Wales v Ireland Six Nations Rugby

The lights are much brighter on a Friday night, but can welsh rugby

forget all its troubles and cares? # When you're alone and light is

making you lonely # You can always go downtown

# When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I

know # Downtown

# Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city

# Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty

# How can you lose? # The lights are much brighter there

# You can forget all your troubles # Forget all your cares

# So go downtown # Things will be great when you're

# Downtown # No finer place for sure

# Downtown # Everything's waiting for you

# Downtown. So, is everything waiting for Ireland to set up the

potential championship decider in Dublin next week? The RBS Six

Nations kicks off its fourth weekend here in Cardiff and when it comes to

the big rugby occasion, no finer place, for sure. And so we kicked on

towards the final weekend, this time in Cardiff, Rome and Twickenham, the

roof is closed, as you can see, and the stage is set for what we hope

will be a fantastic match, as the first three weekends have been. A

palpable sense of excitement exuding across the table. And with good

reason given what happened two weeks ago.

Round 3. The middle round of muddled thinking. At first crystal clarity

from Wales in one corner. Determination by Scotland not to be

left behind. Sharp awareness of time and space in a second corner. But

then the third corner. Hang on, one to go corner? Corner crisis. The

fourth corner. Wales cornered. Scotland anything but trapped.

Unleashed, breaking free. Out on the uplands where title challengers

Rome. It wasn't so much a model in Dublin

as making the most of the day while the weather lasted. Of building a

protective cover until rain made matters muddy. And then to stay safe

and use the water to cleanse the season point by point, to refresh

title hopes, minute by minute. Italy about to be burned at

Twickenham. Scorched, out of their league. Italy Sharp of mind, England

in a model. -- in a muddle. What was going on? I am a referee I am not a

coach. In the end England finding a way out of their conclusion. The

bonus point secured, the Grand Slam dream still alive. Muddled Round 3

when England's win was very much Italy's day.

So, still several potential winners of the title, and for the first year

in which bonus points have been introduced they actually could have

a material impact on the final outcome. As you can see from the

table realistically Wales cannot win the title. Tonight is a hugely

important test for the team and also for their coaches. You've urged

players to go out and redeem themselves, confident they will?

Absolutely. Obviously they've been pretty honest with themselves since

the Scotland game. We need to put the bronze of the last couple of

weeks right tonight. Looking forward to the Irish game. The roof is

closed, the conditions and the atmosphere inside the stadium is

going to be brilliant. You've resisted calls for change, why not

mix it up a bit? I'm a huge relief in giving players the opportunity to

go out and put things right. They've been pretty honest with themselves.

The coaches have as well. I think this group is a good team and

tonight we are playing against a very experienced team. We are

experienced as well. An opportunity to redeem ourselves and get a win

which is much-needed. How much pressure is on? If things go awry

wales could drop out of the top baby which would trigger another pool of

death at the there is always pressure. If you

look after the process the outcome will look after itself. Pressure,

they say, is a privilege. I'm sure Rob Howley could do without that

tonight. You can see how precarious the position is for Wales in the top

eight. Obviously the match tonight and in Paris next week against

France could be hugely influential in determining their final draw for

the next World Cup. It's strange, Martin, there is a feeling around

Cardiff that the end of the world is nigh and yet actually wales have

only played one bad half in this championship, so why is that?

Difficult to put your finger on. You were thinking it was the wales of

old, doing a good job on Italy, superb performance against England

but fell to pieces second half. People weren't happy the way we

played in the autumn. It is a spill-over from the autumn

internationals. I think that the feeling of the end is nigh is

because of the performances. Yes, they had the results in the autumn

but the performance did not fill you with confidence that this was a

sight that would go on and win the Six Nations. It was not smooth, was

not connected, was not synced. That has been a continuation, apart from

the England game. Think they are lacking a spark. Defensively against

England they were stunning but the cutting edge did not seem to be

there. They seemed to be a little off the Mark Stone point at the end

of at the end of the World Cup, time to

blood new talent. If we look at the statistic here, this is

extraordinary in reflecting how conservative wales have been since

the last Rugby World Cup. It's incredible. Nobody retired after the

World Cup. So instead of freshening things up it has been same old, same

old and that is the frustration of the public. They want to see fresh

faces. They have not been given the opportunity. George Smith has come

in for flak. 19 players compared to three from Wales. Fundamentally if

Wales are lacking the spark question must be asked, why can they not

score more tries? They are making and giving opportunities but I think

the execution is lacking. This is a great move, great decision to go

down the left channel, because they've got more attackers than

Scotland have defenders. The ball goes to Ken Owens, there is a set

move. Attack the wide channel. Jonathan Davies coming on a dummy

run. Supposed to collect the defenders and take that angle. Ken

Owens does the right thing, passes the ball, but because nobody

reacted, there has been no option to follow Jonathan Davies up. Owens and

Webb the closest supporters. The three quickies should have been on

his left hand side, simple passing for a quick try. There is still

opportunity. Can't quite get the ball cleanly to Webb and the

execution is not right. They are creating chances but not executing

quickly enough or being efficient enough in attacking play. More facts

and figures illustrating that. Wales need so much more possession in the

opposition 22 to convert into a trite. Very few players were running

a positive line, they are waiting for the tackle. Cutting edge, the

spark we are used to from Wales, somebody getting over the gain line,

somebody on the inside shoulder, it doesn't happen. Strange in the

build-up to a match how one player almost inadvertently can become the

talking point in every single platform. And before this game it

happens to fall to Leigh Halfpenny. Easy to forget that four years ago

he was the first name on the Lions team sheet, runner-up behind Andy

Murray in sports personality of the year. Now people are throwing darts

at him from all angles, why? Because of those statistics there. He tries

he is scoring are not enough compared to all the other full-backs

playing in international rugby. And it's the way Wales are playing. And

he has missed two kicks in this championship and everybody says his

kicking has gone off. Israel Folau, 47 games, 17 tries.

Right at the bottom, Leigh Halfpenny, 32 games, no tries. It is

extraordinary. Four years ago the style that was winning Grand Slams

and winning games for Wales, Leigh Halfpenny was perfect. In his first

11 games for Wales he scored seven tries on the wing. There has been a

call for Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny to swap but the management

are so stubborn, they are sticking with it. Are they stubborn, so

therefore are they wrong? You need an attacking edge at 15. I think

they are wrong, I think Liam Williams gives greater balance to

the backline, better cutting-edge at 15. One person we must talk about,

Justin Tipuric winning his 50th cap for Wales. He has been superb,

similar to Lee Williams and Leigh Halfpenny about who should play

where? We have had more button and to prick. He has stood up for Wales,

because he is so good at all the other things, you overlook his

physicality. It is how much ground he covers as well. Superb athlete

with an unbelievable engine. He will cover every blade of grass this

evening. What I want to see with Tipuric, all in hand. He is as

creative as any other Welsh player in the team. Where Justin stands out

for me, he is so clever. He understands the game, you can

anticipate, he's ahead of the game. He's the future of whether ball is

to be. Brevet Justin Tipuric is, you guarantee the ball will end up

there. -- wherever he is. Lets go into the archives. Over the past

decade or so this match has been pivotal in determining who wins the

title on so many occasions. We brought together two great

scrum-half and rivals to talk about drop-kicks and Phantom rugby balls.

Wales against Ireland. This is that Celtic game that always

brings the best out of both teams. Both sets of teams know each other

really well. It's a good fixture. The venue, the sense of occasion you

get from the principality stadium. I've never seen noise or heard noise

like it. This game is huge. Simile fans in Cardiff that day. Wales

haven't won Grand Slam for many years. You were always a few scores

ahead. The Cardiff factor helped us, there. Massively. Jenkins is going

to score! That try was huge from Gethin. Massive. He stolen a few

extra yards. I feel sorry for Rog. Final game of the Six Nations,

knowing the grand slam was at stake. He's done it! That surely is the

grand slam. You still had a chance to win at the end with the kick. I

really thought the game was over. Amazing those margins, if that goes

another foot, it changes it. Is it long enough? It's not. Ireland are

going to win this game, they are going to win the Six Nations title,

and above all they are going to win the grand slam. The first in 61

years. That was a long time coming. We had stumbled on a few occasions.

To do it in Cardiff was pretty special.

Phillips is away! Against Tommy Bowe. Wales have scored. Ireland are

rushing up to the referee. Mike Phillips, clearly the ball was

kicked into touch. The touch judge was so convinced it was the same

ball. We had worked on that all week. You got very lucky that they.

You could have tackled me but you missed. I probably should have.

Tough game for Wales, confidence down a bit. They won't say it but it

must be with two losses on the bounce. I think Ireland will be

favourites. I think they will. Hugely interesting battles all over

the pitch. Webb is probably the one everyone is looking at.

With the way Ireland play and the structure they have, the way, can

implement a game plan. Webb has been on great form for Wales. He can

spark something. So quick, so sharp. It's a massive battle for the Lions

jersey. Two of them are gunning for it and it's a big should to fill.

Some of us get there, some of us don't.

The choirs and the crowd starting to get in good voice. Paul O'Connell

and Jonathan Davies have replaced our other three wise owls. When

Stephen Jones kicked that penalty eight years ago, did you watch or

turn away? I turned away, I had my back turned. He kicked a penalty

from that range early so I thought we had blown it. As soon as I saw it

drop I went mental. I was normally fairly reserved after we won but I

thought we'd blown it. We'd come so close many times before. To win at

this stadium, the atmosphere, an incredible day. You knew it was a

sneaky Welsh trick with the extra ball, didn't you? When it happened,

I wondered why Stringer didn't chase it flat out, and he said it was the

wrong ball. The referee didn't want to know. If we talk about today, I

know one of the key moments, as an international captain you know about

making the right decision in the heat of battle, we've got some

example is of one player making the right call and one making the wrong,

and once on such small margins are games won and lost. He's right on

the touchline, he steps off his foot, he makes no yardage, but he

keeps the ball, stays in play and keeps the ball. Clever and simple

piece of play. Here we have George North, obviously a fantastic player

and a big man, he gets the ball with about four metres and is sluggishly

taken into touch and it is a turnover, set piece to Scotland. A

massive moment and you are giving the opposition a leg up by doing

things like that. It's a little contrast but it says a lot. You look

at the decision-making in the game, I think that's where Ireland have

the advantage over Wales. They are clinical. The half-backs do

exceptionally well. The other kick against England should have gone

into touch, two defensive errors against Scotland stepping out of the

line. The decision-making has to improve. More decision-making here.

Is this instinctive or just going to gameplay? This is really good play

and Wales are a good team playing badly. Bit of pressure here and they

release it, turnover with the off-load from Biggar. This is a

great little piece of play from Rhys Webb. Heartbreak, off-load again,

intercepted by a Scottish player. We've seen this from Wales this

year. Same again, another line break, feeds Liam Williams, now

turns it over by giving away a silly penalty. No need to give it. Now we

have a five Metre Drive. Another great chance to score. That is a

penalty and it's fairly easy for the referee to see. I think Wales are

playing well but just giving the opposition a leg up. We saw that in

the English game as well. Peter Stringer and Mike Phillips talking

about Lions selection. Some interesting battles, Biggar against

610 at ten, and at nine, Conor Murray against Rhys Webb. Probably

the two players in pole position as far as the Lions are concerned. Talk

about the strengths of these two guys. Highest compliment I can pay

Conor Murray, I played with Terry Holmes, the greatest player ever,

and he reminds me so much about him. His kicking game is exceptional, his

passing game is good. He keeps the back row honest. I think that's his

biggest attribute. He is brilliant at keeping the back row honest which

gives space to the outside backs. He's a very different, Rhys Webb,

he's clever, he watches where the props are, who is ball watching when

he goes. They are different players and both at the moment in a key

position for the Lions. I think they are very different and would bring

something different to the Lions on their game. But they'll be key

today. Again the packs have got to lay the foundation for them. That's

important. He will be watching both players keenly. Warren Gatland.

We've mention the Welsh players, a lot of them have got to play

individually well to get recognised for the Lions. I think we can now

hear from the Ireland coach. If Ireland lose here, that's it in the

hunt for the title, so does that concentrate a few minds? I think the

mines, you are playing Wales in a Test match, minds are pretty

concentrated anyway. We've got a lot of respect for them. There's a bit

of competitive nature. We all play in the Pro12 together. There's a lot

of guys who have even played together in Lions teams, or play

together on a weekly or annual basis in what is a huge fixture for us.

I've just been outside and given the roof is shut, no rain on it but the

pictures really wet, is that a concern for you? It's a surprise to

us, certainly. We expected try conditions. I think it's been

watered heavily, is the point. Yeah, well I guess we just adapt to the

conditions and it might try out a bit before kick-off. It's certainly

not what we expected. Wales have got their backs to the wall. What sort

of game are you expecting to night given that they can ill afford to

lose as well? Yeah. I think it won't be too different to be honest. As I

said earlier it's the Wales Ireland Test match. They are always very

competent. Therefore it's just ramped up a little bit. We can't

afford to lose for different reasons they can't afford to lose either. So

when you are both in a position like that, there's going to be a degree

of desperation in the way that the game is played. It's probably going

to be a scramble. Good luck. Thanks. Well, the outstanding player for

Ireland so far in this championship has been the man from George in

South Africa who went to the University of pictorial but who now

considers himself almost as Irish as Keith Floyd.

Growing up you would have wanted to play for the Springboks like any

young South African? I was selected for a Springboks training camp. I

was told I was too small. Was it as direct as that? There was talk about

moving to hooker and trying me out there, I just felt that was not

something for me. The opportunity came up to go to monster.

-- to go to Munster. I said if you want to go, we will support you all

the way. He is still playing there and has not moved to another

position. When you moved did it enter into your head that you could

play internationally for Ireland? In the beginning, no. When I started

playing I could feel the passion from the players. I had that passion

for the Munster jersey. If I could get into a team like that, it was

unbelievable. A lot of pride for this jersey and people work hard to

get here. The first try in Ireland covers for CJ Stander. We support

him all the way. If he is playing for Ireland we will support Ireland.

We are used to players standing up for the anthem, we wonder if they

feel the same pride, you seem to feel it as much as anybody? It's a

special song. I sat down and thought about maybe singing it, maybe not. I

learned the song, I could see the history before it. He was summoned

to push me every day to sing it. It got to a point when we were in a

room, I was singing it. I didn't want to just go out and sing the

words, anybody can do that. I want to show that I know what is going on

here. Some people like it, some don't, but you can't keep everyone

happy. When you hear criticism that you are depriving a genuinely Irish

player of a place, do you understand that? I understand where that is

coming from but I feel I have done my dues, I did not just come into

the team straightaway, I went through Munster, learned the system.

You can't keep everybody happy. Some days it's not good to hear but we

are all professionals here. You have a job to do every weekend. Stander!

Ooh, hat-trick for CJ Stander. You scored the hat-trick in that game

the public that is my first hat-trick ever in any game.

So it was a good feeling. Not something I worked towards. Just in

the right place at the right time. Most of those tries were Conor

Murray putting the in the right place. In the back row you will face

a tough test? Year. Back row is one of the best in the world. Moriarty

just acting and is doing a great job. Going to have to look after the

boys like that because they bring magic to the game, all three of

them. These are the games you want to play, you want to test yourself

at its the best and know where you stand in the world. Playing Wales in

Cardiff is going to be a tough job. Well, the spin box didn't want him

because he was too small but he is six feet, one inches, 18 stone, are

you glad he is Irish? We are quite happy to taken. The law is the law

and he is a guy who is fully integrated into Limerick, into

Munster and into the Ireland jersey. A quick word about what's going to

happen here tonight. What's your instinct? My instinct is the way

Ireland have been playing, their experience, for me they have the

best half-backs combination in the competition with Murray and Sexton,

that is the brains of the site. They have great organisational skills.

Right attacking shed. They almost a doing. All the pieces are in place.

They play with such intensity. Stander, his combination with Hislop

and O'Brien, the work they get is phenomenal. These guys are another

level. If that continues and Wales do not get up to the intensity that

they found against England, it's Ireland all the way. Ireland

obviously want to win, would like to win, need to win as far as next

weekend is concerned. Is it fair to say, Martin, that Wales have to win

tonight because of everything else that is going on around us? After

the England game when Wales lost was a lot of sympathy because they

played so well. That will go out the window tonight if Wales lose this

game. The axe will be out again. By picking the same team I think that

could galvanise Wales. All those players will just feel so

galvanised, given a second opportunity to put their runs right

at Murrayfield. But they've got to be smarter. They've been daft,

particularly last week. If they're smart they could well win this game.

Ireland have done the same, picked the same team for the very simple

reason they think that the team that is able to dismantle the opposition,

think their way around the field. Ireland haven't started well in the

Six Nations this year. They are looking for a big start now. We can

see Alun Wyn Jones, there. From the captaincy put a view, a lot of

people were questioning Alun Wyn Jones and his leadership in the

match of Scotland couple of weeks ago, he's got a point to prove

tonight as well? Yeah, I guess we'll get a good feeling about what is

going on. As a player in his performances I don't think he has to

do any more than he is already. He is a high level consistent

performer, world-class ranking. If he continues to do the same he's got

a great chance of getting on the Lions tour, even captaining. 50 caps

for Justin Tipuric, and an indication of the modern game that

he has actually only started 24 games for Wales but it's his 50th

cap tonight. Didn't happen in your days, Keith. Absolutely not. It's a

great time and a great moment for him. You always wanted to start. You

never wanted to come off, you never wanted to give a guy and easy cap.

There are no easy caps any more. It has been the poorest part of the

Welsh team, there has been no impact off the bench whatsoever. They need

a big impact figure to win this. We've had a rousing rendition of

Delilah. Now we've got a rousing rendition of pyrotechnics as well.

The teams are going to line up in just a moment or so. I think it is

fair to say the jury is still out a bit on Friday night internationals

and I'm sure one or two people in the crowd this evening are cursing

spending half the day getting over the Severn Bridge. I think there was

14 miles of stationary traffic. But once you get here, the atmosphere is

fantastic, and what a great way to kick off the sporting weekend for

all of us, because we've got some tantalising FA Cup ties on BBC over

the weekend and obviously some appalling rugby internationals today

and tomorrow. Amid the anticipation and excitement

we have moments that force all of us to pause and reflect. We will have a

moment's applause for three members of the Welsh rugby community who

have died. The former captain Lloyd Williams, one of eight brothers who

played for Cardiff who died this week at the age of 83. Emeris Evans.

And the Welsh international Ellie who also died at about accident, the

youngest of all players in 2014 World Cup. She was just 20 years

old. The applause will celebrate their lives and love of and

contribution to the game. enormously and moving tribute to the

three people who have lost their lives.

National pride and potential titles at stake in a moment. Commentary

will come from Jonathan Davies, Paul O'Connell and Eddie Butler, after

the anthems. # Come the day and come the hour

Come the power and the glory # We have come to answer

Our country's call # From the four proud provinces of

# Ireland, Ireland Together standing tall

# Shoulder to shoulder We'll answer Ireland's call

# Ireland, Ireland Together standing tall

# Shoulder to shoulder We'll answer Ireland's call

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad

Friday night rugby at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff,

Wales at home to Ireland, Ireland in the hunt for the title.

Wales with something to prove after two defeats. Alun Wyn Jones wears

five, the captain. Wales head for the corner. It is the same Welsh

team that face Scotland. Not so much a vote of confidence as a demand to

make amends. They 50th cap for Justin Tipuric. George North's

singled out as one who must do more. High risk man management. Rhys Webb

singled out as a scrum-half in prime form. Ireland are also unchanged. It

is a vote confidence. In forwards like CJ Stander nobody has carried

more than him in the Six Nations. Keith Earls has scored five tries in

his last five games. Conor Murray against Rhys Webb could be a

personal duel of the championship. Paddy Jackson has been the most

successful kick in test rugby in the past year. Sam Davies will bring his

running game to the last quarter. Tonight's referee from England.

Wales in red, Ireland in green, a traditional Celtic fixture. Joe

Schmidt, Rob Howley, the coaches. Round 4 of the Six Nations. Wales

against Ireland. Simon Zebo waits, catches.

Conor Murray. Safely into touch. Good evening, Paul O'Connell. Good

evening, very interesting, Ireland were ready to lift Robbie Henshaw

and Garry Ringrose. The front line covered. Wales weblog. Justin

Tipuric within the line-out ball. So nearly an interception.

Ireland have stolen it. Rory Best. The first turnover to the men in

green. Johnny Sexton on the loop and longer

to Simon Zebo. Down goes Leigh Halfpenny. George North, having been

quiet against Scotland, has everything to do against Ireland in

the first minute and a half. They brief moment of calm allowing

Rhys Webb to kick as far as Keith Earls only.

Scrum advantage Ireland. The tallest man on the pitch, Devin Toner.

You will see a feud rocked balls. All the chat about the roof, they

watered the pitch today and the ball is like a bar of soap. There has

been a lot of dropped ball already. One interesting thing I saw, Sean

O'Brien did the same as against England. It was a tackle and he went

in between. Between nine and ten of Wales. They must be careful because

Ireland might adapt and varied that tactic.

Sweet ball for Conor Murray from the scrummage.

Good tackle on CJ Stander by Sam Warburton.

Wales trying to hold up. Islands do get it to ground. Sean O'Brien,

again. High it goes from Sexton and George North is underneath it.

Good covering work by Rhys Webb on the ground.

We can breed. Interesting the variety of Sexton's play, going wide

first of all from a runaround and then a little move from the first

set piece, and when the ball is slow, a brilliant kick. It is

competition time. And attacking throw. Rory Best the

captain between Wales' ten metre line and their 22.

Devin Toner in the middle of the field and options either side. CJ

Stander could not get it away, advantage Ireland. The knock-on

followed by a high tackle. Scrum becomes a penalty. Big line speed

from Wales. A challenge for Ireland to hold onto the ball if Wales are

getting off the line really hard. Going back into the autumn, Ireland

would have taken these into the corner every time and at the start

of the championship these kicks have gone to the corner so an interesting

change of tactic. There was a knock-on in the tackle. The Irish

attack asking questions of the Wales defence. Keeping them honest with

inside balls. Good line speed. This is the respect they have. They play

against each other so offered in the Pro12, they know each other well. --

so often. Not a breath of wind in the stadium.

There is still a layer of smoke from the fireworks above the head of

Johnny Sexton. It held its line and Ireland take

the lead. Looking across the front line of

Ireland, Jamie Heaslip was ready to lift Henshaw and Rory Best ready to

lift Garry Ringrose. Instead, again it is Zebo who takes the ball.

George North is the first to arrive. Another interception. Dan Biggar's

pass picked off by Johnny Sexton. The touchline a refuge for Wales.

Great line speed from Ireland doing what Wales are doing to them.

Excellent intercept. Well played and Earls puts it into the corner. Great

line speed, very clever. The second time. They have to hold their depth

or run inside shoulder. They can see the guy going for the intercept. Ken

Owens. A defensive operation here. Ross Moriarty. The first charge for

the number eight. It has got to be offside. The old Italian tactic.

That was a ruck. New Zealand vary it because they shout out tackle all

ruck. On that occasion, clearly a ruck. When they do it they let the

referee no. There is a case to be made. Once he

is back up competing it is a ruck, now.

Wales have found space. George North smashes through Rob Kearney. Keeping

the ball alive in the field of play. Robbie Henshaw with a crunching

tackle. Leith -- Leigh Halfpenny was outside

George North. Alun Wyn Jones. He can go on.

Rhys Webb was on his own. The defence saw him coming. Good

presentation. Moriarty drove it up. Through the

forwards again, through Evans. Wales suddenly go from left to

right. Rory Best with the tackle and

Ireland double up to stop any further progress. Has it gone

forward, it has. Excellent Ireland 's defence. Some massive hits from

Ireland but Wales, somebody could play, they held the ball and kept

going at them and made yards. Eventually Ireland forced the error.

Big moment to see Sean O'Brien. It is voracious. You can hear their

hits. The grasping from the crowd. As a Welshman, to see the ball in

George North's hand. He is looking angry, ball in hand he looks

dangerous. Johnny Sexton finds touch. It has

been a breathless start. A lot of that breath has been knocked out of

the players. Jonathan Davies that was a noncontact situation but, for

domain, it has been about this. Line speed of both sides is fantastic.

Zebo high to Keith Earls, puts it in an awkward position. He had no

option but to kick. Good line speed from even Devin

Toner. Zebo hazard! Skips out of the tackle

of Rob Evans. It is a 22 drop out. Well played by Dan Biggar. Not the

position you want to be in. When it rolled dead? And Irish player

following year. He watches, goes to ground, and cajoles the ball over

the line. Very good play. The perfect way to kick. He waits and

waits. Brilliant play, brilliant play. Dangerous but brilliant. Cool

nerves. Absolutely. Great play. And he is back on his feet. Sending

it long down over the halfway line and Keith Earls waiting. Sexton

sending it high, up into the layer of smoke. It has gone loose from Dan

Biggar. Scott Williams cannot stop CJ Stander. He will not be stopped.

Ireland five metres from the Welsh line. It is a penalty advantage to

Ireland. Rob Kearney. Penalty advantage still being

played. It is out of play. Ireland with no advantage. Penalty kick. He

is lucky. It could have been a yellow card. That is in the red

zone. What a run by this guy. We are getting used to it every week. Again

going to the corner. Every time now they seem to back themselves to

score from five metres out. Early in the game two years ago when we lost

at the Millennium Stadium, and it will be interesting to see if

Ireland can pull it off. Jack McGrath and Rory Best conferring.

Ross Moriarty comes away with it and has a charge at Johnny Sexton. That

is not what Ireland's outside-half wanted. Wales can clear their lines.

Not Dan Biggar's best but it bounces and it could go anywhere and

Warburton arrived first. Ireland do well to get the ball away. Rory

Best, for a moment there was an over lap.

Sexton again went high, towards the posts, trying to land it in front of

them. It has gone dead. A big moment. Five metre Drive. He steals

it. Outstanding play. When you are five metres out it is a tough place

to defend and if you can turn the ball over it is a big moment, a

relief. A scrum to Wales now. Thinking of Wales in Scotland,

kicked for the corner and nothing came of it and here it goes wrong.

Alun Wyn Jones. The skipper. At the opposite end of the field two years

ago Sam Warburton stole one from us and it was such a big moment in the

game. You have to put a check on the Irish line speed. You have to turn

them by a chip or grubber kick because it is causing problems for

the Welsh attack. Wales making ground at the scrum.

They could have numbers. That was well read by Johnny Sexton.

Preventing the tackle being made. Toner brought down by Warburton.

Sexton stays down. Murray hat to clear.

Johnny Sexton will have time to get himself sorted. A couple of big

tackles. I saw Sam Warburton's eyes light up when he saw the chance to

smash Sexton earlier. He goes to ground. I think he copped one on the

eye, look at his left eye. The left knee. I do not know what he

did. It is an undignified place for and outside-half. He seems to be in

the wars every game. It is not something Ireland need in a big game

like this. We want the experienced man on the field. Paddy Jackson will

come on, because Johnny Sexton has to go off for the head injury

assessment. I am sure he will be OK. He has had a huge influence so far,

the variety of his play, asking questions of the Welsh defence. They

are coping admirably at the moment. It is sort of the name of the game,

really. I heard Wayne Barnes describe it as a rugby collision. He

has come all the way from New Zealand. He wants to be here on

television! Now, now. Always worth a check. Jonathan Davies relieved it

did not go against him. Off we go again and Ken Owens throwing. Sam

Warburton wins the line-out. Scott Williams is through. A long pass to

Leigh Halfpenny. To George North. North is back with a vengeance! It

is like they listen to Jeremy Guscott pre-match analysis. He was

just beside Scott Williams as he made the break. Here he is. That is

what Jeremy Guscott was talking about. Fantastic pass. And a great

finish. This is what you want to see. What a finish, a brilliant

finish. I am happy to see great support play. Brilliant vision. This

is the support they have lacked impasse games. What a finish. What

does it mean to the wing to be back in that fashion? Joe Schmidt talked

about George North. A world-class player that does not play well, do

you assume he will not play well again? Probably not. He is a

fantastic player and this was the worry for Ireland. Welsh players,

world-class players criticised all week. They were always going to

respond. Set piece play but one of the tries

of the championship so far, and it has been a good championship. All

the way through there have been talking points, intrigue, drama.

Leigh Halfpenny. He misses the conversion. Wales, though, are in

the lead. One of the great skills. How late he delivers the pass. Rhys

Webb gives the past late. He has the vision to go wide and that is what

has been lacking, the support play. But that had some finishing to do

and what a finish. Very well taken by Rob Kearney. Ireland up to the 22

through Devin Toner. And forced back. Paddy Jackson has gone

forward. Halfpenny says, let's get downfield

but only as far as Rob Kearney. Rare for the Irish fullback. Does not

catch it at the first attempt, but does at the second. Dan Biggar has

two scamper back. A manufactured difficult kick. A very good kick.

Fantastic kick by Dan Biggar. Ireland are winning the aerial

battle. They are getting the better of the high-kicking game. Warren

Gatland. An onlooker. Purely in a Lions capacity, of course. Rory Best

with bruises. From the fray. A good drive from Ireland. The first

time they have varied their tactic. Taking on Wales upfront. Conor

Murray goes back to the aerial game. North coming forward for it.

Crossing in front. The aerial game continues to go Ireland's way. It is

one thing you have to do when you play Wales over here. They are

pumped up, coached by Shaun Edwards, you know you will meet the line

speed. Often you take their opportunities of a for line speed by

kicking and you will see kicking early in the game. This is the

obstruction. There we are. Rhys Webb. That is a silly play because

they did not take the kick off, put him under pressure and now another

penalty. A good long kick. Devin Toner setting up the maul.

They will have some counter driving to do to stop this Irish maul. CJ

Stander has his hand on it. Five metres short, two metres short.

Conor Murray weights. One metre short now, right at the corner.

Murray looks at all the options. CJ Stander is just about held back.

Murray again, so dangerous from short range. Back to five metres

away from the Welsh goal-line. Jamie Heaslip driven back by Biggar and

Sam Warburton. No advantage, penalty Ireland. Interesting, what would you

do? It will be interesting. Let's see where it is. From there you will

probably go for the corner. I reckon they will definitely go for the

corner. There is no hesitation. This comes from a clumsy penalty by Rhys

Webb. Wales giving teams a leg up with silly bits of play. They've had

some amazing play but that is really clumsy. Five metres from the line.

Toner again sets up the driving maul.

CJ Stander against Tipuric. Another penalty against Tipuric. He's got to

release the ball when he's tackled him. Caution wins the day and

Ireland are going for the posts. It's an easier kick as well. Take

the three points and put your nose in front. Got to release, haven't

they? Paddy Jackson, well, he can't miss

at the moment. I would not wish to put the curse on him. 13 out of his

last 13. 14 out of 14. Ireland take the lead at the printer parity

stadium. Sexton is back on as well. Wales

playing really well but it's very hard when they give them like that.

Johnny Sexton back on. Conor Murray. Two men waiting to

lift and Zito must be 30 yards back. Just drop it behind the guy waiting

to catch, he's in the 22, it's an easy clearance for Conor Murray.

Biggar again, it's another interception. Johnny Sexton is

reading the Welsh place. Comes away with it. Scott Williams, it's

another interception by Keith earls. So, Wales are playing a flat game

but it's a dangerous game and Ireland are picking them off.

Serious line speed, it will be interesting to see if he was onside.

Exchanging some verbals. If you see someone running out of the line

you've got to try and get inside of Johnny Sexton, there. You've got to

get an inside ball, early pass. You can see what the Irish are doing.

Running up and making a nuisance of themselves on the line. Suffocating

them for space. That's why at this stage of the game sometimes you've

got to kick the ball a little bit more. Wait until the running has got

out of their legs a little bit. Ross Moriarty from a steady scrum.

Biggar again, prepared to go through the hands. Scott Williams takes it

up. Liam Williams at scrum-half. Wales going the full width of the

pitch. Webb. Little bit of progress now but slowed up by Ireland. Alun

Wyn Jones. Biggar to Tipuric. Biggar hard and

flat to George North. Conor Murray is down. Looks to be his wrist he is

clutching. Wales in possession. Biggar back for the kick, here is

the change in tactics. Leigh Halfpenny takes off against Zito.

Doesn't look good for Conor Murray. Big collision. Here it is. Big

collision, hard to see what happened. We see him a lot wider

since Andy Farrell has taken over with Ireland and he's very good and

reads the game very well. Could be a bad injury for a lot of teams, not

just Ireland, but for Munster and the Lions as well. The thing is,

George North has got good feet. Just got his head on the alongside,

caught the hip. His body angle was wrong. On one thing, it's so good to

see him wanting the ball. On the Irish defence, Johnny Sexton

sprinting out of the line, Wales have got to work this out. You've

got to put inside ball, outside ball because if he shoots out of the

line, that's where the gaps are. One of the themes of this 6-nation, a

puzzle posed and then asking the question, find your way out of this

one. Italy against England and now how do Wales escape from the

intercepted pass situation? This is Wales at their best, George North

scoring. Three times they have been intercepted. You need problem

solvers on the pitch that can give them the information. The big thing

is to get a man off the shoulder of Dan Biggar and he doesn't have to

throw the long pass. He can throw the short, tight pass if he needs

to. The former Wales captain, there he is, Colin.

Conor Murray, his bicep seems to be OK. For the moment.

Good scrummage for Wales. George North gets over the advantage line.

Moriarty gets a little further over the advantage line. Biggar. Goes

through the lakes of big, tall Devin Toner. Onto the Irish 22. Webb has a

little look himself, feeds Jake Ball and meter into the Irish 22. The

past two more Conor Murray can't track him down.

Definitely holding his left arm at the moment. Looks like it. Webb,

long, gets away with it to Tipuric. Wales a yard back from the 22. They

find a way into the 22. Forward pass. Very well-placed. Just to see

how important Johnny Sexton is to the team. Making an awful lot of

tackles. He is obviously a fantastic attacker, kicks well, directs the

team around the pitch. Dig leader defensively as well. The pass, Rhys

Webb to Liam Williams, Ford. Top tackler for Ireland. But that's

good for Wales, if he's tackling, he's less effective in attack. Taken

on Bone and he's been off, Conor Murray has taken a blow. Always nice

to have your half-backs on the opposite side a bit beaten up. Good

Irish scrum, solid. It came up just before 90, it turned on its axis.

It's great to see scrum is not going down, really solid scrums and teams

being able to play and have a go at the scrum. Rory Best with the white

scrum cap, Ken Owens opposite him. Furlong, one of the breakthrough

players of the Irish game, of the European game.

No progress for the flanker. Sexton says enough now, let's clear for the

kick. Good pressure from Scott Williams. That has gone high.

Halfpenny comes for it but Rob Kearney beats him to it and then is

put down by Liam Williams. Dancing his way in Field, 15 metres.

Bracelet, that was bound to happen. Tadhg Furlong drops the ball.

Commentator's curse again. We've seen quite if you've dropped balls.

Here it is. Very unlike him. Rob Kearney has been sensational in the

air. I suppose all the chat about the fallback position is about

Stuart Hogg at the moment. But he is absolutely world-class in the air.

Two standout players so far in the competition, Warburton and CJ

Stander. They are giving it everything against each other.

Looks as though Conor Murray is not very comfortable. He is negotiating

with the doctor now. They don't want him going off, do they? Less than

five minutes to half time, see if he can stay on and assess him at

half-time. Exactly. Put in for Wales. Good position.

Plenty of room on both sides. Left-hand side of the field. Our

nearside is empty. Liam Williams is standing directly behind the scrum.

Ross Moriarty gets it out. Here is Liam Williams, one-on-one against

Kiefer also. -- against Keith earls. Liam Williams has made good ground

into the Irish 22. Webb looks up. It is through the forwards. Alun Wyn

Jones almost squirmed out of the tackle. Biggar. There is the change

of direction. Scott Williams. Webb, short to Tipuric. Gets the pass

away. Moriarty. Jake Ball again. Good Irish defence,

stops the lock in his tracks. Wales keeping it tight. Not many options

of width. This is where division has got to be. Warburton, Jake Ball.

Penalty for Wales at last. Jonathan Davies a foot short. Advantage

again, yellow card. Clearly killed the ball on the line.

Johnny Sexton is going into the bin, clearly killing the ball on the

line. Williams gives him a pat. Wayne Barnes gave Wales the option.

Penalty in the corner or in front of the posts. They are taking the one

in front of the posts. If I was the kicker I think I would take the same

option. Further option by Rhys Webb. You look at nine and ten of Ireland,

they are looking for half-time. He's off for ten minutes, Conor Murray

will have to be looked at. It's a patch up job.

I'm surprised Wales didn't try and get the ball wide. They hadn't

identified Conor Murray was struggling. That is the kind of

things the Kiwis are good at doing, identifying injured players and

running at them. Getting treatment now. I think if Wales had managed to

get out and stopped Williams running at him or Jonathan Davies running at

him, he wouldn't have been able to make the tackle. As it is Leigh

Halfpenny lands the penalty. It has been an exhilarating half, it's had

a bit of everything. They very near try. Jonathan Davies so close to the

line. Jonathan Sexton on the ground. He is caught there. No place for an

outside-half to be, really. He cannot get out of there. There's no

way he can get out. Wayne Barnes saying a few times, you are holding

him in. Tough call. It means Simon Zebo has to take the restart down

the middle. Dan Biggar waits. Zebo back.

Murray is not comfortable. Left arm left hanging by itself. And again.

Henshaw held up. Jack McGrath does very well from an unpromising start

to make ground. CJ Stander very good at making ground. Sean O'Brien. Zebo

again. Easier for Murray to pass that way.

Keith Earls the tackle of Rhys Webb. Jake Ball try to get over the ball.

Still therefore Ireland. Taking it up. Henshaw again. Heaslip knocks it

on, comes loose, bounces away from Rob Kearney. Not on, half-time.

Well, there haven't been that many points but it's been full of just

about everything you want from a Friday night game in the Six

Nations. STUDIO: What a fantastic half of

rugby. Only one try, from George North. He had been on a final

warning to improve, goodness me, he answered his critics this evening.

I'm sure it's the kind of Friday night game where a lot of you said,

we'll watch the first 15 minutes and then we'll go out, and you are still

in front of the telly, not going anywhere. 141 tackles made in that

first half. One of the most fascinating things, I've got some

paper in my hand which shows the first 15 minutes, 57 tackles made in

the first 11 minutes. 42 of them by Ireland. The first ten minutes or so

was extraordinary. Absolutely crazy game of rugby. The tension from the

start was fantastic. The line speed of both teams, targeting each other,

huge contact. You could hear the noise appear it was incredible.

There is precious little score but it is unbelievably competitive. Your

eyes are lighting up. You were a rhino but some of these tackles were

ferocious. There was a series of hits. It built up. The first couple

of minutes was a bit quiet and suddenly this, biggest man on the

field targeted. A little bit high, there. It is absolutely brutal out

there. Sean O'Brien. It is just absolutely brutal. Fantastic to

watch. Wales going through the phases, doing everything they

possibly can but it is brick wall, brick wall, brick wall. These are

not tackles, these are hits. These are hits and this is one passage of

play. 21 carries, one minute of play. Nine or ten hits in this that

just shudder everything. Almost some fear in the eyes. That sums up

Wales. We will do the try later. When they go through phases, seven

or eight, they really stall. Ultimately ends in a mistake. Sexton

ended up getting a yellow card. Talk us through the Welsh attack. From a

scrum, how are they operating there tonight? They've got a great

opportunity. It's just a case of fixed the man, draw the man, leave

the space on the outside. Unfortunately they don't manage

that. It's just poor execution. There's no other option left from

Liam Williams other to knock it in field. No doubt Wales have attacked

a lot better tonight. These opportunities, you just hope from a

Welsh point of view, this doesn't come back to haunt them. The manner

in which Ireland are defending, they are changing, rushing up very

quickly. In all honesty you can't give the defence credit, if you drew

them with the running lines they would have been stuck and fixed. The

rush defence is extraordinary. Rush defence at different times, in that

instance they drifted across the field. Because they weren't fixed.

And they did not have to rush up. Let's talk about implementing and

execution and George North's try. They scored a fantastic try against

England from first phase. Moriarty has given the past. Look at the

options he has got. Rather than going to Williams, going to Scott

Williams, he goes in. Everybody is shouting to the ball, and thankfully

the execution gets them into space. The power North users, he has used

everything he has got to get over. You showed this earlier and there

was no positive runner. Rhys Webb continues the line, expecting the

break. He has the confidence to find Halfpenny and this is what you want

to see, George North, he has had so many more touches in this game to

night. He is an absolute beast. Joe Schmidt in the interview before the

game said he thought George North had been unfairly criticised before

the Scotland game and he probably would have a great game tonight. He

looked so miserable two weeks ago but he has been smiling and involved

in everything. Show more in this game. We are on Lions watch in

specific positions. Rhys Webb, what kind of game has he had? Anything

good in attack Rhys Webb is involved with. He is fired up tonight. That

one is a penalty. Going over the next. This is a silly penalty. Such

a killer for Wales. It was a definite penalty, he knows exactly

what he is doing. Those little errors keeping Ireland in the game.

Just keep hold of the ball. He gives it. After 11 or 12 phases. Great

kick which almost resulted in a try. Beautifully weighted kick. You

thought they were in fall money. He pins in Sexton and he can't get out.

We will talk about the Sexton yellow card, at the end of his performance

generally, is he the complete outside-half now? Yeah, he has

everything in his skills draw, as it were, he can do anything. He

executes well. That is his DNA, the looping move he used to do so well

with O'Driscoll. What we get with Sexton, the idea, the option, the

decision and the execution is generally nine out of ten. That's

why he is so consistent. Right on the money, giving the chasers

opportunity to compete. O'Gara before him was brilliant and he's

managed to take over that mantle. He's a fantastic player, he reads

the game so well. Able to dismantle. The only thing I don't like about

him is, he gets stuck into much of the rough stuff. He's always in the

middle of it. He got trapped. He did hold on himself, had a bit of a

pool, got trapped in the middle. Always a yellow card. I'm sure many

Irish fans are thinking it was a bad call but we ought to say, in the

context of the game as a whole, Wayne Barnes has had a magnificent

games. He is not loved in Ireland, he is having a fine game tonight.

From the Welsh point of view, how happy are you? You expect a reaction

after Scotland. They needed to score early. We have more rugby to come

over the course of the next 48 hours.

Tomorrow it is Italy, France and also England against Scotland at

Twickenham, which you can hear live on Radio 5. Kick off at 4pm. And you

can follow the weekly pod cast on the website. It is an FA Cup

weekend. And rugby Special on Sunday on BBC Two reflecting on the weekend

matches and probably the most anticipated Calcutta Cup match since

1990. It is an awful long time since Scotland won at Twickenham. The

English forwards will dominate the game. When we have a go, we are

good. COMMENTATOR: A brilliant try by the Scottish scrum-half. What a

day for the Scots. Carling with the try. Robertson is

back. These are things that are discussed externally. The press like

to bring up the records on both sides, nobody is surprised people

are talking about these things. It is another big game. They all the

same, big games. At the moment, the way we have trained, there is a good

simmering energy among the team. There is not much pressure on us. We

can go down there and have nothing to lose. We are playing well. It

should be a good contest. We are happy with where we are as a group.

Every team we play in the Six Nations is a serious team and the

past results have reflected that. There are no easy games. That is

international rugby, everyone is competitive. We prepare to be

competitive and come out the other side and so far we have done that

and this week is no different. I read somewhere Eddie Jones expects

them to be in the top one, two in the world because of the resources

they have. It is hard to go there and play. Especially now they play

with confidence. We put pressure on ourselves and have an expectation to

get better every game. Results have come with that so far. As long as we

perform, I have no doubt this team take the right step forward. Eddie

Jones has been keeping his own counsel apart perhaps from blaming

his dog for injuring or maybe not injuring Owen Farrell. How confident

are you England will keep the winning run going tomorrow? Their

home record is good. Performances have not been fantastic. Scotland

have the ability in the back row to cause trouble and England are

uncomfortable when rushed. The beauty is the 23, not necessarily

the 15. Their home record will see them through. The nature of runs,

they have to come to an end at some point and England will lose and at

some point Scotland will win at Twickenham. I don't think so

tomorrow. I think England will up their game. They have been winning

but not playing good rugby and I think it will change tomorrow. You

look at the bench tomorrow. That will be the difference. That is for

tomorrow. We can talk to Paul and Jonathan in the commentary box. I am

sure you have taken breath because it was a breath lasts 40 minutes.

How encouraged will Wales be with the opening half? Very encouraged

and they need to keep up the intensity and work out the line

speed of islands. Keep the intensity, momentum up because they

have been disappointing in second halves. They have a great chance.

Especially I would like to see what condition Conor Murray and Johnny

Sexton will be in when they come out. Conor Murray is injured and

Johnny Sexton is off the field because of the yellow card. Will

Ireland be trying to slow down the game for the first eight minutes to

get to the point where it is back to 15 aside? They probably will be,

they will probably kick more and play more conservatively. There was

very little width once Johnny went off. He is the most important player

in the team and it is a big loss to Ireland. It goes to what we said,

Wales giving teams a leg up, making mistakes when they put teams under

pressure but this time they didn't. They got a penalty and the

crossfield kick from Rhys Webb and brilliant play and from that

pressure came another penalty and sin-bin. They did not do that with

Scotland, releasing the pressure, conceding penalties. In simple play

they have put Ireland under pressure and are in a great place going into

the second half. The cheering behind Paul was for the Welsh team coming

out early for the second half. It is a great atmosphere. The crowd have

been rewarded with an exhilarating first 40 minutes.

Friday nights rugby at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Wales against Ireland. Ireland take the lead. North is back with a

vengeance! Ireland take the lead. A yellow card. Leigh Halfpenny lands

the penalty. It has been an exhilarating half. It has had a bit

of everything. STUDIO: How long will it be when we

do not talk about the bench. We will talk about the finishers. Here they

are. Who has been nudged, Keith? When you look at the Irish guys,

particularly O'Mahony and Henderson coming on. And Healy. In the

forwards, looking for power carriers, guys to put people under

pressure. The Wales bench have been poor in the last couple of matches.

They have been disappointing when you look at the quality. Faletau,

Jamie Roberts. Tell us why Wales have come out early. I think it is a

tactic. They have been poor against England and Scotland second half.

Perhaps not sitting in the changing room too much. Stop the second half

on a positive note. Jerry, how does this end up? Thanks, John! To call

this one, it will remain close, unless, because of the tackling

Ireland have done... I cannot see Ireland falling off a cliff through

tackling. They have shown against New Zealand in the autumn. This will

be tight right to the end. What a game and anybody's game.

Eddie. Conor Murray is back for the second half. Johnny Sexton is in the

sin-bin. Simon Zebo. The first half, it was brutal. It was brutal. We can

hear the collisions from here. Wayne Barnes blowing for the start of the

second half. Simon Zebo finding George North with the kick-off.

Moriarty. The angle is improved for Dan Biggar, should he choose to

clear. Justin Tipuric. The first actor. --

tackler. Rhys Webb stayed with Keith Earls

but it needed Ken Owens to make the secondary tackle.

Have not seen much of Garry Ringrose.

The flip inside to CJ Stander, but Alun Wyn Jones saw him coming. That

is the strength of Stander. It has gone loose and Scott Williams

got a boot to it. Murray. Tackled so close to the

line. Just about found touch. What a clever kick. Before that loose pass

Ireland were playing clever football. We forget Sexton is off

the pitch and they are a man short. Patients. Good execution.

Ken Owens prepares to throw five metres from the Irish line. And the

maul is on. North for and a second try! These

are such massive moments in the game. Ireland had two cracks in the

first half. Wales stole one of their line-outs. Defended their first one.

In fairness, they scored comfortably. The line-out maul setup

so well. It looked so tight to the Irish have to commit numbers. They

are down a man and make it tell. It is communication, great

communication. Rhys Webb has the vision. He sucked Zebo in and he

scores. Wales releasing pressure, making a mistake. Ireland were in

control and one loose pass and Wales capitalise and a great kick and

chase. Once again this man has stabbed his mark on the game and so

has Rhys Webb. I cannot believe Ireland did not keep a forward on

the short side. Disappointing defence. It is difficult, going for

the try-line, the forwards have got to go in. Leigh Halfpenny to as the

two points. -- to add.

It held its line and Wales extend their lead. 15 points to six. They

have found scoring difficult in the last two games, but not here

tonight. If George North plays like this he has probably guaranteed

himself a public flogging every game! What a way to response.

Change at scrum-half. Kieran Marmion comes on. It gets no easy for

Ireland. It when loose again. Wales had it.

Numbers for Wales. Henshaw did well, very well. That

close to his own goal line. A good clearance but leaving Wales

in an attacking position, still. Clumsy turnovers Roa Ireland.

Tipuric gets his hands in on the ball well and then kicks it, but

clumsy turnovers. We spoke about Ilan's kicking game in the first

half. Two fantastic kicks. One of them leading to the try. Very

uncharacteristic of Ireland. Two mistakes. They put themselves under

pressure. They are still down to 14. Rhys Webb sees the gap.

Penalty. Alun Wyn Jones taking it on.

It has been slowed up by Best and Sean O'Brien.

Scott Williams cutting inside. Tackled well by Furlong.

11 on the 11th. Moriarty into touch. Good defence by Ireland. Just went

the wrong way one too many times. Too close to the line-out. Now

Sexton comes on. Dan Biggar trying to drop in the pocket. A very

different Welsh team this week to last week. They are probably mixing

the best of their old game with their new game. Willing to go hard

and straight, as well. They are holding onto the ball and taking

islands -- taking Ireland through lots of phases. It is exhausting.

You can see the line speed has slowed. It has been such a high

tempo game. The good news for Ireland, as well

as their defensive effort, is that Johnny Sexton is back on the field.

Jamie Heaslip winning the line-out. Wales trying to exert driving

pressure on the clearing operation. Ireland earning themselves a

penalty. It has to be frustrating. You have them in their own 22 and

they give a simple penalty. Ireland one to maul that for a few meters

and kick it out. -- want to. Ireland line-out and they are on the

attack. A really bad bit of play here. I think Jake Ball takes it

down. Clumsy play. Shaun Edwards. That says it all. Silly error. Rory

Best to throw on the halfway line. Sam Warburton has been man-to-man

marking all evening. Sexton looking to break things up.

CJ Stander does not find Warburton in his path this time, but he is

still brought down. It opens up for the big second row.

Suddenly Ireland have momentum. Have good territory.

Sexton delaying the pass to Jamie Heaslip.

Ken Owens had to release it. Ireland still in possession.

Rory Best was tackled by his opposite number, Ken Owens. Good

tackle. Rob Evans delayed the release. Good

positive pressure from Ireland. Sean O'Brien, first chance to get some

speed up. Rory Best hanging onto the ball.

Sexton with another delayed pass. Zebo cannot get away from Jonathan

Davies. That was brilliantly picked up by

Jamie Heaslip. Jonathan Davies tackling him. Wales turn it over.

Knock-on. No penalty. It is a penalty. Spotted by the touch judge

on the far side. Absolutely exhausting phase of play. Up until

the penalty I thought it was incredible defence by Wales. Not

giving away a penalty. Absolutely fantastic play. Now we are back to

five metre drives. My favourite part of the game. A great defence. Johnny

Sexton, how he manages the Irish. His choice of pass is brilliant. He

makes a significant difference to this side.

It is play on so far. Sam Warburton trying to grab the

ball. High tackle. Accidental high tackle. Still a high tackle, says

Wayne Barnes. Sam Warburton is getting through

some amount of work, some amount of high-quality work. He is a nuisance

at the breakdown but he has made phenomenal hits, as well. It is such

a tiring game. Substitutions will be interesting on both sides. Watch

this tackle. He goes high. It is such great defence. They have so

many dummy runners, Ireland. Once it gets narrow, do they have the

ability to go wide. Dan Biggar protests, the crowd protests, but

given the current interpretation, that is still a penalty.

Johnny Sexton, the bruising around his left eye. He has been off for

treatment and off in the bin, but he is back, masterminding the Irish

comeback. They needed two scores. That is the

option they needed to take. Dan Biggar ready to take the restart. He

thought about taking it quickly. I would be dropping one of these down

on Garry Ringrose, or Henshaw. Zebo again the target. A good follow-up

tackle by George North. What a different George North it is this

evening. Getting intricate in their 22 and

Liam Williams redback well. Keith Earls has been elusive as anybody.

Dan Biggar claiming it on halfway. Wales still trying the long passes

and Jonathan Davies, Leon Williams. Williams still going. -- Lee

Williams. Moriarty. Powerful. The tackling

resolute. Dan Biggar is back for the drop

kick. Off the post. Rob Kearney has time back there. The right option.

He will be disappointed he did not nail that. That is a routine drop

kick for him. He set it up. A lovely pass by Rob Evans. As Paul said,

they do not panic, do not look for the miracle pass. They go to ground,

keep possession. Cian Healy is on as a replacement

for McGrath. Cian Healy is a great guide to bring

off the bench. Big, powerful, hungry ball-carrier. Henderson is there as

well on the Irish bench. So, big impact. Little dink forward, it

comes to Tipuric, he tries to find Alun Wyn Jones.

Pass off the floor, says referee Wayne Barnes. Perhaps he didn't play

it immediately. Fairly obvious. The crowd are having none of it, that.

On the floor, you are out of the game. Johnny Sexton tries to impose

a little calm on proceedings. Justin Tipuric is now on the ground, out of

the games. Amazing how Tipuric sees things happen quicker than anybody

else. Ross Moriarty finishes the stealing job. It advantage being

played. Here goes the slightly irked Welsh captain for the penalty given

against Tipuric. Rhys Webb will test Simon Zebo. Here comes the Zebo

against Dan Biggar. Back to Sexton. Ringrose. Justin Tipuric pulled him

down in the end. Francis on Healy with the tackle.

Johnny Sexton, one player standing in a sea of crushing movement.

-- a tester. Warburton fell on the loose ball. Safely puts it back on

the Welsh side for Rhys Webb. Dan Biggar are back in position. Wales

want to manage their way into a better position.

If he's on his feet initially, as soon as there is contact... A little

conversation there. Interesting to see Wales put that ball off the Park

in comparison to where they were in the England game. Where are we on

the clock? 62 minutes. A small shift. Very rare in a passage you

would see Wales put that ball off the park. Iain Henderson has come on

into the second row in the place of Devin Toner.

He plays back row as well. As the game gets more and more into the

tired zone he's going to have an impact Conor Henderson, in loose

Wales steal another line-out ball. Scott Williams. Wales still going

long. Liam Williams on the far side. He puts a boot to it but it only

finds Rob Kearney. Keith Earls bundled into touch.

Ireland are worried about the line-out. Rushed everything. Little

moral victory for Wales. Line-out stolen by Charteris. Off for Ireland

is CJ Stander. That is my little interpretation of a moral triumph,

to see Ireland's leading charge ago. Interesting, Charteris is on.

Brilliant maul defender and his workrate is phenomenal.

Rhys Webb takes over from Ken Owens. Beautifully taken by Dan Biggar.

Jonathan Davies long to Leigh Halfpenny. Halfpenny can't quite

free his hands to get the ball to George North. North goes in. A busy

night for George North. Scott Williams held up for the

moment. Ireland have ripped the ball clear.

Marmion looks one way, eventually goes the other. It's a knock-on

advantage to Ireland. Keith Vaz Evans makes a good tackle.

No advantage any more. Good boot forward by Ringrose and Halfpenny

turns and gets back on his feet. Good work by the Wales full-back.

Sam Warburton goes to scrum-half. Luke Charteris.

Rhys Webb puts more length on it this time. Back towards Wales.

Again, Leigh Halfpenny... Ooh, he has knocked it on. Sean O'Brien to

Sexton. That's probably just a little long. Dan Biggar under

pressure from Keith Earls. It's come loose. Somehow Wales hang onto

possession. Leigh Halfpenny scrambling for the ball. It's not

out of play. Liam Williams weights. Ireland pick him up and drag him

backwards. Any clearance would be good now for Wales. They are still

happy to keep it amongst the forwards that close to the goal

line. Another clearance operation that

does not go well from that corner of the Principality Stadium. Unlike in

the game against England, Wales get away with it and get the ball into

touch. It is one hell of a Test match. You just feel that Wales need

that buffer. They need a drop goal or a penalty to give some breathing

space. Ireland are throwing everything at them. Some great play

by Ireland. The loop play we saw in the French game creating

opportunities. One forward to another, out the back to Sexton,

they created some really good space in the last few minutes. An awful

lot of tired bodies from both teams on the pitch. Ireland have looked

very strong. Good line-out pressure here. Ireland have struggled in the

last few minutes. Scott Williams has gone off. Jamie Roberts has come on.

A case of fresh legs. This has been a gruelling, exhausting encounter.

More changes for Wales. Upfront, Nicky Smith is on. Fill it

Rory Best to throw. Won by Henderson. Heaslip. Marmion to

Henshaw. Ireland trying to set up a maul. Rory Best in charge, slips it

back. Sexton, Ringrose. Again through the forwards until

Sexton now has it with two passes Ireland suddenly go wide. Halfpenny

tries to avoid touch. Forced back over the goal line, but touch first.

Five metre line-out, Ireland throw. Super weight on the kick, such a

good kick, forcing Wales to either play it to the line-out or to carry

it. It's going to be a line-out. Ireland have had a lot of

opportunities from this distance and failed to convert. Wales have been

very good defensively from this part of the field.

Charteris is an intimidating figure when you are trying to call the

line-out. Henderson wins. Clever play by Ireland. They've stopped

Charteris could in near the ball, and on comes the drive from Rory

Best. It's still moving. Rory Best edges closer. Help arrives from the

outside. I think it's a penalty to Wales.

Number 12 has run in front of the ball and made it start going again,

that's obstruction, that a penalty. Well, well, well. I think the

forwards will be absolutely crazy. It seemed to be going in the right

direction, slowly, slowly. Henshaw comes in and goes in front of the

ball and reignites the drive again. He's disallowed it and given the

penalty. We were going quite well, stopped, and then 12 started it. I

think he has a point. Haven't seen it again here. He has to bind over

the guy at the back of the maul. Here he goes. Harsh enough. If he

had put an arm over the top of Rory Best as he went into that maul... I

think it might be a penalty. He does seem to clear the way for Rory to

dive over. If he gets behind Rory, he still scores. I agree. Cannot

believe how gritted Paul O'Connell's teeth were when he said it might be

a penalty. Might be. And escape Wales. Robbie Henshaw, here he

comes. Rory Best with the ball. If he puts his arm over Rory, it is a

different story. Such fine margins. I still think we would have scored

if he had not joined. Prosperous source of line-out possession for

Wales today, Tipuric. Back to Sexton. Back to the aerial

game. That should be OK. Samson Lee is on. Faletau West 20.

Ireland swoop. And Ireland have to put in. It's a question of what is

left in the tank of these two sites. Mistakes creeping in and could be

crucial. Wales need that buffer. Whenever there is a break in play,

you look at the players and wonder how they can play another phase,

they look so tired. Then the ball comes into play and the Welsh

defence comes to life. We were talking about the Irish bench, the

likes of Cian Healy, Henderson. Tony Fowler et al coming on for Wales. --

Tony Faletau. These are big game players. Wales have changed their

front row entirely. Scott Baldwin has just arrived. Ireland still have

two starters, I think. Heaslip puts it over to the right

hand side. Straight to Simon Zebo. Zebo looked for the past. George

North over the ball. Great contest. They are varying

tactics. Tried to go down the middle, try to go through the hands.

Let's wait and see how good they are on the flat. From the scrum, first

kick, that is a narrow defensive line. Wales under the cosh, just

like they were two years ago. Ireland swarm all over the

scrum-half and earn themselves a five metre scrummage with the

put-in. That's what you get with Peter Manning, phenomenally quick

off the floor. Against Tipuric who is also quick. Peter O'Mahony is the

best back row jump in Europe. The five metre line-out is so important.

If you can pressure that you give yourself a great opportunity, which

Ireland have done here. Just having a blood stop called.

Peter O'Mahony, immediate impact. Tipuric has won so much ball for

Wales. O'Mahony pinched one when it mattered. I know it's loud, let's

give ourselves space. Both teams, give yourself space.

Heaslip again, shelters the ball. Sexton. It's narrow. Has it gone

backwards? It has. Jamie Roberts punches the air. And all it is is a

scrummage. Offside. Man in front of the knock-on.

The worst thing you can do here is give away a penalty. If you run a

play that is not the greatest in the world, if you are still five yards

from the line, it's not the end of the world to turn it over stopped to

give a penalty is very tough. Five minutes to get back down there for

Ireland. Big defensive moment from Wales. We saw Shaun Edwards pumping

his fist. He stands there, he picks the runner. Keith Earls been so

dangerous. There's the reaction. We spoke about Jamie Roberts having an

impact. He will have seen those players defending plays like that

for years. Scott Baldwin. Again it is Tipuric who wins the line-out.

Gareth Davies keeps a close eye on the ball this time. Going to kick

downfield. Down towards Keith Earls. Dan Biggar in hot pursuit but

brilliantly taken by Earls. Sexton. That's excellent pursuit of the ball

by Gareth Davies, the scrum-half. Sexton again, to Sean O'Brien.

Heaslip driven back by Liam Williams.

Long along the floor. Jonathan Davies in hot pursuit. Catches him.

Henderson. This is different because Ireland are now in their own 22.

Cian Healy tries to raise his legs. Justin Tipuric hangs on. Ireland

still in their 22. And again, Tipuric involved. Sean

O'Brien took a little pause. Can't get out of the 22.

Rory Best. Ireland standing still and taking the ball. Is there anyway

out of this 22? Ireland trailing by six points. Sexton, charged down by

Faletau, Jamie Roberts for the line, Roberts! We wait for Wayne Barnes to

award the try. He has. And Wales have just won the encounter.

Pressure on Faletau, fresh legs. Sexton has tried every passing the

buck to unlock this defence. He tries a little chip. Faletau gets to

him. There is the try scorer. Fairplay to Wales. They've been

really clever in the second half. Excellent driving maul to a box-kick

and they pinned Ireland down, put them under incredible pressure.

Jamie Roberts, he's felt the pressure all week, nobody has felt

the pressure more than Rob Howley and the Welsh coaching staff. And

how they have responded, what a response.

Leigh Halfpenny as the two points. Jonathan, your man of the match?

Warburton has been brilliant, so has Sexton. George North. For me, Rhys

Webb. There's the man. He had his hand in both tries. Aggressive

defence. Man of the match, Rhys Webb. Into the last minute. Ireland

ring the changes. But you can just tell the game is won. Alun Wyn Jones

is too exhausted to celebrate yet. His moment will come. Paddy Jackson

gets us back under way. It has gone forward. Ringrose picks up the

bouncing ball. Sean O'Brien. Zebo. Tommy Bowe is on the field. Faletau

over the ball. Can't play it now. Has to leave it for Marnie.

Chatteris tracks the replacement. It went forward. Wales will have one

last scrum. Line speed is still there from

Wales. Absolutely incredible to see the likes of Tipuric getting up with

incredible enthusiasm and intensity, at this stage, having put in the

shift that he has. Rob Howley, you've got to be happy for him. This

performance, the hard work, the pressure they've been under. This

was always the trick for Ireland. Wales were a very good team playing

badly. 100% a try. They are a very good team playing badly with some

absolutely world-class players. They have absolutely produced the goods

today, played brilliantly. I think they've been very clever as well.

Which I don't think they had been in some of their performances in the

Six Nations. Some crucial line-out steals, and the enthusiasm of the

back row is phenomenal to see. Hasn't just been a game of relief

for Wales given the pressure they have been under, it has been a

fantastic Test match. Fantastic Test match and I think the

decision-making by the Welsh players has made the difference. In previous

matches they've been loose, given opportunities away. Now they've

scored two beautiful tries, third try through pressure. Just small

margins that make a huge difference at this level. Tommy Bowe going off,

I just wonder how much more of Tommy Bowe there is to come. He's been

around a long time. Wonderful servant on the Irish wing. If this

is farewell to Tommy Bowe. Disappointing for him after a long,

long injury return to get back, to get picked for today, that's really

disappointing. Hopefully that's not too bad. It's the face of a man who

thinks this might be it. Hang on, that's a bit harsh. Come on, head!

Gareth Davies will put into the scrummage. Wales have nine seconds.

It's a retreating scrum and Ireland have stolen it. We are into

overtime. Ireland come away with it. Play goes on. Alun Wyn Jones still

working. No letup in the pace at all. Paddy Jackson. No letup in the

ferocity of the tackling. While Scannell, replacement hooker. Paddy

Jackson goes on his own. It's a good tackle by Scott Baldwin, the hooker.

Henderson, tackled by Gareth Davies. Marmion. Sean O'Brien.

Still it thunders on. It has gone forward at last. If Wales can break

away and scored they get themselves a bonus point. It could be. Sam

Davies is on. Jamie Roberts, George North. Cuts inside. North! Burst of

acceleration, George North! Up to the Irish 22. Gareth Davies awaits.

Jonathan Davies, men outside him, can't get the pass away. He does

now. Charteris was there. Scott Baldwin. Davies goes starting round

the blindside. Halfpenny twists, roles, presents. The captain.

Sam Davies knocks on. The game is over. Wales don't get their bonus

point but they do have the victory in a pulsating, enthralling game,

they have beaten Ireland 22-9. An absolutely phenomenal match.

There were times at the break of play. You wondered how the guys

would play the next phase. Then they lifted it again every time. A great

Test match by two great sides. Wales have won. What a night it has been.

22-9, they have been Ireland. STUDIO: Martyn Williams and Rob

Howley vindicated picking the same team. Go out and prove yourselves. A

phenomenal defensive effort. Ireland threw everything at Wales and they

stood tall and to a man, a superb game of rugby. Rhys Webb, it was

tense towards the end of the game until Roberts scored. You were

watching from the bench not able to do anything. Very nervous at the

end. We know from the last three games there have been fine margins.

We felt dominant in the last games and we knew we were one performance

away from winning. We played for the full 80 minutes and put in a shift.

You had a big hand in the two tries for George North. How much does the

team oh Rob Howley performance? The coaches have been telling us to play

and back our ability. We showed today glimpses of what we can do and

there is more to come from us. Everybody was writing us off, but we

did not become a bad team overnight. You are the man of the match.

Congratulations, Rhys Webb. Rob Howley urged the team to redeem

themselves. How determined were you to repay the faith he has shown. I

think to a large proportion we owe it to the people in the stadium. And

to ourselves. We have not done ourselves justice in the last two

games and that was a priority today and I think we have done that.

Congratulations. STUDIO: That fantastic match, as darkness

descends, long since descended on the Principality Stadium, but Wales

lit up this magnificent stadium with that victory which means England, if

they beat Scotland tomorrow will retain the Six Nations championship

and if Scotland win, it is anybody's game going into the final weekend.

22-9 is one statistic, but how about more than 300 tackles across those

80 minutes. Just the most phenomenal match. One moment of controversy

towards the end. We are on the red button after this and will discuss

them them. Henshaw penalised and denied Ireland what would have been

potentially the winning score. It was a great line-out move and the

ball was in, came down perfectly. Look at number two. Rory Best. You

see Henshaw coming in. If he goes in and slides his hand up over Rory

Best that is fine but if he goes in just ahead of the ball carrier it is

a penalty and obstruction. It is very tight. Just needed a connect

with Rory Best and he would have been fine. The fact he did not grip

Rory Best in any way, definite penalty. On such small margins are

matches won a loss. Jeremy, what a spectacle. Well done, Wales. Over

100 tackles in the second half. Two tries to nil, a magnificent

performance. I am sure you have enjoyed spending your Friday night

with us. At times it felt like a game of Gaelic football. What a

stupendous game. May the rest of your sporting weekend be as

intoxicating. Good night from Cardiff.

# You can always go downtown. # When you've got worries all the

noise and the hurry seem is to help I know. Downtown.

# Listen to the music of the traffic in the city.

# Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty.

# How can you lose? # The lights are much brighter. You

can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares.

# So go downtown. # Things will be