Wales 18-27 Ireland

Wales v Ireland Match Reports

A much-improved Wales went toe-to-toe with Ireland, but were eventually beaten 27-18 by the title favourites and Triple Crown winners in Cardiff. Things didn't start well for the home side when Jack Conan dived over to score an early try for Ireland. But Wales worked their way back into the half with two succesful penalty kicks from Gareth Anscombe. Garry Ringrose was sin-binned in the 34th minute for making head contact in the tackle, which became a 20-minute red card after a bunker review. Wales took advantage of their extra man when Jac Morgan squeezed over the line to put his side into an unlikely 13-10 halftime lead. After the break, Tom Rogers brilliantly dived into the corner to extend Wales' lead. Sam Prendergast then kicked a penalty to cut the deficit for Ireland. The visitors were back to a full complement of 15 men when Jamie Osborne scored a try in the 56th minute to draw Ireland level. Ireland took a 6-point lead into the final 10 minutes after Prendergast knocked over two further penalty kicks. Ellis Mee came close to scoring a late try for Wales, but it was judged to have been grounded short of the line after a lengthy review. Prendergast then kicked a fifth penalty to secure victory for Ireland. A selection of match reports is listed below:

• Six Nations Guide: Ireland survive Six Nations scare before clinching Triple Crown with Wales win
• BBC: Ireland clinch Triple Crown against resurgent Wales
• Guardian: Prendergast kicks Ireland to triple crown success against spirited Wales
• Telegraph: Rejuvenated Wales fade as Ireland keep Grand Slam dream alive
• Sky Sports: Six Nations champions squeak win despite Garry Ringrose red card
• Irish Times: Ireland secure Triple Crown after stemming Welsh revival in Cardiff
• WRU: Wales push Triple Crown Ireland all the way in thriller