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Rogers (42'), Morgan (42')
Tries
Conan (6'), Osborne (55')
Anscombe (43')
Conversions
Prendergast (7')
Anscombe (22', 34')
Penalties
Prendergast (20', 48', 66', 69', 77')
Fans left the principality stadium on Saturday debating what was so wrong about Ireland’s win and what was so right about Wales’ loss. However, on second viewing there was much to praise about the men in green despite the slim margin over their low ranked opponents. One aspect of their game, in particular, was world class: the kicking game.
Wales struggled for platforms in Ireland’s territory, having more ball in their own half than they did in the visitor’s 22. Therefore, they looked to advance via contestable kicks. However, excluding one excellent take from Tom Rogers, Wales struggled to retain these kicks and Ireland capitalised expertly.
In the 1st half, an up and under from Anscombe went too far and Lowe was able to take under no pressure. His siege gun return turned Wales and forced them back to their own try line. The chase was good and fullback Blair Murray had no choice but to conceded an attacking platform in his own half.
In the 2nd half, Lowe brilliantly fielded a Welsh contestable, brushed off two would-be tacklers and kicked in behind Mee, who followed Murray’s lead in conceding a platform in his own half. Lowe finished the game with stunning 197 metres from just 4 kicks.
In total, Ireland kicked 1,109 metres in Cardiff, a whopping 74% more than Wales’ 637. Add in Prendergast’s sublime 50:22 and Lowe’s sensational tap back from a JGP Crossfield for the Osbourne try, and you see how Ireland delivered an aerial masterclass that totally controlled the game. Rejuvenated Wales simply could not cope.
