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An encouraging performance for Ireland, although the initial intensity was not reflected on the scoreboard with Quinn Roux providing the only attempt at a dominant performance in the first half at Aviva Stadium.
An experienced team from Wales came to Dublin under real pressure having lost their previous five games to Wayne Pivac, and endured another difficult night as Ireland dominated the scrum and looked much more dangerous in possession.
Ireland held Wales at bay through the boot of Jonathan Sexton, Billy Burns and then Conor Murray before a final attempt by James Lowe added some sparkle to the scoreboard.
Most enjoyable for Andy Farrell will be the impact of their new faces, with Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park bringing some real spark to the attack and Caelan Doris proving to be a handful, albeit the fact that his team hasn’t eliminated Wales before. it will be a concern for all. your possession.
This is how we rate the players.
Hugo Keenan – 6
Just three caps in his international career, Keenan’s versatility is already coming into play, originally named on the right wing to accommodate James Lowe before switching to fullback when Jacob Stockdale was ruled out with injury. He seemed comfortable with the change, but he was not asked tough questions on defense and would have liked to see more of the ball.
Andrew Conway – 6
Late addition to the team due to Stockdale’s injury. Always a choice and strong in the air, but he never got the ball he needed to make a real impression on the game.
Chris Farrell – 7
First outing since last year’s World Cup loss to Japan. The speed of the line on defense kept Wales under pressure and they also had trouble dealing with him on the other side of the ball. You will be happy with your night job.
Robbie Henshaw – 6
The early penalty for not releasing gave Wales an easy three points. He made some great tackles and was his usual hard-working self in the park.
James Lowe – 8
The test debut almost got off to a dream start, but he spilled Sexton’s pass with the test line. Very involved from the start and brought a lot of pace and power to Ireland’s attacking game, as well as a little extra bite. More moderate second half, but still with energy for a red watch debut attempt. A promising start to his career in Ireland.
Jonathan Sexton – 7
The 100th tryout appearance in Ireland and the Lions came to an early end. 3/3 off the tee and showed some real quality flashes with the ball in hand, but looked devastated when an injury forced him to retire after just 28 minutes.
Jamison Gibson Park – 8
He brought real urgency to Ireland’s game in his first test start, as the speed of the ball provided a platform for his teammates to draw on. The ability to mix it up in the attack caused problems at all times.
Cyan Healy – 7
At 33, the wholesaler leads with Kelleher (22) and Porter (24) in the front row. The experience told and he never seemed worried during a typically solid night of work. You’ll feel like you should have gotten over it for two tries
Ronan Kelleher – 6
The first start of the test produced mixed results. I couldn’t show his carry threat and the lineout work disappointed him more than once. He wasn’t straightforward with his pitch with Ireland set for a trademark series in eight minutes, those are the basics he has to nail down.
Andrew Porter – 9
Teammates were quick to praise his work in the early scrum and that set the trend for a commanding display. Rhys Carre couldn’t live with him and didn’t even watch halftime. He harshly called for the first half penalty and thought he had a try at half time. He would have deserved it. Excellent work everywhere.
Quinn Roux – 8
Drafted into the starting lineup on short notice when Iain Henderson retired with illness to win his first international match since the 2019 Six Nations. Destructive at scrum behind Porter and some positive contributions in open play, including impressive strength for the attempt of the first half. A really positive outlet.
James Ryan – 6
A few inches from an early attempt, but fumbled in a mass of Welsh bodies, quickly followed by a careless loss of possession. Usual tireless performance, but more mistakes than we expected from the Leinster second row.
Peter O’Mahony – 8
Back in the team having started the matches against Italy and France on the bench. A nuisance in the first half, very involved on both sides of the ball and who has worked a lot in the second half. The trademark second half lineout steals a highlight.
Josh van der Flier – 6
Lost in the national team against Italy and France despite good performances with Leinster. He worked hard but a quiet night for his standards, which will keep the pressure in a highly competitive back row.
Caelan Doris – 8
He drove hard to contact and showed what he’s capable of with an amazing block, chase and pass that almost led to a wonderful shot for Healy. He took the entire game and paired well with Connors to beat Alun Wyn Jones in the final minutes.
REPLACEMENTS:
Dave Heffernan (for Kelleher 64) – 6
He got pats on the back from his teammates through good work on the breakup.
Ed Byrne (by Healy 59) – 5
He gave a scrum penalty moments after his presentation.
Finlay Bealham (for Porter 64) – 6
Made a couple of nice contributions to the breakdown.
Tadhg Beirne (for Roux 64) – 6
He entered the bench after late withdrawals due to injuries and solid when introduced.
Will Connors (by van der Flier 69) – 6
He seemed hungry for work in his brief cameo and will have enjoyed bumping into Alun Wyn Jones with Doris.
Conor Murray (by Billy Burns 65) – 7
A different experience for Murray, who last started an Ireland match on the bench in 2015. It was pitched as the third half of the night for Ireland and he took two penalties and a conversion.
Billy Burns (for Sexton 28) – 6
The No. 9 rookie of the Andy Farrell era was called up earlier than expected, but he fitted in well and took two penalties before leaving for HIA.
Keith Earls (for Henshaw 71) – 6
Back from injury to occupy the center for the last ten minutes.
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