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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 first Fall Nations Cup game at an empty Aviva Stadium 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 as new international Lowe was a constant danger on the left and was 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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“Interestingly, you dream of scoring on debut, performing on debut,” said Lowe, who was heartbroken that his parents couldn’t be there to witness his first tryout in emerald green.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, you always wonder if you should be there and be able to do that, perform well, it means the world.
“I have always wanted to challenge myself on the biggest stage and for this opportunity to return home in quite peculiar circumstances, I am very proud to be fair.
Brian Lawless / AP
James Lowe is congratulated by his Irish teammates after scoring on his international debut against Wales.
“I know that half of my hometown will be awake at first sight seeing this. I have friends all over the world who wish me messages, former players, coaches, the whole thing. It’s a very proud moment, that’s for sure ”.
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.
Lowe couldn’t score on the first down when Jonathan Sexton went too far in front of him. However, Roux claimed him after several rucks.
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.
Lowe’s try continued his remarkable scoring streak on debut, having scored in his first outings for the Chiefs, New Zealand Māori, Leinster and now Ireland.
The popular Lowe found himself engulfed by his teammates, while Wales looked to another week of confusion.
– Additional reporting material
