HIGHLIGHTS | Ireland start Six Nations with bonus point win in Cardiff

Andy Farrell’s side showed why they are the number one ranked team in the World with a dominant first half display in the Principality.

Ireland began their 2023 Six Nations Championship with a comprehensive 34-10 win over Wales in Cardiff with a display of skill and power.

Entering the game as favourites for the tournament and World Number One, Ireland lived up to the billing and were 24 points ahead at the half.

They didn’t secure the bonus point until the 73rd minute but it will matter little for Andy Farrell and his side who have France at home next Saturday.

13 November 2021; Tadhg Beirne of Ireland celebrates after the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The contest wasn’t two minutes old in the Principality Stadium when Ireland laid out their intentions with their first try of the contest. After a nu,ber of phases in the Wales 22, it was Caelan Doris who eventually powered over the line to give Ireland the lead.

It was James Ryan’s turn on eight minutes as he showed his power with Sexton again adding the extras. A penalty from Sexton ten minutes later cancelled out Wales’ first points.

Sexton kicked his second penalty shortly after and the game was put out of Wales reach inside twenty minutes, James Lowe intercepting Dan Biggar’s pass before traveling the length of the field untroubled.

The lead at the half was 3-27 in Ireland’s favour.

Wales did start much the brighter in the second and forced their way over, Liam Williams the one to dot down. A penalty followed after the try and suddenly Wales were on the attack again.

But Ireland was supreme in defence and held out their hosts before Josh Van Der Flier ensured the bonus point with ten to play, dotting down under the posts.

Ross Byrne added the conversion to make it 34-10 and start Ireland’s campaign in style.


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