Dublin Feb 5 (UNA): Ireland confirmed their Six Nations credentials by defeating defending champion Wales 29-7 at full Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Those credentials are expected to undergo the toughest test of the tournament next Saturday in Paris, where the Irish meet France, the last team that beat them a year ago.
The Irish killers of the All Blacks in the fall hit the ground running the Bundee Aki attempt in the third minute, and earned an extra point on the fourth attempt an hour later.
Despite the light rain, Ireland’s speed and efficiency of riding overwhelmed Wales and the passing and picking were fantastic. The discipline was equally impressive. Ireland did not award a penalty kick until the second half.
There is high optimism across Ireland for their first title since 2018. Momentum and confidence carried by eight straight wins, the four Irish counties that made it to the European Club Championship qualifiers overcame the understaffed Wales.
Eight of Wales’ top injured players, including captain Alon Wayne Jones, walked off, and the second thread was unable to break through Ireland’s steadfast defence.
It took an Irish error in the 75th minute for Wales to get up to the plate. Tadhg Beirne accidentally slipped off the ground into Taine Basham’s flank to sprint to nearby posts to try and turn it.
Ireland made a dream start. Mac Hansen arrived from Australia in the summer and made his first game for Ireland, receiving an inverted pass and smashing 50 meters down the left touchline.
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