Ireland overcame Wales in Dublin to keep their Six Nations hopes alive.
Ireland were pushed all the way by Wales but held on to keep their slim title hopes alive.
Reaction from Both Camps
Wales head coach Steve Tandy told S4C his side were disappointed, but showed massive pride in their character. Tandy said the intent and strength was there, and it was a huge improvement from last week which they’ll take with them to Italy.
Tandy said there’s a huge relationship and a pride to represent Wales that bonds them together. He added that Ireland have a lot of experience and a team full of British and Irish Lions and they proved that through the mistakes Wales made.
According to Tandy, there’s confidence building in the team, and that is going to take them to the win in the near future, and that they have to learn and back up the positives.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV, said he thought it was a proper Test match. Farrell gave credit to Wales, saying they were outstanding and getting better defensively. He said they made it a scrap and he was happy to come away with a bonus-point win.
Farrell said Ireland defended really well in the first half but switched off just before half-time and were punished. He added that they showed some good character and they had good people on the bench who came on and made a difference, so it’s a hard-fought win and they’ll take the bonus point.
Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park told ITV he was happy to get the win against a tough Welsh side, that they knew they would put it up to them and they certainly did. He added that they were really happy with the win.
Gibson-Park said that all they could do was go out and get five points, which they did, although it was a bit scrappy but they got there in the end. It was a very special 50th Ireland cap for Jamison Gibson-Park.
The Six Nations Table
No matter what happens, Ireland and Scotland will have a Triple Crown showdown in Dublin next week.
- Ireland’s slim hopes of winning the Six Nations are still alive.
- All eyes will move to France tomorrow, who can win the title with a game to spare if they beat Scotland with a bonus point.
Rhys Carre might have been an unlikely pick as top try scorer at the start of the tournament. However, he’s right in the mix after his stunner.
Ireland will now be looking ahead to their match against Scotland.