Ireland secure 14th Triple Crown with gritty win over Wales

Wales 18-27 Ireland, Principality Stadium

Ireland continued their charge towards a third consecutive Six Nations title by securing their 14th Triple Crown with a resilient 27-18 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

In a high-intensity contest, Wales held the lead early in the second half, but Ireland’s game management and clinical execution in the final quarter ensured a crucial win in their title defense.

Wales started with energy, looking to upset the defending champions, but it was Ireland who struck first. In the 7th minute, a powerful carry from Joe McCarthy set the foundation for number eight Jack Conan to muscle over the line. Sam Prendergast converted, giving Ireland an early 7-0 lead.

Ireland maintained the pressure, pinning Wales inside their own half. A 20th-minute scrum penalty allowed Prendergast to slot a 27-meter penalty, extending the advantage to 10-0.

Wales needed a response, and in the 23rd minute, they got their breakthrough. Ireland conceded a penalty for offside, giving Gareth Anscombe the chance to put Wales on the board with a successful kick, narrowing the score to 10-3.

The hosts built momentum, and their attacking efforts almost resulted in a try in the 30th minute when Tomos Williams fumbled a crucial offload from Jac Morgan just meters from the line.

However, Wales finally made their pressure count. Following a 35th-minute penalty, Anscombe was about to line up his kick when the TMO intervened, reviewing a high tackle by Garry Ringrose on Ben Thomas. The referee issued a yellow card, sending it to the bunker for further assessment.

Anscombe converted the penalty to bring Wales within four points at 10-6. With their tails up, Wales continued their assault and, in the 38th minute, a well-orchestrated maul set up a five-meter lineout.

The Welsh pack surged forward, drawing in defenders before captain Jac Morgan crashed over the line. Anscombe’s conversion put Wales ahead 13-10 at halftime.

Second Half: Wales Extend Their Lead
The second half resumed with confirmation that Ringrose’s yellow card had been upgraded to a 20-minute red, leaving Ireland temporarily down to 14 men.

Wales capitalized immediately. In the 44th minute, a loose Irish pass was pounced upon, and after slick handling from Blair Murray, Tom Rogers finished in the corner. Anscombe’s conversion attempt narrowly missed, but Wales stretched their lead to 18-10.

However, Ireland remained composed. As their 15th man returned, they forced a 50th-minute breakdown penalty deep in the Welsh 22. Under advantage, they pushed forward before being called back, and Prendergast converted the straightforward penalty, reducing the deficit to 18-13.

Sensing their opportunity, Ireland increased the tempo. Playing under advantage in the 60th minute, Jamison Gibson-Park executed a pinpoint cross-field kick to the left corner, where James Lowe out-jumped Josh Adams and tapped the ball back inside for Jamie Osborne to mark his Six Nations debut with a try.

Prendergast’s conversion attempt drifted wide, but the scores were level at 18-18 heading into the final quarter.

With 66 minutes on the clock, Ireland earned a penalty inside the Welsh 22 after a high tackle. Prendergast, brimming with confidence, calmly slotted the three points, restoring Ireland’s lead at 21-18.

Wales attempted to respond and came agonizingly close in the 72nd minute. A sweeping backline move sent Ellis Mee racing down the wing, and he reached out to dot the ball down in the corner.

The on-field call was a try, but after a TMO review, it was ruled a knock-on as Mee had lost control inches from the ground—a narrow escape for Ireland.

Ireland took full advantage of their defensive stand. In the 75th minute, Bundee Aki won a crucial turnover just inside his own half. From 48 meters, Prendergast confidently stepped up and struck the long-range penalty cleanly, extending the lead to 24-18.

Wales threw everything at Ireland in the dying moments but were unable to find a breakthrough. A final breakdown penalty in the 78th minute sealed the game, with Prendergast making no mistake from the tee to push the lead to 27-18, securing the victory.