Ireland U20s v Wales U20s Scrum V Live

The waiting is almost over. I don't understand why we are favourites. I

do think Wales... They want to win, they want to win, they want to

win... Europe's biggest and best tournament is about to ignite.

First, the curtain-raiser live from Dublin, as the next generation of

stars battle for supremacy. Can this year's youngsters recapture this

kind of form? Adams, getting back inside... A superb try! That is

brilliant! It's been a rough day weather-wise

on the other side of the Irish Sea. That won't bother these guys one

bit. Wales captain Tom Phillips and company will be relishing the trip

to Ireland. They have won the last three in a row against their Celtic

cousins and they will be looking to extend that run tonight. Good

evening and welcome to the programme, your Six Nations weekend

starts here on Scrum V Live. I'm getting very excited, so too Rob

Jones and Martyn Williams. This U20s team, league has become the ultimate

stepping stone to international honours. There is no A-team within

the Welsh set-up. It has become a tradition, it kicks off the Six

Nations weekend. You only have to look at the team that is picked on

Sunday, Dan Biggar, Sam Warburton, they have all played at this level.

It is a stepping stone to the big time. I suppose, Rob, the problem

some of these coaches have, the squad can change wholesale from

season to season. This time, 11 survivors from last year's campaign.

Many of whom critically have had Pro 12 experience. It is vital.

Experience is massive in any form of the game. These guys understand the

pressures of this competition. They will have learnt from last year and

they have moved on to bigger and better things. That experience will

be vital and will probably give Wales the edge tonight. That seems

to be the feeling from across the Irish Sea. The Irish team much less

experienced than Wales tonight. We will talk about some of the younger

players in a few moments. First, let's take a look behind-the-scenes

at the U20s training camp. We have a nice blend. We have a

number of players back for their second season of U20s. A lot of them

have been exposed to regional rugby, which can only grow them as players.

The confidence has picked up, training has picked up, but you have

the younger boys who are keen to prove their worth and there is a

good mixture of older and younger boys this year. A shoulder to lean

off if they need help. I'm maybe a link between the coaches and the

players, that's what I'm there for. Our aim is to win every game.

Mistakes happen. That is the attitude we want. And we have the

personnel and the experience and the boys coming through, strength

in-depth, to push forward. Tonight's game is on Donnybrook's 4G pitch, so

the boys have been preparing on the Arms Park artificial surface. The

style of play we are looking to play will suit a fast tempo. We have been

lucky enough to have the artificial surface to train on. The style of

play we want to play, it could be a good thing. They won't lack

motivation, but we respect Ireland, they will be difficult opponents and

the key thing is to play well and we produce a real good performance.

Let's have a look at the side that Jason Strange has picked for this

first match. Declan Smith partners Dan Jones. We saw Owen Watkin's try

in our opening sequence from last season. He has made five appearances

for the Ospreys so far this time. He is alongside Harri Millard. Check

out Keelan Giles, making his debut tonight, with pace to burn. He is

alongside Elis-Wyn Benham and Rhun Williams. He's never looked out of

place? He's looked a real prospect for the future. He is very powerful.

The Ospreys have played a part in bulking him up. That is coming

through in terms of his performances. The power he has, the

vision he has as well. Identifying where the space is on that clip.

This Keelan Giles, a huge amount of expectation in terms of his ability.

Fantastic footwork. He is down at Swansea Rugby Club. He's scored some

fantastic tries this year. Open space, there is no better runner.

I'm expecting big things from him. High praise from Rob Jones there and

of course a pacy player will always find a 4G pitch a pleasure to play

on. Let's cast our eyes over the pack now. Corey Domachowski and

Dafydd Hughes join Dillon Lewis, making his 11th appearance.

Experience, too, in the second row with the Ospreys' Adam Beard making

his 11th U20s appearance. Tom Phillips captains the side from the

back row. We heard from him just then. Harrison Keddie makes his

eighth start and Shaun Evans, another debutant. Martyn, some

serious talent in that pack tonight. You have been keeping a close eye on

the progress of Dillon Lewis? He's played 11 games for the U20s so he's

played a year young, and tight heads are worth their weight in gold. This

guy is learning his trade. He's had a couple of tough outings for the

region. Around the park, he is fantastic. He is a great footballer.

There are huge expectations on him and he's come in and got some big

games out in Montpellier. He brings a wealth of experience to a U20s

team. He's going to be crucial to their campaign. Another one to keep

an eye on tonight. Let's go over and keep an eye on Phil, he has been

enjoying the Irish hospitality, as he always does! He has Paul Wallace

for company tonight. Evening. Thanks. Welcome to Donnybrook. Paul,

you captained Ireland at U21 level. That Irish pack is weighing in at

900 kilograms. How big a difference will that make at this level? It's a

long time ago now! A massive pack. Looking at them warm up there, just

the sheer size, but the power, Cillian Gallagher is bigger than

most, but also they have a good scrum, James Ryan, and that is going

to look to go at Wales, up front and use that size and might. In

contrast, the Welsh size has Pro experience and U20s experience. Yes,

seven players back and, most importantly, your first game up, you

need someone to control the game and Dan Jones can step in there and

manage the team around, which he will need to do. They have lots of

experience out wide and this pitch should suit Wales. Thanks, Paul.

Conditions are perfect here. Let's go to the commentary box.

COMMENTARY: It's been a wild old day but it has settled down now.

Conditions are pretty good, especially under foot on this 4G

pitch. It should suit these youngsters and a running game. Very

interesting to see the size of these Irish boys as well. They are pretty

massive. Not experienced. Wales far more experienced, the likes of

Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Tom Phillips, they have all played

competitive games for their region. For Ireland, the front row of

Porter, McBurney and O'Donnell are the only ones who have played at

this level before. Jack Power, highly thought of, as are Shane Daly

and Jimmy O'Brien, and the captain, James Ryan. On the bench, a bit of

experience as well, Jarrod Evans has featured for the Blues. The referee

is from France. The U20s Championship of 2016 kicks off at

Donnybrook. Johnny McPhillips gets the game under way. Adam Beard of

the Ospreys, the recipient. Wales are struggling with the

possession. And early doors, it is Ireland who win that battle and

Ireland win the first penalty. Not too much Corey Domachowski could do

about it. It spilt out into his grasp. No sooner had he got hold of

it he was in trouble. Harrison Keddie looking to lay the ball back,

but it flew out. Domachowski was under such pressure that there was

always going to be one result. Johnny McPhillips, 19 next month.

Born in Newcastle. An early chance for the home side.

As always in grounds around Ireland, perfect silence. That turns into the

first cheer of the evening because Ireland U20s are ahead 3-0. Paul

Wallace showing he's got that fleetness of foot, he's sped up here

to the commentary point. Evening. Looking forward to this one?

Certainly am. I got held up by Joe Schmidt and his entourage. What a

good start, alertness winning that penalty for Ireland. Jimmy O'Brien

kicks long. Shane Lewis-Hughes was upended and

Owen Watkin has to gather. A feisty start from the Irish forwards,

pressurising on the ball. It went forward, a knock-on advantage to the

Irish. John Poland tries to sneak it away to Andrew Porter.

That is good work by the Irish forwards. Held up by Wales.

That's a tactic that we might see a bit of tomorrow, or Sunday rather.

Not quite sure what the weather is going to be like game time. But it

will be a tester for the back three. You can guarantee there will be

rain! And the ball will be raining down, that's for sure! Power looking

to counter. McPhillips had spotted the space on

the outside. It is nicely worked. O'Brien. And O'Brien - he doesn't

make the corner. That is a great cover tackle from Dan Jones. The ref

wants to see if the try has finally come. Brilliant cover by Dan Jones.

Were the Irish support alert enough and was the ball forward or not?

Great awareness by McPhillips. He saw Wales were in a bit tight. You

need to keep your depth when you are trailing like that. Hopefully, we

will get a good view of the final touchdown now. It was a well-worked

kick by Johnny McPhillips. He saw the space out wide. Great cover

tackle by Dan Jones. Now, then, let's see what happened.

It looks as though Cillian Gallagher may have got there. He certainly

did. Great follow-up. Cillian Gallagher is a huge man for number

six, at any level. To get around the park, he is a converted second row,

great play, and to get there so quickly as first forward, excellent

play. Well deserved. It didn't go forward from O'Brien. It evaded the

fingertips... It looks like a try. I am waiting for more pictures.

Elis-Wyn Benham beaten to it by Gallagher. It's a straightforward

try. I'm sorry, I have not got good pictures. I will try for them.

Please, the same one... The TMO there. O'Brien kept it infield,

Byrne didn't touch it. I have a decision. A well deserved try. Some

great interplay by the midfield, Daly and O'Brien, who are highly

talked about in Ireland as future players for senior recognition.

That is a real blow for Wales, very early on. Great awareness from

Johnny McPhillips. He had a look up, saw Daly on the outside in a bit of

space and some excellent support play, despite the best efforts by

Dan Jones, Gallagher managing to keep control.

Across the face from McPhillips, but what a start from the Irish boys. I

think the forwards, it looked like a choke tackle on the halfway line,

the intensity that the forwards hit in, they got that forward momentum,

two phases before the try, which we are seeing here, that got Ireland on

the front foot. That also meant Wales' defence wasn't quite together

and great finishing by Ireland. Will Connors doing the cleaning up

work for Ireland. Not cleanly hit by McPhillips. Taken by Giles now, he

can shift. But not in that much traffic.

A couple of Pontypridd players in the line-up for the Welsh boys

tonight. And their reward is a penalty and a chance for their first

points of the evening. Ireland getting a bit overeager in defence

there, they need more discipline. Still early stages. It is a team

just getting together, their first full international after a couple of

warm-up games, and it looked like the defence was well controlled,

good communication and there was no need for them to

Dan Jones picked up 28 points in the Six Nations last year and gets his

first three this year to put Wales on the board. That was a vital score

for Wales after a slow start and Ireland taking their opportunities.

Dan Jones is pivotal to Wales if they are to win tonight, his

experience and his general ability as a general for Wales will be all

important if they are to overcome this good Irish early start.

Interesting choice there. There is a good choice at ten for Wales, Jarrod

Evans on the bench. Featured for the Blues on a few occasions. I dare say

we will see him before the end of the evening. He offers something

slightly different. REFEREE: You must stay up to contest

the ball. You must stay up. Just a bit overeager there, the contest at

the breakdown. It normally takes 15 or 20 minutes to work out a referee.

In the professional game, you have so much analysis on referees and

what you can and can't get away with it. When you get new teams like

this, you have to trial by error to see what you can get away with.

That's a good strike but it died in the end. It looked like it was at

the end of his range there. The longer a kicker waits before he

kicks it, the more likely the kick is to go wrong. Sometimes it is that

instinctive, you stride back and go for it. It seems a more assured way

of going for goal. Angus O'Brien has put the Dragons

ahead, 3-0 they lead against Ulster. The one game in the Pro12 this

evening. That was well read by Dafydd Hughes.

James Ryan, all 6'8" of him - and there is plenty of bulk in this

Irish pack, which the Welsh boys are going to have to contend with.

Straight through goes Will Connors, just keeping that defence honest.

Around the corner comes Conan O'Donnell.

Steady progress being made by the Irish pack. Deeper and deeper into

that Welsh 22. Good defence by Wales and now they

flood the tackle area, sensing they may be able to turn it over. No, it

is back in the hands of John Poland. McPhillips, in from the wing comes

Byrne, Watkin with the tackle. Wales are having to concentrate for

a lengthy period in defence. With the kick coming in, advantage is

over. That's Matthew Byrne, a local lad. A chance for Wales to counter.

Declan Smith getting support from Adam Beard. They couldn't get it out

wide quickly enough and Harri Millard just putting it down field.

No real pressure from that kick. Wales would have hoped to make

better use of that unexpected turnover ball. Giles. Rhun Williams

trying to take it on the volley, but he missed it completely.

Unfortunate there, Shane Daly. Doesn't manage to stay in from the

touchline. He is quite rangy, he is probably a sort of guy that will

fill out a bit. On this one occasion, you have to step up, when

you are that close - great defence as well to roll him towards the

touchline. He has to work harder to stay infield.

Wales chance to build and go

There's the one that Wales will look to more than anyone for guidance

behind the scrum. Effective carry by Dafydd Hughes,

getting them over the game line. Dan Jones. Again, the kick wasn't a

pressure kick and that is an unexpected bonus for Wales with Hugo

Keenan spilling that one. Good defence by Ireland. They realise

that Wales want to get the ball wide, they have a lot of exciting

backs. Maybe the Welsh backline a bit flat and not being able to take

on that rush defence out wide, resorting to the kick. It looked

like a kick that wasn't going anywhere, but Keenan drops the ball

and now it's a great position for Wales and it will be interesting to

see how this scrum goes. It is interesting to see what every scrum

goes like, isn't it? Yes, spoken like a former prop!

Looking forward to Sunday's battle, in particular. It is an interesting

one. So many front-line players missing for Ireland, it will be

interesting to see how that goes. It certainly will. And maybe some of

the decisions last year in the choice of Rob Evans on the loose for

Wales. Harrison Keddie, straight to Owen Watkin. Connors is trying to

get over the ball, but it is safely back to Lewis-Hughes. Dan Jones

under pressure. Rhun Williams spots a bit of space, backs himself and

gets there, superb play by the Caernarfon full-back. Just ran out

of space in the end. Great cover by Connors, tracking down, a great

break by Williams and good feet, just too many players to beat and

Connors managed to drag him at the end. The Irish defence are not

letting the Welsh backline settle. Keenan slips off the tackle but

Connors comes to the rescue. Excellent corner flagging from the

open side. A good bit of vision from Rhun Williams. It is Owen Watkin who

is down. Wales won't want to lose him. Good

decision-making by Wales. They are not getting the front-foot ball, an

aggressive Irish defence. If they did get deeper, they might be able

to play it a bit more. Once it wasn't on, they just dinked it in

behind. One of the last glimpses we saw off Waterden Road Ofwat -- of

Owen Watkin was for the Ospreys last Sunday.

Crouch. Bind. Set. Just need a solid scrum

The pressure I disagree with that. Not just being Irish but as a prop.

When you are there next to a touchline you can see the Welsh

scrum certainly spun to the left side. That was a deliberate wheel.

There's so many penalties given for deliberate wheels and a little

pushing and shoving here and it will all break up. You can tell the Irish

obviously felt aggrieved with the penalty and the way the Welsh boys

celebrated was salt in the wound then. There was always a chance

things might flare up a little bit. Yeah, it's clear if we get another

shot of that, the Welsh scrum got up on the left and walked it around

which is what they're trying to eradicate from the game. Too many

referees, it's is when a player dominates the opposition number.

That one I would have been more sympathetic to the Irish cause. It's

not necessary. Stay in the game. We stay on the penalty here. OK.

Just trying to exert his authority there and make sure that people

don't rush in as Dan Jones did. Here we see the scrum. Yeah, standing up

in the scrum. That's OK what's happening. There is a walk around

there on that... For me, it's important for Wales in that position

that you pin it into the corner and turn it up in that direction and for

me, yeah, that's why I would have gone with Ireland.

Good drive from the Irish pack. Keddie comes away with it. It

bounces off one would-be tackler. Great run from Keddie. Option to go

to the blind side. Is there enough room there?

Not quite. Forwards queuing up. Lewis-Hughes

brought down short again. The skipper Phillips. Wales pounding at

the Irish line. Smith digs in. Phillips has another

go. Gallagher with a tackle. Surely, they're so close. Can they

reach it? Yes, they can indeed. At the third or fourth time of asking.

I think it's Hughes who got there in the end. Good confidential by Wales

to go through the phases and get that ball retention and you will

eventually get over the line. Looked like they would get over earlier but

it was a fantastic tackle by Burney but too much pressure there and

great ball retention by Wales. It took a second movement. It was

just touched the line before it was dragged back. It was enough to claim

the try for Dafydd Hughes. Interesting, the hand looks like it

might be... He gets to the end of it there. Skin of his teeth. The point

of the ball just touching the whitewash.

They all count, though. Max Deegan has left the field with a

cut head. Dan Jones, a superb strike. Wales

fight back well. Hughes' try converted. The 20-minute mark and

Wales go ahead. There has been a momentum shift. Wales just coming

back and showing great confidence and when you have seven players

there from last year that's a big thing. You don't get rattled by

going a few scores down early on. Wales in the lead. Wonder what the

team manager thinks? He is with Phil.

How timely was that try after Wales after they didn't get off the bus in

the first ten minutes? We did start slowly. When you play in Ireland you

know you are in for a tough first few minutes. We probably lacked

urgency. The boys responded well and built the basis of the try on an

excellent scrum in the corner. Wales showing they can cope with this big

Irish pack. Yeah, there's been a lot in the press about the big pack but

we have some big boys as well. They asserted themselves there. Very

pleased. Cheers, Mark. Kelvin Brown is the replacement in

the Irish back row. Watkin with a tackle. Driving

through goes Dan Jones. Dan Jones certainly is fired up for

this one. Living life among the forwards. Great play by Dan Jones.

It's great to see in the professional era now halves getting

stuck in. No longer do you stay back. Really good. Came in hard and

fast. Well disciplined coming in from the back foot. Ireland probably

need to be more disciplined. They won the ruck first but you have to

hold your position once you get past. Got too far past it but well

counter-rucked by Wales. A bit embarrassing to be knocked off

the ball, though! Nowadays they're all bigger than the forwards. Evans

with the ball now on the open side. To Smith.

Good work by Watkin. He is so, so clever tracking the ball.

Turned over, though. Good defence by Ireland. That will be an Irish

throw, as well. Hard to see... Gallagher involved

again. Has had a promising start. Certainly was somewhat involved in

that ball coming back. I don't think we will ever know if it came back by

legal means or not, will we? The Dragons are having a great start.

Adam Hughes with a try to go with O'Brien's penalty. And converted, as

well. 10-nil the Dragons lead car yiring on from a win against

Leinster last week. Connors has been prominent in the

first half. He is a big open side, as well. 6'5" of him.

That's turned over. Evans. The kick behind the defence.

Back there is the captain, James Ryan.

Some of the counter-rucking from Wales has been top drawer. It's all

about timing and reading the situation. Is it worth committing?

Not just worth committing to a ruck and at what time. A ruck, a team

might think it's won. They're not getting a low body position. It's

one thing they have to do, get hips and shoulder down low and make it

hard for Welsh players to clear them out.

Keddie sets it up. Evans is always going to be under

pressure from O'Brien. A touch far maybe. It may work out.

Again Keenan. It wasn't secure under the high ball. Phillips has it for

Wales. Jones goes for a cross-kick for

Giles. Taken cleanly by Daly.

The clean catch awarded. That's Gaelic football for you!

Great two-handed catch. Very well taken. It looked like a young

Henshaw going up for that. Giles.

Haven't really seen his running ability, now we might. Just run out

of space. Such an exciting prospect. Dazzling feet. There's been another

try in Belfast, this time for the home side. Reddy the try scorer and

the conversion, as well. After the opening stages it's all

been played down in Ireland's half. Support from Brown. Lovely inside

ball. Anybody with Daly? Looks inside. The scrum-half Poland

arrives. And Gallagher. Lovely support work by the Irish.

It's gone forward. But illegally. Stripped on the floor.

Beautiful play by the Irish back row. O'Connors, first of all and

then Kelvin Brown, what a beautiful slip pass. Again it was that Mangal

aher charging on, bringing -- that man of Gallagher. Hands free. Ball

goes out. Look at that. Division and also communication. The running

lines, when you are supporting coming in from behind, it's one of

the things that at senior level Ireland aren't doing much of which

is offloading. They don't seem to have the trail runners. It's a

pleasure to see it happening here at under-20 level. Some great running

rugby there by Ireland. Will Connors has been very

impressive in attack and defence. His cover tackle earlier, a couple

of bursts and then showing good hands, as well, as did Kelvin Brown.

Wales desperate in defence, just putting a hand on the floor. Shane

Daly also linking with the back row. He has been one of the standout

players for me from Ireland in the first half. Connors has taken a bang

on the shoulder by the look of it. It's the skipper Tom Phillips who is

getting prolonged treatment for Wales.

He is back up on his feet. High, straight and through. Johnny

McPhillips restores the lead for Ireland.

Well rewarded from very good play from Ireland. I think this game

looks like it's going to be nip and tuck the whole way. Just as Wales

thought they were getting back on top, Ireland manage to break free

and get in and good reward for some fine play by Ireland.

Brown had an instrumental hand in that breakout from one 22 to the

other. Poland again. His kick is half

charged down. No offside. There wouldn't have been except it came

off one Welsh second row to the other. You are offside. It's not you

who catch the ball. Offside. Tlas no offside line initially. Came off

Hughes. Again another box kick being blocked down. When you think of the

old school scrum-halves where you kicked the ball facing the other

direction, so the trajectory went straight up and these big seconds

couldn't get a on it and now they're side-on. Big second rows are easy to

get in and get it blocked down. It's something they need to maybe take a

step back in time and get some of those great technical scrum-halves

that used to be able to put so much height and never got close to

getting blocked down. Nudged on by Deegan who is back on

the field. What would have been a scrum turns

into a penalty. A cheap penalty by Ireland really.

There was no real pressure there. When you look at where Wales were,

it was after a big line break by Ireland, running 50 metres. If you

give away a pen ylt in that situation it's not the worst thing.

When you have a dead ball going nowhere you have to keep your

discipline in there. Good lineout play. Scrappy off the top. And then

just a scramble for the ball here. A big weekend of rugby. The big game

of the weekend after this one is live on S4C on Sunday afternoon and

a look back at what is a very exciting first weekend in the Six

Nations on Scrum Five on Sunday evening at 7.00pm.

Dan Jones on the mark again. The seesaw game continues. It's

back, advantage Wales on the half-hour mark.

After putting Wales back ahead, Jones safely puts the ball out of

play and just gets a chance for everybody to have a breather and

reform and concentrate on the next phase of play.

Gallagher off the top. Deegan standing off.

O'Donnell brought down by Phillips. Deegan again waiting.

It was meant to be a one-two. The scrum-half beautifully poached by

Phillips. Lewis is on his own.

Now help arrives in time. In steps Shaun Evans. Ireland not

committing to the breakdown. Keeping numbers out to defend wider.

Both teams are a little narrow. No one on the far right side.

Nicely done by Jones. Covered by Poland. Watkin is

lurking, as was Giles. Knocked out of play. Williams has

Benham outside him. Tries to go the long way around.

Good pace to get past the first man but lost it in contact? No, says the

referee. That one has gone. A chance for a counterled by Ryan.

Lovely pop up to Poland. Important tackle by Millard. Good hands by

Connors. Wales very much on the back foot at the moment.

Popped up... Ryan again. Taken on by Porter.

Pushing Wales back to the 22. Slowed down by Wales. They've

reformed defensively. One of the Irish players still down on halfway.

Looks like a penalty advantage to Ireland at the moment.

It's a kick for nothing for McPhillips.

A nothing kick, as well. It means they'll go back for the

penalty. Again great Irish offloading. Prop

forwards, to back rows and continuing going through. An awful

lot of pick and go around the side and right through the middle of the

rucks, probably not when you get in behind a team like that, you

probably don't want to do that. You want to get the ball right out

again, move the point of attack consistently so the other defence

can't form T gives them more time. That pick and go does work when it

is dead ball. Interestingly enough another way to get going, we haven't

seen a maul. I guess thee 4G pitches aren't conducive. The Irish first

team staff here in evidence. Wonder what they're making of it? It looks

as though when they go for that break outthey step up a gear and

it's quickly transferred 30, 40 metres down field. Fantastic play.

They're looking for space. The offloading is there. They're pulling

defenders one way or the other, getting hands free and also you know

the trailing player, they know the pass is coming. As we were saying

earlier, it's very different to maybe the way the senior team are

playing where they're not an offloading side with trailing

players. It's paying dividends when you are under pressure. It's getting

Ireland into these positions. It's nip and tuck all right.

Another success for Johnny McPhillips, means with four minutes

of the first half left Ireland edge back ahead 14-13.

The crowd may be a bit confused. The clock in the ground is at 40 minutes

but that hasn't stopped at any point during proceedings and we have had a

few injuries. And one or two lectures from the referee.

Domachowski finds Beard. Giles.

Taken out of play by Matthew Byrne. They're looking to see if they can

create enough space to get him away and clear. They haven't managed to

yet. They certainly look very dangerous

Wales out wide. Williams has looked impressive hitting the line, great

pace and stepping and there we see Giles, as well. Maybe needs to work

more at keeping possession, if he doesn't have that space, maybe

looking to link back, keeping the attack going.

Wales, unexpected possession from that lineout. Lewis was charging

into the 22. Smith to Jones. Flat ball.

Right on the game line. Keddie under pressure.

Slips it to Dafydd Hughes. Too many green shirts outside

Millard. Nicely done. Giles.

Wales looking to finish the half with a flourish. And edge back ahead

as they head for the changing rooms behind that try line. The Welsh

crowd that are supporting giving voice to Shaun Evans.

Six metres short. Driven on again, right underneath

the posts. Oh! It's stolen. Great work by Adam

McBurney. Ireland so thankful to their hooker.

It's still alive, though. Slipped back inside to Phillips.

Wales keeping the pressure up, keeping possession of the ball.

When Ireland thought they had done the necessary, they didn't get the

ball off the park. There is more defending to be done.

Jones steps inside. Couldn't get the ball to Watkin. It's still there for

Wales. Domachowski again.

Lewis-Hughes. Again Wales knocking on the door.

It took the hard battering ram way the first time. Lovely slip. That's

a very well-worked try for Adam Beard. Wales do strike back just

before half-time. That's great patience and that is great

discipline rounded off in a try for Adam Beard. Well deserved. Very

well-worked. We talked about the back line getting a little flat

early on. The forwards didn't there. Beard seemed to come from the blind

side behind. Beautiful trailing line. Comes straight in flat. Should

have been a better tackle put in by McPhillips there. Not physical

enough when you get a second row charging on a soft shoulder against

an out half and should have been defence inside and forwards coming

the inside shoulder but very good line and run well. Great patience by

Wales, as well. They tried the hard yards for the forwards but it was a

great pass by Shaun Evans and Adam Beard timed his run well. He came

from depth and as if needed it against an outside half, that gave

him the momentum, as well. How many times have we seen just

before half-time, just before and after, they can be the tries that

turn a fixture. The final kick of the first half.

Successful by Dan Jones. That is a great end by the Welsh boys after

being under pressure early on from Ireland. Ireland leading the way,

but Wales striking back well. Two tries to one. They lead by 20-14.

Let's go back to Phil with Mark Taylor again.

What a great time to score, Mark. How much confidence will you take

from that? Obviously it's a great time to score on half-time. I think

it's the fact we went through the phases, as well. It was well-worked.

We had been banging on the door a few times. The boys kept composure

and kept it in play. Excellent, pleased with them so far. Is that

the answer for the second half, patience and phases? It's got to be.

Obviously, just play the right areas, got a nice lead but certainly

keep the ball in hand, got good runners e as well. Possession is the

key and doing the right things with it. Cheers, make sure they have a

good orange at half-time. That was the manager. Here is the recap.

Wales had won the last three against Ireland but it was Ireland who came

out of the blocks quickest tonight. First with a penalty after two

minutes. Then a sensational try after four minutes on the clock.

Things looking a little bad for Wales at that point. But they came

back into the game well. Knocked a penalty over themselves. After some

impressive forward power, wave after wave of possession, eventually it

was the hooker Thomas who crashed over - Hughes I should say who

crashed over for Wales and Ireland appeared to be going into the

half-time in the lead. But Wales again, after a concerted period of

pressure on the Ireland line, crossed the line with the

clean-shaven Adam Beard who ran a lovely line. Stats are relatively

even with the two sides. On the pitch, a fairly even game,

and competitive and evenly contested game. Perhaps, though, Jason Strange

will be the happier of the coaches because Wales have gone in in the

lead. Absolutely. I think the key word for Wales there is patience,

they've been patient in terms of the build-up and managed to control the

ball. Turnovers obviously have gone Ireland's way. But Wales have

managed to work their way back in and I think the tries show how

composed and patient they are. Maybe it's the experience of the players

who have been there last year. They've worked a couple of years in

the system. They've been under the kosh on occasions but certainly

they've gone in deserved leaders. They were under the kosh in the

first five minutes. A fantastic try. Great attacking intent from Ireland.

Perhaps defensive naivety from Wales, as well. We will see the clip

now. I think it's Watkin who lost his bearings in this situation. The

kick was ahead. Watkin has gambled. He is thinking they're going to move

it through the hands. It's great vision by McPhillips, the Irish

outside half. Beautifully weighted kick over to the outside centre and

Johnny shows great pace and great effort by Watkin to get back,

doesn't have the pace. This is the difference between a flanker and

winger going for a 50-50 ball. . You have to give huge credit to

Gallagher there. That's tracking. He has gone down early. Benham has to

dive on that. You can't pick up and run from there. You are two metres

out. It is difficult. He is overchased. Got back and you have to

dive on that ball and kill it. You were fearing the worst then but

compote composure by the weigh shall -- Welsh to get back. They got back

into the game. Perhaps it's the fact there are 11

survivors from the last campaign, they are more experienced than their

Irish counterparts, and they were back down the other side of the

field, and after a concerted period of pressure, got over the line? They

did. The pack have played exceptionally well. The change of

direction, Domachowski almost goes across in the corner. It is about

getting the ball wide, it is going through the phases, eventually, you

will find some space. When Wales did that, Dafydd Hughes did

exceptionally well, he understood the ruling, you can make that quick

second movement and the French referee give the try. If you keep

hold of the ball, you will eventually find some space. The pack

have played particularly well. They have carried well. They have been

heavily involved and I said Wales are probably just the better side.

No room for complacency, Martyn. Pack are probably on top, very

competitive at the breakdown. Ireland have looked very

threatening? Mark Taylor touched upon it, a few times they looked

like they were going to go 70 or 80 metres, very impressed with the work

at the breakdown from the Welsh team. It is great commitment for the

cause and they have reaped the benefits. Talking of commitment, he

was someone that you picked out at the start of the programme, Keelan

Giles, the left-winger for Wales. Just 17, looks really hungry. If he

gets a bit of space, you sense he could do something special? Yes, I

spoke earlier about his footwork and he's got that abilities. He look --

he's got that ability. He looks a bit like Shane Williams. He is very

sharp. Looks like someone who can inspire. He is not a big man, but he

breaks tackles. I think Wales will be looking to get the ball wide.

There might be an opportunity in terms of the counter-attack. Then

you might see the best of him. Warren Gatland has identified this

guy as a future international. Rob talked about the first Wales try

being a result of patience and not necessarily spinning it wide too

early. The second Wales try much the same? It all came from a pop at

Elis-Wyn Benham for not going for a 50/50. This pass here is something

we don't do enough of. Too many times you see guys tucking it under

their arm and carry. It shows sometimes, that pass, two or

three-metres out, is as good as a carry and run over. Difficult to

stop a man of his dementions from that distance as well -- dimensions

from that distance as well. The Dragons are up at half-time. The

ball went through the line, a fantastic finish from Adam Hughes in

the corner. Ulster have struck back, Reidy scoring for Ulster. As things

stand, the Dragons are just ahead in this one. That follows on from their

victory over Leinster last week. The Dragons seems to benefit when a lot

of the big names are away in training camps. It is a Six Nations

weekend. We have the second half coming up soon. For the rest of the

weekend, stay glued to your TV set because there is plenty of Six

Nations action coming your way. Another try in this sensational

second half for Wales! It is an extraordinary game on an

extraordinary day! We have had everything in this game! What a try

for Ireland! It all kicks off tomorrow with France versus Italy

followed by Scotland versus England. Wales Women open their campaign

against Ireland and on Sunday, the big one, Wales face off against the

double defending champions. We will digest it all that evening on a

Scrum V Six Nations Special. Let's talk about the main event. These two

guys are the ones who made the headlines, Rob Evans replacing

Gethin Jenkins in the front row and Tom James making his first Wales

start for five years. I'll ask you about Rob, Martyn. A bold call that

one. It must have been a difficult conversation Warren Gatland had with

Gethin Jenkins? He understands, he is an old man now, so he can't play

every game. Rob's been in fantastic form for the Scarlets, so it is a

big call, particularly when you think Paul James isn't on the bench.

It is something - a World Cup has finished, you have to look ahead.

They can't go on forever. It will be interesting - Ireland have a lot of

injuries in the front row. You are hoping that he will stand up to the

test. He will be fantastic around the park. You have to do that job in

the scrum. Tom James, Rob, the form he's been in for the Blues,

impossible to ignore? It is very much a form decision. He has matured

as a player. He is more consistent now. I think Cuthbert, who has come

back to a bit of form, but if you are picking someone who can do a job

now, he is the right man. Paul Wallace, Ireland announced their

team today, ravaged with injuries, but two big blows today, Rob Carney

and O'Brien on the casualty list. What is the feeling over there? Very

disappointing that O'Brien is missing, especially with the

much-vaunted Welsh back row. He would have been a very valuable

player for Ireland. Rob Carney as well. Ireland are looking to keep

the same centre partnership they have. That might be something to do

with their kick and chase game that they might go looking after Anscombe

at full-back. It would not be Dublin without a few up and unders! We

shall look forward to the game on Sunday. You have to run back up to

the commentary point now. We will catch you in a few moments' time.

Thank you for that. It is time now to return to the commentary box, the

teams were on their way out behind Paul Wallace, so we can return to

our commentary point. COMMENTARY: Thanks very much, Ross.

I can see Paul Wallace speeding up to the commentary point to join me.

There's been one change in the Irish line-up. The open-side Will Connors

took a knock on the shoulder, so Kelvin Brown is on.

Excellent first half. Very enjoyable, not much to choose

between the two teams. Wales just edging ahead with that late, late

try. And now they get a good start to the second half with a ball

played back into the 22 and they have a line-out, which they can

hopefully attack from. Dafydd Hughes scoring the first try

for Wales. A good ball by Beard, who scored the second. Watkin on that

short ball. Phillips. Declan Smith directing things around

him. It's stolen by the replacement, Kelvin Brown. Interception by Dan

Jones and that is an unexpected gift and Wales will take that! As Ireland

tried to run the ball out, Dan Jones keeping his wits about him and he

puts Wales further ahead with a try a minute into the second half. It

had to be Dan Jones, didn't it? He read it so well. Ireland's passing

game had been so good, but to do it in that position early on, Poland

had to hold on to that ball. Good pressure and Jones using all his

experience to get up there. Two penalties and two conversions,

his contribution in the first half. And that try puts it up to 15 of

Wales '25. He draws the kick wide, though. He

will be disappointed with that, but he will be delighted with the start

to the second half. Poland was always under pressure. He

tried to get it to Deegan but he was asking too much and Dan Jones was

aware and he knew what he had to do to get to that try line. So, the

perfect finish to the first half met by the perfect start to the second

for Wales. Jones clears. Keenan out to Power.

Matthew Byrne has a run. Brown into the arms of Shane

Lewis-Hughes. The ball has gone forward. Wales

looking to use the advantage. And with Declan Smith trying to get his

hands around the back of the defender to get the ball to Keelan

Giles, not quite coming off. Admirable the way Ireland are trying

to play the game. You have to be selective when you do off-load. You

have to be getting go-forward ball to get into it. If you are flatter,

you start going backwards, and you come off second best. The pressure

Wales are putting on Ireland, they have to readjust and carry the ball

up and reshape and get going again. That's been the key difference. The

Welsh side have had a bit of patience to go through the phases,

Ireland are trying to look for the miracle play too many times.

REFEREE: Penalty. Good feed. You have to wait my call. Early feed.

Number 9, you have to wait for my sign. Didn't wait for the referee's

call or sign. I don't think I have seen that offence before. The

crooked feed call. You see something new every day! Penalised for not

waiting for the referee's call. There we go.

That looked a bit heavy. It is. Out on the full from O'Brien. Ireland

are forcing it at the moment. They have fallen 11 points behind, but

they have plenty of time, there is no need to panic. You are bang on

there. They have the time. You need to get back into the game, get the

confidence, and you can't be forcing it. They need to get some go-forward

ball and they must win the ball back here to put pressure on Wales again.

Beard brings it down, Evans drives it on. Brilliant work by the Welsh

pack. Smith waits. That is really too long for any Welsh chasers.

After the work of the forwards, they will be disappointed the ball was

given away like that. Smith has stayed down. Ireland have to build

again. There is a big gap there. Great pass from McBurney. Poland

gets it away to McPhillips. Good tackle by Phillips on McPhillips,

but Brown is there in support. Again, Ireland have broken very,

very quickly, indeed. Scrambled defence by Wales. Pressure comes on

from Owen Watkin. Brown picks up and drives through the middle.

The counters have been Ireland's most successful part of the game.

Wales have managed to slow it down again.

Poland calling for more forwards in there.

REFEREE: Advantage, not pushing back. Penalty for Ireland.

Cross-field kick behind Giles, but he takes it well. Again, McPhillips

knew what he had to do, but it was good defending by Keelan Giles.

Offside. He dealt with that quite easily. I just told you to push

back. Great pass from McBurney the hooker and that one from Poland.

What I love about this Irish side and their attacking play, is the

trail runners. You know where they are coming and even though we can't

hear it in the commentary, they are hearing it in their ears, the

support play coming from behind, coming at pace and holding their

depth. So few teams do that these days and we see the All Blacks do it

so well. They are showing how the game should

be played, if not going for that miracle pass every time. We saw an

excellent line-out drive by Wales a couple of minutes ago. What odds a

line-out drive here, especially with Kelvin Brown standing off? There he

is, now attaching himself - Brown thundering through the middle. Did

that go to ground? The try has been given very early indeed. Kelvin

Brown has got the try. Wales remonstrating with the referee that

the ball never got to ground. It was a very early call and it counts. The

referee was well positioned. I couldn't say for sure if he got it

down. It looked 50/50. I'm sure we will get a view here. There is a bit

of a shift there. You need a different angle to have a

look here. He breaks away and gets in ahead. Hard to see where he

actually gets it down there. Corey Domachowski thought he was

underneath him. It is one of those where they go over at a rate of

knots and it looked like a try was written all over it but needed to

make sure the grounding was there. Conversion isn't successful but the

game is still very much alive. 25-19. Another try from Ulster. It

is another try for the Dragons, they are 15-10 ahead. As with the first,

some great handling in the build-up. Meyer created the first, he's scored

the second, it is 15-7 to the Dragons. Thanks, Ross. The Dragons

were worried about their away form. That is what they wanted to improve.

Now they are leading 15-7 at Ulster. Let's see if they can build or hang

on to that lead. A six-point game here at Donnybrook. Wales with the

one-score advantage. It's been that kind of game. It can go either way

any time. Out comes Jack Power. McPhillips. Kelvin Brown. He was

there to regather, but it's gone forward. Ireland are the ones who

are trying to pick up the pace. When you fall ten points behind, the

impetus to get out there and get going... Kelvin Brown has done well

since he's come on. Was it a try, wasn't it a try? It is

hard to see that he got it down. But he did make a fatal error, when you

have the ball, always make sure there is another player between you

and the opposition, when you get that far in advance, the opposition

get a hand in and that should have been a very easy try and the referee

probably pre-supposed it was, but Kelvin Brown got himself isolated.

Reuben Morgan-Williams is on for Wales, an injury for Ireland as

well. Let's go to Phil. Thanks, Gareth. It is the SWALEC Cup last 16

tomorrow. Bridgend against Cross Keys.

No official SWALEC League programme tomorrow.

Croesyceliog was the club of the late, great Clive Burgess. Thanks,

Phil. An anorak will be needed back in Wales tomorrow as well! That is a

good scrum by Wales. It's one area Ireland thought they would be a bit

stronger than Wales, a very heavy pack, experience in the front row as

well, but good technique, you know, it isn't always the bigger scrum

that wins, it is all about how you chase et cetera and the scrum hasn't

been a dominant part of the game. It gives Wales the opportunity to get

back into the Irish half and back on the attack again.

You hate that as a problem, you are going backwards and the back row's

heads are up. The whole eight were down there. They got the shunt on.

It is one thing the props never know until they go back and watch the

video. And the back row then get to know about it!

A clean break by the replacement scrum-half, Reuben Morgan-Williams.

He didn't panic, so still Welsh ball. Good take by the prop. Lovely

break by Morgan-Williams and can Wales now capitalise? Keddie.

Forwards lining up, led by Dafydd Hughes, a dummy off-load. Dan Jones.

Now, then, Watkin, steps, looks for the one-handed ball to Giles, but

no, couldn't complete it. And relieving pressure kick by

McPhillips. Was that a high tackle? No. It's a clean catch that's been

awarded. Dan Jones certainly felt the weight of Peter Claffey. In

fact, they are going to go to the TMO.

REFEREE: I want to check there was no foul play after the kick. Shane

Daly - it looked like a try was certainly on. For once, Wales not

having the patience to go through the phases, maybe forcing the pass,

and that kick, it was a nothing kick, so it will be interesting to

see a replay of what exactly did transpire.

It is going to be a penalty against 4 green. If you keep your feet, it

doesn't matter. He just stuck his bottom out a

little bit to make life a bit awkward for Dan Jones, it was no

more than that. That is a tough call on Peter Claffey.

REFEREE: There is a voluntary obstruction on 10, you know the

rule. It is yellow as well! That is a poor decision. You don't have to

move. You are allowed to stand your ground. The one thing you are not

allowed to do is to change your line to go at the player who is kicking

and he stood there. I don't think it was a penalty. That is very unlucky.

We saw the kick was going nowhere and a yellow card is a shocking

decision. Yes, if it was on, there was going to be a try-scoring

opportunity, that is fair enough. Just lent into him possibly a shade,

but... He stuck his bottom out. If his feet had moved, yes, by all

means. I think - I wouldn't have called that a penalty, never mind a

yellow card. That is an overreaction. I have seen penalties

for shoulder charges, but I don't think I have seen them for a bottom

charge before! It is an evening of firsts at Donnybrook.

Dan Jones won the penalty and Dan Jones converts the penalty and that

extends Wales lead to 19 points to 28, so it makes a two-score game, an

important kick that one for Dan Jones. We have heard the opinion

from one forward here in Donnybrook, what about back in the studio,

Martyn Williams? What did you make of that one? A yellow card for that

is ridiculous. Like you say, he stuck his bottom out, which is

probably the first guy ever to get yellow-carded for that. A shocking

decision. If you are the Welsh, you will take that all day long. Well,

we are wondering what the game is coming to. I wonder what would

happen if Baxter stuck his backside out - it would be a red card! He

would certainly need some gas to get around it! You have to stay away

from big second rows... Ireland down to 14 men.

Ryan, he will have to pick up his team now. They are still in it. It

is going to be that much harder. Wales are celebrating every penalty.

That is one area that Wales have certainly outshone Ireland, at the

breakdown fighting for the ball. You talk about size, but height is a big

thing as well. Maybe a shorter side, a stockier side, they are harder to

budge off the ball, but a lot of the technique work they have done is

better. You look at the Irish back row in particular, all very tall,

with no great deal groundhogs to get in there and fight for the ball.

Nowadays, the prop forwards are probably best placed to fight for

that ball. It's tight for The Dragons. We saw

Giles limping. Unfortunately, for him, that's the end of the game. Joe

Thomas of the ospreys comes on. Straight in the middle.

The pop-up from Morgan Williams is forward to Joe Thomas.

Here is a hefty character. Tipping the scales at just under 21 stone,

Conor Kenny. That 900k pack has just got even bigger. Flanker Matthew

Byrne joins on to the scrum. Good line speed defensively by

Wales. Putting Ireland under pressure, not giving them any time

to develop. Ryan. Great offload from Ryan to Power.

Shaun Evans comes all the way around.

That boot certainly came out. Maybe lucky just to get a penalty. Ireland

not finding touch from there, even though they will have a lineout some

ten metres outside the Welsh 22. In that situation they would be liking

to be ten metres from the try line. -- would be looking. Some of the

offloading from Ireland has been top drawer.

Interesting to see what Ireland do now. The maul has looked very

powerful last time around and I imagine they might go for it again.

The lineouts have gone pretty much with throw. But Ireland didn't

protect the possession well enough and that's good work by Dafydd

Hughes. Won a few extra yards. Benham beats one man.

Evades the clutches of Brown, as well.

Phillips trying to get his team going forward again.

Morgan Williams half-turned and that means the ball is meant to go to the

air but charged down back to the hands of the scrum-half. Linked with

Watkin. Back inside to Millard. That could be the killer blow for Wales.

Harri Millard with a fourth try for Wales putting them over 30 points.

Wales have looked so dangerous when they've got space out wide. The

first half they didn't get the opportunities, but after some really

good hustling work in the lineout by Wales to get that ball and once they

get going forward that extra gasp they have there was extremely good.

It looked like Ireland had done so well to get in there and get the

hand to block down. When there is no defensive alignment there. Good

awareness. He fixed Daly so well there. Two players over... It's good

support play again. Like we have seen with some of the Irish forwards

and support lines excellent again. Good strength by Thomas. The ball to

Millard. That's excellent support play.

Tracking in on the inside shoulder. Waiting for the return pass. Harri

Millard rounding off nicely in the corner.

Another superb touchline conversion from Dan Evans who is enjoying

himself this evening. Wales at the moment looking comfortable with just

over a quarter of an hour to go. They've wanted a chance to run and

now they're getting it. The other games being played this evening, at

half-time Scotland leading England by 12-6.

A tight affair there. The other one not so. France leading

Italy by 26-3. So France comfortably ahead. The

other one a tight affair. This one was for a while. But now that gap

has grown to 16 points. I believe a young Hastings playing in that

Scotland side. Yes, indeed, following on in the family

tradition. Gavin's boy. Just as I was saying the lineouts

are going with throw, Ireland haven't secured the last two. The

commentator's curse! This often happens, a lot of

substitutions come on and it's not just the hooker and jumper, but also

mainly it's the lifters coming in. Sometimes, especially when you come

together the first game out, it's obviously a new team and a new year

at the level, you are not used - you don't get as many reps lineout if

you are the sub. You don't know who you are - back row have different

foot movements and all of a sudden something goes off, you don't get up

and high enough and the opposition disrupt it. In our day you just

played the 80 minutes and you were stuck with the same lifters and

jumpers. O'Connor has come on for the yell le-carded Peter Claffey.

Conor O'Brien is the new outside half. They've under a quarter of an

hour to try and turn things around. Wales record against Ireland of late

has been very good at this level. Just one win in the last five for

Ireland. That's Jarrod Evans who has just

come on for Wales. Even though a ball has spilt, the

defending has been done from an offside position.

REFEREE: You interfere with the game.

You feel Ireland need to score fairly soon to get back into this

one. Yeah, again it's a good position to go for the maul again.

Just got to get the basics right here. Get up, even if it's at a -

obviously the back is the best place to set up for a maul try. Secure

possession. Taken by the replacement O'Connor. There is Conor Kenny.

Wales defend successfully. Get the ball to ground. O'Brien.

Porter tries to go straight through on his own. Lost it and Wales

immediately looking to see if there's a chance to counter, even

from their own tryline. Spilt by Joe Thomas just when advantage over was

called. Exciting stuff from Wales. They feel

they can do that from their own try line with the luxury of a 16-point

lead. It's amazing how the game has

slipped away. That was one of the facets there, Wales' ability at the

breakdown to disrupt the Irish defence. We saw Wales so many times

in the first half where they went through the phases and Ireland never

really challenged hard enough at the breakdown to take ball back. They

went through, had patience and scored. For Ireland the opposite.

It's been a case of once they get through, yes some beautiful play and

great offloading play, but eventually it's some of that great

Welsh work at the breakdown, hands getting in and turnovers have been a

massive part of Wales' presumably victory at this stage. Having seen

that again Wales will be disappointed. Watkin drew the winger

perfectly and Joe Thomas just had a look up and he would have seen it

was James Ryan the captain tracking across and he would have backed

himself I think to have... I think he would have, especially at this

late stage against a second row that's been working away and up

front. Ryan is an athletic second row. Certainly one that again I

think the coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on. Leon Brown

there, another young man to keep an eye on.

Another very good prospect. Dillon Lewis highly regarded, as is Leon

Brown. They're confident in the scrum. It

was solid first time. Jarrod Evans, a complicated move. Wales

overconfident at the moment. They're making life difficult for

themselves. Overcomplicating moves behind.

It's kept in play by Daly. Wales under pressure in their own

22. Have to be careful. They're giving

away penalties, possibly a card. Daly drops it. They will get a

penalty. A shrill blast. There will be a word at least with the captain,

if not more. Sounds like a yellow card blast of the whistle. Wales put

themselves in this position really. It's a final warning, rather than a

yellow card. There's been a few, not been too

green-eyed here, I hope, there's been a few cynical penalties given

away by Wales when Ireland have gone forward. At 71 minutes if you are

going to make a call it's probably the time. Leon Brown comes on and so

does Morgan Sieniawski. He replaces Harrison Keddie. The new boys will

have to fit into the defensive pattern, five metres from the try

line. This is it for Ireland. They need a

score from here. They need three scores to get back into this one. A

drive on from the line out. No, well driven back by Wales. Away from the

whitewash. It's there, though, for Ireland.

Poland has a look one way. Leaves it for the forwards.

The pick and go again towards that Welsh try line. Sglp

McBurney. Offside again for Wales. This could be a yellow card.

Ireland still pressing. Again they go for the Hail Mary.

Williams didn't catch it cleanly. It went forward. The try won't stand.

They'll have to come back for the penalty.

Great maul defence by Wales. It's intelligent defending. When you are

trying to defend on your own line you have to twist and turn and get

in and that's what Wales are doing so well, they're not leaving that

Irish platform set up and by twisting it and driving in from the

side then they've disrupted what should have been a well-designed

maul. Should have scored there. That was coming. Final warning was

issued. Another penalty given. It's Adam Beard who suffers for the team.

Ireland have seven-and-a-half minutes to find three scores. Wales

have to do a lot of defending with 14 men.

REFEREE: I will explain time for you to go. Seven minutes, 30 seconds to

go. Another patching up job. Max Deegan.

He had to leave the field in the first half to be stitched up. It's

been a good contest, Paul. It has. Entertaining rugby. Yeah, we were

talking about yellow cards, but there's been little cynical play

compared to what we see at senior level these days. A lot of ambition

to play the ball. I thought Ireland looked played great offloading

rugby. The technique work, especially at the breakdown by

Wales, the scrum was a little better, and that cutting edge out

wide, the pace there tends to be what bittual at that level --

habitual. Bryce Morgan comes on. They look to try to prevent the

rolling, driving lineout maul from Ireland. McBurney is in there. So is

Poland. Wales manage to stop them. Tom Phillips did extremely well.

Again that's superb defence of the driving lineout by Wales. Tom

Phillips very much at the helm. Excellent maul defence. It's the

unseen work there, getting in, getting a hand in on the ball.

Ireland will be disappointed they didn't get a platform and protect

the ball carrier. Poland having to go in there. I think that man Tom

Phillips, he is a hard grafter in there. Smart play by Wales, as well.

Keeping their discipline there. We talked about the breakdown how good

they were in that area. The maul defence, as well, outside the one

try Ireland did score has stood up very well.

A couple more replacements for Ireland.

A couple more replacements for O'Connor battles for the lineout.

Wales have it. Morgan Williams gets it away down

field. Fielded by Keenan. Power back inside to Keenan. Good

tackle by Sieniawski. Again Wales battling hard at that

breakdown area. Thought they had it for a moment. New scrum-half Stephen

Kerins gets it away. Time is definitely running out for Ireland

now to get three scores. Now Wales again go wide. Any chance

they can. Williams looking for the inside ball from Joe Thomas.

Jack Pour having some treatment. Could be gaps there. -- Power.

Watkin slightly behind him. He glides back in-- glides back inside.

Such a strong runner Watkin. Hughes is there for Wales.

They can certainly nail it from here. Watkin so strong on his feet.

Two, three players to bring him down. Phillips. He has been really

such a workman-like performance from the captain. Led by example. Almost

up to the try line again Wales. This time Ireland have smuggled the ball

back and a chance for Kerins to get it away. The effort put in by Tom

Phillips tonight has been superb. He has led by example. Wales came so

close to a fifth. There is Phillips. Doesn't have the ability to put

Watkin on the outside line. Really no lack of effort from anyone

in red this evening. Everybody gets a chance to get some

piece of the action. More changes in the Welsh pack. That's Dafydd Hughes

leaving, he scored the first try for Wales and his replacement wearing

16, Evan Phillips, son of former Wales hooker Kevin Phillips. So it's

a chip off the old block. I have seen a proud father and family in

the crowd here this evening at Donnybrook.

First throw, though, over the top and into Irish hands.

Three-and-a-half minutes remaining. Penalty goes Ireland's way.

It has been a fiercely fought battle. We just mentioned the former

Wales hooker Kevin Phillips and guess what? He is with Phil now.

Kevin, congratulations, how does it feel to see your lad winning his

first under-20s cap? It's been a long time coming and I am proud of

him and let's hope all the hard work he has done will be paid off in the

end. You know what it's like to win against Ireland. You played in 87.

Give us a prediction for Sunday. I think the state the Welsh are in at

the moment they're going to cruise it, I think. A big win for Wales, I

think. Great to see you. Lovely to talk to you again. Thank you very

much. Yeah, thanks, Phil. Nice to hear

from a proud dad. Ireland throw everything at it now in the closing

stages. Fenton. Wales have defended

manfully. Early onslaught, got the try for Ireland for Gallagher but

only one since then. At the start of the second half from

Kelvin Brown. Wales have held them out. They've been very mart in the

breakdown area. -- very smart.

Gallagher protects. Back for Fenton.

O'Connor. Phillips tackles low on Gallagher.

Kerins goes in. Out it comes to O'Brien.

Tackle comes in from Morgan-Williams.

This time there is quicker ball. Eventually there is space for Shane

Daly to cross over. It will be a consolation score for Ireland. Wales

will be disappointed to yield late on. Fair play to Ireland, they kept

on fighting. It will be too late. Wales still should emerge as

winners. Good play by Ireland. O'Brien, in

particular, managed to take on his man. Good leg drive, keeps going. He

is not held. Quick hands here to Daly. If any player on the Irish

side deserved a try it was Daly. He saved a number of tries. His

all-round contribution has been excellent tonight. He is certainly a

player for the future. He may not be - it may not be an Irish win but I

am sure he will remember that try fondly. Wales a man short, of

course. It's Benham the winger who is off and Ireland vr Ireland making

good use that was space on that side to score the try.

Not converted. But it will be a little consolation for Ireland for

all the effort they put in this evening. Time for one more play.

Then they can wrap it up. The clock turns red. Jarrod Evans

restarts. Wales' record against Ireland at

under-20 level continues. 19-12 it was last year. A few more points and

tries this evening. The result is the same.

Well taken by Keenan. Ireland showing what they're capable

of late on, as well. They go wide. It's spilt by

O'Connor. That is that. Wales have come away

to Donnybrook and they've started their 2016 campaign with a victory.

Thoroughly entertaining game. 49 points, seven tries but it was 4-3

After early Irish promise, Wales showing their strength in defence

and their ability in attack and good value for their win by 35-24. An

excellent game all-round, Paul. It certainly was. I think the game

turned on its head, those minutes around half-time. Wales getting that

try before and then Jones, who for me was the standout player for Wales

tonight the way his - after half-time it really put Ireland to

the sword and Wales grew in confidence after that. A more

professional, clinical performance, especially in some of the basics

like the breakdown and the maul defence. Some sparkling back play,

as well. Well-deserved win by Wales. It was a tight game for 50 minutes

but Wales managing to break clear in the last half hour and some very

encouraging signs. It's going to be a squad effort. We will see some

changes I day Stansted Airport for the next game. An excellent start

for the Welsh boys. -- some changes, I dare say.

A final score of Ireland under-20s, 24, Wales under-20s, 35.

After scoring on the cusp of half-time it was a dream start for

the second half for Wales. Jones showing instinct to go over with

that interception try after a minute of the second half. Ireland struck

back. Kelvin Brown bowling over. Then they saw yellow for what was

described as possibly the most ridiculous yellow card we have seen.

This was probably the pick of the bunch from Wales. Great build-up

work from Thomas and Millard crossing for Wales fourth try of the

night. Ireland had the last word, though. The game was Wales by then.

An 11-point victory. A deserved victory, as well. The stats tell an

interesting story. They were the winners according to

the stats, Ireland. There is only one genuine statistic, and that's

the scoreboard. Wales were winners on the night. We can talk now to the

winning captain. What did you think of the

performance? Really good performance by the boys. We expected the first

20 to be a dog fight. Ireland didn't let us dawn. It was tough. Showed a

lot of commitment for the boys to work hard especially the last ten in

our defensive line. Great commendment to the boys. It was a

fast game. Do you think the pitch helped? Yeah, again we expected the

game to be fast. We wanted to play a fast game especially on the

artificial. We prepared for it. It's tough coming out and playing on it.

They were a big side of the front. A lot of press about their front row.

I think we did well to get the edge there and it was a game change. You

get a chance to watch Wales on Sunday? I will try my best. Rooting

for the boys. I think we will all watch it and hoping for a win as

well. You did your club and your school proud. Well done. Many

congratulations to Tom Phillips who was on our sofa on Sunday and he

performed well there as well. That was a brilliant all-round

performance. The pack were released wrong. A cutting edge behind. A

fantastic start. It doesn't matter what age group, if you go to

Ireland, it is always difficult to come away with a win. Not only the

commitment, the skill level was first class. They deserve a pat on

the back. Dan Jones was the man of the match for some. He showed a

predatory instinct in the second half. The game was on a knife edge.

This was draped from the kick-off. Wales got turned over. It happened a

lot in the first half. This time, Dan Jones has sped out of the line

and great anticipation from Dan Jones. Ireland were chasing the game

from then on in. A perfect start to the second half. He has had an

outstanding games. A couple of minutes left for the Dragons. They

are clinging onto their lead Ulster. Back to Donnybrook. Jason strange is

with Phil. Congratulations. How pleasing was that performance?

Really pleased with large part of it. Ireland were very good side. It

showed we were a little bit rusty in the first 15-20 minutes. When we got

up to the speed of the game, the intensity, we were really pleased.

Particularly in defence. A good start for us. Scotland next week. Do

you keep the same side? We will look to give other boys opportunities. We

will be looking to expose as many players as possible during the six

Nations and by the time we get to the World Cup we will be hopefully

in a good place. Good to be going back up there? It will be a

fantastic atmosphere, particularly after this performance. Well done.

Have a good night. Congratulations to him. Another score update. Paddy

Jackson has knocked over a penalty for Ulster so they have crept into a

17-15 lead. Dragons not much time to get back into that. We have about a

minute left ourselves. We turn our attention to the big game on Sunday.

Everybody is looking forward with huge anticipation. Your prediction?

I've got to go for Wales. They are a far more settled side than Ireland.

Coming off a World Cup where they have lost key players, I think Wales

stand every chance. Win this game and it takes you forward in the

tournament. Wales or Ireland? Wales. A confident studio. That's it from

us. The only 20s -- under 20s have kept their part of the bargain.

Could it be an omen for the big game on Sunday? We'll see you then.

COMMENTATOR: Everything to play for. Jonathan Davies, what a handoff! The

flag is up. Leigh Halfpenny puts Wales into an early lead. Dan

Biggar. Scott Williams is in! That is what he can bring! This is

looking good. Wales have won the match! We have had an absolute

thriller in Cardiff. Wales can celebrate.