Ireland justified its status as rugby’s top-ranked country and the team to beat in the Six Nations by using a strong start to run over Wales with a 34-10 bonus-point victory this morning, spoiling Warren Gatland’s first match since his return as coach. It gave the Irish a commanding 27-3 lead, the most points they’d ever put on Wales before halftime in championship history. ”These are the occasions you want to be part of, in this stadium against a tough side,” Ireland fullback Hugo Keenan said. Wales had 14 turnovers — double the number of Ireland — and was blown away by the visitors’ fast start. ”We lacked discipline and accuracy in that first half and that put us under pressure,” Wales captain Ken Owens said.

Source: The Herald February 05, 2023 02:04 UTC