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Ireland edged out Wales in their first Fall Nations Cup game at Aviva Stadium, but victory could come at a cost to head coach Andy Farrell.
Arrell’s men posted a 32-9 victory, but lost captain Johnny Sexton in the first half with a hamstring injury. His involvement in the visit to Twickenham to face England next week will now be a concern for the Ireland manager.
Billy Burns, the man who replaced Sexton, was also retired in the 63rd minute, with Conor Murray coming in in his place.
Tempers frayed twice in the first five minutes when Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones and Ireland wing Peter O’Mahony faced each other, before Irish rookie James Lowe was involved in a fights alongside visiting wings Liam Williams and Josh Adams.
Referee Mathieu Raynal issued a general warning to Jones and the opposite number Sexton, then Sexton opened the scoring by taking a penalty in his 100th appearance for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.
Wales showed much more urgency than against Scotland, drawing after 17 minutes when Dan Biggar kicked a short-range penalty.
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Ireland’s James Lowe (center) in action against Wales during the Autumn Nations Cup at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
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Ireland sacrificed a kickable penalty for an attacking scrum early in the second quarter, and it paid dividends when the sustained forward pressure ended with Roux diving to claim the game’s first try.
Sexton converted, before adding a second penalty shortly thereafter, as Ireland rose 10 points ahead to leave Wales with mounting problems.
But the Ireland captain’s night ended when he suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury, marking a test debut for Ulster number 10 Burns when Welsh winger Leigh’s 40-meter penalty Halfpenny made it 13-6.
Burns opened their points tally five minutes before the break with a penalty when poor discipline from Wales let them down again.
The visitors infringed at regular intervals, and Wales boss Wayne Pivac pulled prop Rhys Carre (he was replaced by Wyn Jones) as Ireland looked to increase their lead.
Wales held out, however, despite spoiling a lineout close to their line, and Ireland took a 16-6 lead at the break.
Despite Pivac making a change to the front row, Wales continued to experience scrum issues as Irish mainstay Andrew Porter maintained a dominant form.
Halfpenny sent a 50-meter penalty shortly before the goal, but soon after made amends, reducing Wales’ deficit to seven points.
Burns then hit a second penalty and Ireland took 10 points ahead again getting closer to the hour.
Two penalties from Burns’ replacement Murray put Ireland 25-9 in front with less than 10 minutes to go.
James Lowe made a try on his international debut in overtime, and Murray added the two extra points in final action of the game.
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