Always fear the team with nothing to lose and everything to gain. These teams have motivation aplenty to prove people wrong,. These teams have motivation to represent their team mates, families and clubs with pride and honor.
Wales to a man were immense tonight. Their physicality and resiliency to the fore as Ireland struggled to put this test match away.
Wales are the story from tonight’s test match, more proof of performance improvements under Steve Tandy. The tackle count was ridiculously off the charts but Wales continued to make the tackles.
Ireland did start this test match well. There was a pep in the breakdown work from the hosts. Quick ruck speed observed.
A lovely opening try with McCloskey pass to Stockdale hitting the line at pace after five minutes. A second try for Jack Conan denied by the TMO soon after. Wales on the ropes early.
Wales to their credit regained composure and starting to build territorial pressure. Ireland helped with an increasing penalty count and unforced errors from the aerial exchanges. Edwards hitting a regulation penalty as Ireland called offside not once but twice.
7-3. Wales creating attacking opportunities but Ireland defensively resolute for the most part. Ireland holding Carre up was a key moment and the reprieve led to the Ireland second try. Yet more concerted pressure with direct phases on the Welsh line.
The ball spun out for Crowley who spotted the mismatch with Carter. The conversion was a shank and more kicking off the tee woes seen for Ireland. 12-3 and one felt Ireland would manage to stretch their lead.
Wales had different ideas. Ireland’s close to the opening half will be a video analysis killer on Monday. The scrum infringement and the defensive setup when Rhys Carre received the ball just inside the 22.
Osborne has to direct Baloucoune to step inside and deal with Carre with Furlong exposed in open play. Carre’s pace burning Baloucoune on the inside. A superb score and gave Wales a deserved try for their opening half efforts. 12-10 at half-time.
Ireland again started the second with tempo. A third try came four minutes into the half. Excellent phase play setting up Jack Conan to crash over. The conversion nailed by Crowley and the margin was out to nine points. 19-10.
Wales though refused to die tonight. They continued to build pressure with superb defensive line speed and first up tackles. Ireland forced to kick deep in their own half. Wales now turning the screw at the scrum. Nicky Smith enjoying his duel with Tadhg Furlong who cut an incredibly frustrated figure.
Wales knocking on the door and their second try came at the start of the final quarter. Botham crashing over from close range. The phase play before the try impressive forcing Ireland to concede penalties. 19-17. A proper test match ending.
Ireland at this time had cleared the bench. Nathan Doak making his test match debut in 6N fare. Clarkson, Stewart, Milne, McCarthy, van der Flier, Frawley and Farrell all contributed.
The bonus point scored late on. Joe McCarthy with a nice cameo before this fourth try with a line break and kick in behind. Ireland sensed their opportunity to strike. Ireland with quick hands to set Osborne away to score. Crowley inexplicably missed the extras.
Wales though reduced to fourteen players. Tomos Williams pinged for deliberate kill the ball leading to the Osborne try. 24-17. Ireland absorbing Wales advances and with turnover ball setup field position deep in Welsh territory.
Ireland forcing the penalty. Crowley with the penalty. 27-17 secured the test match win but this was a struggle for Ireland. The euphoria of Twickenham is a distant memory. The performance levels are between Twickenham and tonight, a work in progress due to the squad rotation required. All for the greater good next year!
Wales leave Dublin with their heads held high. The hope is that they can use this and the Scottish fixture to build up confidence. They will aim to win a test match before the end of the 6N tournament. Italy to finish will not be easy.
As mentioned, beware of the team with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Ireland’s performance levels will need to be increased significantly for the visit of Scotland next weekend. Beirne, Conan were outstanding again.
Wales to a man delivered a performance full of heart and determination. Steve Tandy and management team will be happy to see the performances evolve. The pride in the Welsh jersey is starting to be restored. A 6N win is not far off if this is the performance template. A proper test match!