CARDIFF, Wales — Ireland secured a remarkable 27-18 victory over Wales on Saturday, extending the latter’s rugby losing streak to a record 15 matches. This win keeps Ireland on track for an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations championship. The match had its share of intensity, highlighted by a controversial red card for Ireland’s center Garry Ringrose, who was sent off for a head-on-head tackle, which initially received only a yellow card.
This decision meant that Ireland played a man down for a total of 20 minutes before and after halftime. During this period, Wales managed to score 15 points, taking the lead with an 18-13 advantage. However, upon regaining their full squad in the 52nd minute, Ireland demonstrated great resilience, shutting out Wales for the remainder of the match. Fullback Jamie Osborne crossed the try line, while flyhalf Sam Prendergast contributed significantly by converting three penalties.
“We stayed calm and took it one minute at a time,” Ireland’s captain Dan Sheehan remarked. “That’s what our team has trained for over the years.” The second half was filled with drama, notably in the 73rd minute when Wales’ Ellis Mee seemed to score a potential try that could have given his team the lead. Instead, the try was disallowed due to a knock-on, preventing them from even attempting the conversion.
“Full credit to Ireland; they’re among the top teams globally, but I believe we played exceptionally well today,” stated Wales captain Jac Morgan. With three wins under their belt, Ireland is aiming to create history within the tournament, as no other team has won the championship outright for three consecutive years in its extensive 142-year background.
Wales, while grappling with another defeat—now 0-3 in the current season—showed marked improvement in their performance under interim coach Matt Sherratt. He stepped up after Warren Gatland’s exit following a disappointing loss to Italy in Round 2. “I’m incredibly proud of the team, especially considering we had only three training sessions before this match,” commented Wales center Max Llewellyn.
Despite being significantly higher in the world rankings, Ireland found themselves challenged throughout the match. They initially surged to a 10-0 lead within the first 21 minutes, courtesy of a close-range try by Jack Conan and effective kicking by Prendergast. Wales responded with a penalty from Gareth Anscombe, and the game began to tilt in favor of the home side following Ringrose’s sending-off.
Anscombe’s second penalty cut the deficit further, while Prendergast hit the post from distance, causing signs of frustration within the Irish camp. Wales capitalized on this momentum, scoring just before halftime when Jac Morgan grounded the ball behind a maul, and Anscombe’s conversion gave the home side a surprising 13-10 lead.
Things improved for Wales early in the second half when fullback Blair Murray deftly assisted Tom Rogers to score a try in the right corner. Nevertheless, Prendergast reignited Ireland’s momentum with a penalty goal, reducing their deficit to just five points as Bundee Aki entered the fray.
Ireland leveled the score at 56 minutes when Prendergast’s vertically kicked ball was expertly batted down by James Lowe, allowing Osborne to score. The final quarter was nail-biting, with Mack Hansen nearly scoring before Prendergast slotted a penalty to nudge Ireland ahead again. He later added another penalty from long distance, ultimately securing the match for Ireland, even as a late try by Mee was disallowed following the review.
Overall, it was a pulsating encounter that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams as they battled for supremacy in a historic tournament.
