of me not to mention the gallant Welsh, who defended like animals. Steve Tandy’s renowned specialty showed its worth with Alex Mann topping the tackle count with 33, while Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham and Dewi Lake all surpassed the 20 tackle marker.
It is testament to Tandy that his squad fully bought into his messaging after such a demoralising loss to Scotland last time out; and hopefully a sign of things to come when a Welsh team plays with belief.
What next?
The final round, aka ‘Super Saturday’ sees Ireland host Scotland while Wales take on a jubilant Italy team. A championship is still within reach for Andy Farrell’s men, if England can do them a favour.
That remains improbable so it’s more likely that Ireland will be aiming for second in the log and a Triple Crown shaped consolation prize.
Irish Player Ratings:
Jamie Osborne - 5.5; Robert Baloucoune - 7.5, Garry Ringrose - 5.5, Stuart McCloskey - 6.5, Jacob Stockdale - 7; Jack Crowley - 7.5, Jamison Gibson-Park - 6.5; Tom O’Toole - 7, Rónan Kelleher - 7.5, Tadhg Furlong - 5; James Ryan - 5, Tadhg Beirne - 7.5; Jack Conan - 8, Nick Timoney - 5.5, Caelan Doris (capt) - 6.5.
T. Stewart - 6, M. Milne - 6, T. Clarkson - 6, J. McCarthy - 8, J. van der Flier - 7, N. Doak* - 7, C. Frawley - 6.5, T. Farrell - 6.
Coaches - 6
