Wales were beaten in Dublin by Ireland in a 27-17 scoreline but many players performed well
Wales fell agonisingly short in Dublin, slipping to a 27-17 defeat to Ireland.
Steve Tandy’s side were much improved with tries from Rhys Carre and James Botham.
But despite leaving the hosts rattled they couldn’t get over the line.
Here are your player ratings.
15. Louis Rees-Zammit 6
Kicked well out of hand with one excellent 50/22 in the first half.
The Welsh flyer did not get much opportunity with ball in hand but found it tough going in defence.
14. Ellis Mee 6
Competed well in the air, putting Ireland under pressure and defended well throughout making some good reads.
Solid with ball in hand without setting the world alight.
13. Eddie James 7
Not much chance to show his worth with ball in hand but made some good defensive reads and put in some big hits throughout the game.
12. Joe Hawkins 6
The Scarlets centre had a strong game defending well in the fact of an Irish onslaught in the first half.
Some nice touches in attack as Wales’ attack began to click.
11. Josh Adams 6
Started well, taking winning back possession in the air and defended well.
Adams also made some headway with ball in hand but his poor pass to James Botham cost Wales a try.
10. Dan Edwards 5
Exposed defensively in the first half and missed a tackle on Jacob Stockdale for the first Ireland try.
But grew into the game as his kicking improved as the game wore on.
Did well to cover Joe McCarthy’s kick into the Wales 22.
9. Tomos Williams 6
Williams had a solid game, if not spectacular, and kicked reasonably well from the base of the ruck.
Blotted his copybook when he got sent to the sin bin, meaning Wales had to play the final 10 minutes with 14 men.
8. Aaron Wainwright 7
The Dragons backrower had another strong game carrying well and putting in a huge defensive shift.
Wainwright put in 17 tackles and held his own in the physical confrontations.
7. James Botham 8
This was Botham’s best performance in a Wales shirt, with the Cardiff backrower putting in a huge shift.
Botham made 24 tackles as he smashed Ireland’s ball carriers backwards throughout the game.
Did well to burrow his way over for Wales’ second try.
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6. Alex Mann 8 – star man
The Cardiff backrower put in a huge defensive shift making a remarkable 28 tackles and getting under the skin of the Ireland pack.
Mann has found his feet as an international player as he won a crucial penalty at the breakdown in the first half, while his carry set up James Botham’s try.
5. Ben Carter 7
Another strong performance from the Dragons lock who put in 19 tackles as he fronted up to the powerful Ireland pack.
Carter also marshalled the lineout well as Wales’ set-piece functioned well.
4. Dafydd Jenkins 7
The Exeter Chiefs lock is a work horse who put in a huge shift.
Jenkins gets through a ton of work making 27 tackles and was a key reason the Wales lineout went well.
3. Tomas Francis 6
Scrummaged well and was arguably not rewarded as much as he should have been by the officials.
Also played his part around the park.
2. Dewi Lake 8
Carried extremely well throughout leading from the front.
Won a crucial turnover at the breakdown when Ireland were building up ahead of steam in the Wales 22.
Also, put in a huge defensive shift making 23 tackles and the lineout also functioned well.
1. Rhys Carré 8
The Saracens man is developing into a high-class Test player.
Solid in the scrum and carried well consistently getting over the gainline. The Wales prop scored a terrific try when he brushed aside Balacoune before running in from just outside the Ireland 22.
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias 6
Threw well into the lineout and offered himself as a carrier
17. Nicky Smith 7
Gave Tadhg Furlong a torrid time at the scrum and put in a strong shift around the park.
18. Archie Griffin 7
Scrummaged very well upon entering the fray.
19. Adam Beard 6
Solid after coming back into the team and ensured the lineout continued to function well.
20. Olly Cracknell 7
Carried extremely well getting Wales over the gainline.
21. Kieran Hardy – N/A
Unused
22. Jarrod Evans – N/A
Unused
23. Louie Hennessey 5
A few decent tackles on his first cap.