Ireland still have an outside chance of retaining their Six Nations title after they comfortably beat Wales 27-12 at Croke Park on Saturday. They are also now one match away from claiming their fifth Triple Crown in seven seasons.
Keith Earls scored twice while Man of the Match Tomas OLeary also crossed, with fly half Jonathan Sexton kicking three penalties and a late drop goal. Stephen Jones kicked four penalties for Wales, but their poor discipline let them down once again.
Ireland seized the advantage when Welsh fullback Lee Byrne was sent to the sin bin for deliberately killing the ball. In a repeat of the match against England, Wales were made to pay as Ireland scored two tries while the visitors were down to 14 men.
“The yellow card was very costly,” said Wales Warren Gatland.
“It appears we haven’t learnt our lesson from what happened against England (when lock Alun-Wyn Jones was sin-binned). From a coaching point of view that is very disappointing.”
Wales have now had three defeats from four matches, and are languishing alongside Scotland and Italy for wooden spoon honours. Ireland however, will grab the Triple Crown if they beat Scotland at Croke Park next weekend.
Man of the moment Brian ODriscoll, who played his 100th Test match, said that the day was different to usual for him.
“It was probably more emotional than I thought it would be. It’s a massive honour to play for my country a hundred times. The reception I received was an extra with winning today. I’m delighted for the boys, the staff and the great squad who didn’t get to put the jersey on,” he said.
Time:
05:39
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