Warren Gaitland watched his Welsh side edge past Ireland 16-10, Wales took a 10-0 lead thanks to Tipuric’s try. Iain Henderson, Ireland’s man of the match tied up the match just before half time. Wales were strong in the breakdown, as such converted two penalties courtesy of Leigh Halfpenny in the second half. Halfpenny’s six points were enough to see the match out for Wales. Gatland will be pleased with his side’s resilient effort, which was a different outcome entirely to the 35-21 reversal 3 weeks ago.
Ireland yet to announce their squad will not be completely disheartened by the result particularly the performance of the Irish scrum, but will however rue the forwards in the breakdown. Former Ireland winger Denis Hickie- speaking to BBC Wales– believes Lock Henderson was a big part of that scrum and must be in the final squad.
Iain Henderson was Ireland’s best forward, but where do you
play him? Without Devin Toner, you would not be guaranteed that line-out ball,
but on today’s performance you have to find a place for Henderson.The back five permutations have been thrown into disarray
again because of the injuries to Keith Earls and Luke Fitzgerald.
Warren Gatland spoke about his squad, the world rankings and fitness of key players for Wales.
I haven’t even thought yet about the whole make-up of the
squad. We’ll have a chat tomorrow.rising above England in world rankings does not give the
team a psychological edge. No more than ‘bragging rights’
Gatland Confirms that those that left the field, including Jamie Roberts and Alun Wyn Jones have no more than ‘bumps and bruises’
Ireland: R. Kearney, D. Kearney, Fitzgerald, Henshaw, Earls, Sexton, Murray, J. McGrath, Strauss, White, Henderson, O’Connell, O’Mahony, Murphy, Heaslip.
Replacements: Ryan for Fitzgerald (68), Jones for Earls (64), Jackson for Sexton (64), Reddan for Murray (64), Kilcoyne for J. McGrath (61), Cronin for Strauss (51), Furlong for White (57), O’Brien for O’Mahony (51).
Wales: Halfpenny, Cuthbert, S. Williams, Roberts, North, Biggar, Webb, Jenkins, Owens, Francis, B. Davies, Jones, Lydiate, Tipuric, T.Faletau.
Replacements: Amos for Roberts (62), Priestland for Biggar (64), G. Davies for Webb (64), James for Jenkins (47), Baldwin for Owens (55),
Jarvis for Francis (55), Charteris for B. Davies (55), King for Lydiate (51).
Att: 47,430
Ref: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
