Wales 19-13 Ireland
Wales ended Ireland's hopes of a triple crown after recording a 19-13 win in a thrilling and controversial encounter in Cardiff.
The match's big talking point was the Welsh try, with Mike Philips scoring after what appeared to be an illegal quick lineout. There will be big questions asked of the officials whose consultation on the try was brief.
Wales did well to contain Ireland, who after a bright opening showed less and less inventiveness. Ireland surged to the Welsh line in the final moments but Paddy Wallace passed up a certain try by cutting inside and the chance was lost.
First Half
Ireland's start gave hope that the mistakes and sloppiness of recent times were gone. The ball was recycled out to Tommy Bowe who took advantage of a mismatch with Alun-Wyn Jones. His pop pass was collected by O'Driscoll whose clever running line was rewarded with the opening try.
Ireland's early discipline was good, in fact neither side conceded a penalty in the opening 15 minutes. However just like a bad bus service they all came at once. Ireland were penalised at the ruck twice in quick succession with Hook, after hitting the upright with the first, converted the second.
Luke Fitzgerald's inconsistent play continued. He turned the ball over after a loose pass to Keith Earls but made up for it somewhat with a huge hit on a leaping Shane Williams.
Wales weren't in the game early on and Keith Earls was the benefactor of a lot of Irish ball. He had as many touches in the opening half than in the rest of the tournament put together.
Ireland extended their lead after Healy won a penalty at the scrum and O'Gara converted. Sean O'Brien was very busy he carried well and was a nuisance at the breakdown. Unfortunately not all his endeavour was legal and Hook converted one of his penalty concessions.
Ireland almost added a second try before the break. Quick handling through the backline left gave O'Brien an opportunity to charge for the line. The ball was moved left but Fitzgerald couldn't hold the pass and Ireland had to settle for three points.
Second Half
Some credit must go to Gatland because Wales were much more aggressive in the second half. Hook was coming onto the ball flatter and Wales were getting their backs involved far more regularly. The ball swept through the hands but Shane Williams opted to kick rather than run and the ball went dead.
The controversial try came next. Sexton, who replaced O'Gara after fifty minutes, kicked out on the full. Matthew Rees passed to Mike Phillips who showed great pace and a nice handoff to evade Tommy Bowe for a try. Replays clearly showed that a new ball was used, which should have ruled out the try. The linesman seemed to miss this and told the ref the try was good.
Keith Earls responded with a massive run, breaking numerous Welsh tackles. Referee Jonathan Kaplan awarded Ireland a penalty but opted not to further penalise the Welsh culprit. Replacement Sexton missed the straightforward penalty, with his confidence perhaps dented after his shaky opening.
Wales played almost all of the rugby after this. Hook managed the game very well, something that must have felt vastly different to his usual attack of the gainline. Wales frustrated Ireland by going through phases after phase and in their eagerness to steal the ball Ireland allowed Hook to kick another three points.
Just as it seemed that Ireland's chance had gone Wales went off their feet at the ruck at Sexton launched one last attack to Ireland. Ireland patiently worked their way to the line and some superb handling put Wallace away for a certain try in the corner. Wallace opted to cut inside for an easier conversion but was stopped just short and Wales held on.
Other thoughts: Ireland will look at this as an opportunity missed for a few reasons. To have kept Roberts, Davies and Williams quiet but still lose show that this team as big problems. Bowe had a good performance but the form of Fitzgerald and D'Arcy leaves their places in jeopardy. Paddy Wallace's late cameo was identical to his contribution in the grand slam decider. He is meant to be another option at 1st or 2nd receiver but his only meaningful contributions in the last few campaigns were two mistakes against Wales.
This win makes the Welsh campaign. Gatland was getting close to the dole queue before the campaign but the collective effort from him and the side has been impressive. James Hook has matured hugely, even in the small sample size of three games. Wales will go to France fully expecting a result. It is amazing what three wins can do for a teams confidence, contrast that for what Ireland are facing now.
