Wales 10-34 Ireland: Warren Gatland’s second reign opens with humbling defeat

By Hywel Fuller

IRELAND claimed victory in the opening match of the 2023 Six Nations in commanding style thanks to a scintillating first half display which showcased their strong title credentials.

Andy Farrell’s side built their success on a dominant start to the encounter which demonstrated why they are ranked number one in the world.

Ireland grabbed the first try of the game through flanker Caelan Doris after just two minutes, with captain Johnny Sexton converting.

But that was just the beginning of Wales’s woes as they conceded another try five minutes when James Ryan crossed, handing the Irish a 14-0 lead which even at that stage looked daunting.

Wales opened their account through a Dan Bigger penalty, but Ireland reasserted their superiority throughout the rest of the half as Wales offered very little in attack.

A James Lowe breakaway try and two Sexton penalties kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Irish and the closest Wales got to a try was when flanker Jac Morgan was held up over the line.

The second half started on a more positive note for the Welsh – but it needed to as they trailed 27-3.

A Liam Williams try five minutes after the restart seemed to offer a glimmer of hope after a gruelling first 40 minutes.

Wales had a flurry of half-chances in the next 10 minutes but wasted them as Ireland’s defence stood strong.

A yellow card for a Williams high tackle on Sexton made the unlikely comeback for Wales almost impossible.

Ireland got their fourth try of the match and the bonus point with an easy finish for Josh Van Der Flier under the posts and closed out the game in complete control.

This impressive win for Ireland will give them even more confidence as they go into next week’s potential title showdown with current grand slam champions France.

Wales travel north to face Scotland, a match which looks an even more formidable task after Gregor Townsend’s men triumphed against England at Twickenham.