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Brian Lawless / AP
James Lowe is congratulated by his Irish teammates after scoring on his international debut against Wales.
New Zealand winger James Lowe capped off a dream debut for Ireland by scoring in the 80th minute to beat Wales 32-9 in their opener of the Fall Nations Cup on Saturday (NZT).
The result consigned Wales, coached by Kiwi Wayne Pivac, to a sixth consecutive defeat. They are on their worst losing streak in seven years, and Georgia will smell blood when they meet next week.
Andy Farrell’s experimental Ireland team, two weeks after a failed attempt to win the Six Nations in Paris, triumphed when new international Lowe, on the left wing, was a constant danger and peppered at the end.
With a first outing, New Zealand-born running back Jamison Gibson-Park also ignited the team with a quick serve.
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The Irish dominated the first half as lock Quinn Roux scored the only try, and Wales fought back in the second half, but still did not threaten the home team’s try line.
RNZ
Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains explains in overtime how things need to change for rugby to remain an engaging and entertaining sport.
Lowe failed to score on the first down when Sexton passed too far in front of him. Roux claimed it after several rucks.
Jonathan Sexton, Billy Burns and Conor Murray each kicked two penalties as they punished a Welsh team that couldn’t maintain discipline without the ball, struggling in scrum in the first half and lineouts in the second.
Leigh Halfpenny kicked every point for Wales.
Brian Lawless / AP
James Lowe breaks down the left wing during his Irish debut.
In injury time, No. 8 Caelan Doris fed a straight Lowe to crash, two weeks after the former Chiefs and Tasman star qualified for Ireland in three-year residency.
The popular Lowe, who enjoyed an outstanding performance on his debut, was eaten by his teammates as Wales looked ahead to a new week of upheaval.
– Additional reporting material
