Devastated Rory Best faces up to end of Irish Six Nations dream

Ireland’s Six Nations dreams are over for another year after a 22-9 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.

‘Wales are in a struggle, but in the same breath if they turned around and won a grand slam next year, you wouldn’t be surprised, ‘ D’Arcy told Press Association Sport. Ireland did take the lead when Johnny Sexton slotted between the posts. We got stung for that and conceded 10 points in minutes in the sin bin period.

Shortly after that, Ireland nearly made in-roads towards the try line after a fine break by back row CJ Stander along the left flank.

It came when he was caught under his left eye by Jonathan Davies’ thigh.

The hosts’ classy opening try from George North was added to by second half efforts from North again and replacement Jamie Roberts.

Halfpenny missed the conversion, allowing Paddy Jackson to restore Ireland’s lead from a penalty.

Sexton returned to fray after that kick. When they did cross the line and get the ball down, following a rolling maul, the try was disallowed because center Robbie Henshaw added his ballast to the drive illegally by joining at the last second in front of the ball carrier.

As good as Murray is, the delay in bringing on Kieran Marmion in his place was baffling.

JUSTIN Tipuric has made his name by being surprisingly fleet-footed for a man that wears 7 on his back and the Wales flanker hopes to be just as elusive after tonight’s Test in Cardiff. If Ireland win then it leaves them in a great position to challenge for the championship against England on the last day of the competition, depending on what happens in the annual Calcutta Cup match between Scotland and England tomorrow.

North was at it again after 45 minutes.

Sexton kicked a penalty on 56 minutes to reduce the gap to six points.

It could have been worse for Ireland had Dan Biggar been successful with a drop-goal attempt.

After gaining a lineout deep inside Ireland’s 22, the forwards drove relentlessly before Webb had a simple task of sending an unmarked North over for his 30th Wales try.

D’Arcy believes Ireland can steal a march in the back-row at the Principality Stadium, and then squeeze Wales into falling back into the old habit of Warren Gatland’s famed direct-running gameplan.

On 72 minutes, Ireland got the put in to the scrum five metres out but there was relief for Wales as an Irish knock on put an end to that potential platform.

“Ireland are more than happy to go with our decision”. The Welsh supporters did not quite know what to expect.

Wales Under 20 have won their last four Six Nations games against the Irish, but will face a team high on confidence and boasting a ideal record this season after successive wins over Scotland, Italy and France, when they meet at Parc Eirias tonight (kick-off 6.30pm).