Ireland defeated Wales 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. Matt Gault’s report from Dublin is available, and highlights and reaction will be available later.
France look to wrap up the Six Nations in Scotland, before England take on Italy in Rome.
Ireland’s Championship Hopes
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.
Ireland and Scotland will have a Triple Crown showdown in Dublin next week.
Reaction to Ireland’s Win
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said he thought it was a proper Test match. He added credit to Wales, saying they were outstanding and certainly getting better defensively. He said that Wales made it a scrap, and he was happy to come away with a bonus-point win.
Farrell said they 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 had good people on the bench who came on and made a difference, so it was a hard-fought win and they’ll take the bonus point.
Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park said he was happy to get the win against a tough Welsh side, adding that they knew they would put it up to them and they certainly did. He said they’re really happy with the win.
Gibson-Park said all they could do was go out and get five points, which they did, although a bit scrappy but they got there in the end.
Wales’ Performance and Future Outlook
Wales head coach Steve Tandy told S4C that they were disappointed, but had massive pride in their character that they showed.
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.
He added that they’ve all got a huge relationship and a pride to represent Wales that bonds them together.
Tandy said Ireland have a lot of experience and a team full of British and Irish Lions and they proved that through the mistakes they made.
He said there’s confidence building in the team, and that is going to take them to the win in the near future. He added that they have to learn and make sure they back up the positives.
France look to wrap up the Six Nations in Scotland, before England take on Italy in Rome.