“That’s the problem with a sleeping dragon… eventually, it wakes up.”

Ireland were greeted with more fire and brimstone that they’ve experienced yet – in what could soon become a rather unsuccessful tournament.

However, as much as Ireland were at fault with sloppy passes and being bumped off attackers, Wales simply played well. They did something they haven’t done for a while – attacked with meaning and force. North’s first try was from a lineout on the left hand side half way line that worked it’s way all the way across the pitch to score in the right hand corner (aided by some missed tackles). Wales needed to win and they came to the pitch with that one minded ambition Irleand just couldn’t muster.

Of course the game could have been different, had Henshaw joined from behind Best rather than in front and to the side (right in front of Barnes’ nose) then Ireland could have gone up 15 – 16 taking the sting out of Wales. But that isn’t what happened and that’s the beauty of sport. Next week will provide some of the falters some retribution, with the target ensuring the World Rugby Rankings are still favourable come May’s draw.

Kearney – 7
Aerial champion and defensive eyes of hawk. Even if he couldn’t stop the man dead he provided the body in the way to slow them down. Closed down numerous Welsh attacks to keep the score tight. Not as potent in attack but for a team under intense pressure his body held up well against a large, rampaging backline. Old dog still has a few tricks.

Earls – 6
Could do nothing to stop the man-mountain from Kings Lynn but worked well going forward in a stuttered attack. Smart kicks through to pin back the Welsh. Never got in the right position in attack to snipe points on the touchline. No dis-credit to the Munster-man.

Ringrose – 6.5
Tough day at the office for GR. Again for such a young international he’s showing signs of class in attack (smart kicks to space to release wing chasers) and defensively (closing players down to force miss-passes or knock-ons), but, he’s also showing his inexperience by being drawn in by some Welsh moves. This tournament has been a learning curve for young GR and Cardiff was a trial by fire.

Henshaw – 5.5
Looked to have set Ireland up in the perfect position. His smart grubber in the 68th minute gave Ireland the platform to attack with the best set maul of the night. Alas, he then thumped into the maul in front of Best to give away the penalty when Ireland had just crossed the Welsh try line. Defensively made some huge hits with his centre partner but failed to give that attacking platform throughout the whole game. Will hurt after this in more ways that one.

Zebo – 7
One of Irelands more potent attackers, utlising smart kicks and chase throughs. Strong tackles in defence and never die attitude will stand him in good stead. Against a weaker defence this would have been the Zebo Show.

Sexton – 6
His nickname was “Intersexton” at school right? Smart reading of Biggar’s telegraphing to intercept not once but twice. The loop pass is back but team still know it’s coming. Unfortunate yellow, yes the ball was killed, but the tackled player was on top of the tacklee (smart from Davies). HIA is always a concern for Sexton. Disappointed, but not disparaging.

Murray – 6
Injured his arm taking down North, should have departed the field there. For some reason he carried on, delaying the introduction of Marmion. If a scrum half can’t pass off his left arm something needs to be changed. Brave display when his coaches let him down.

Heaslip – 8
Dropped a silly ball right at the end of the first half but kept on trucking throughout. Always plays a smart game and filled in as on on-field leader where Best was lacking. He’s captained the side before in his younger years and now is mature enough to lead it.

O’Brien – 5
If an O’Brien is on the pitch but doesn’t make a barnstorming run, is he there at all? In defence yes, but in attack no – This was a good defencive game from O’Brien, but what this game needed was a tullow tank punching through the Welsh lines. Only 3 metres gained will grate on him.

Stander – 6.5
Had watched that Lomu clip on youtube before the game and out it in to effect. Slowed up ball from good Welsh defence limited his effectiveness. Needs to be fed the ball at pace to be most effective.

Ryan – 8
I’d pay a lot of money to have seen the look on Ryan’s face as he spotted the gap and burst through. Kept going all night long and was dogged throughout. Nailed on to stoke some fire in the Aviva next week.

Toner – 5
High tackle count but was outsmarted too much at the lineout with his calls. Low metres gained and looked a broken man early in the second half. Tough, tough day for Toner.

Furlong – 6.5
Unexpected ball in the bread basket slipped out under pressure from Williams to miss a try scoring opportunity. Not many scrums to show his prowess and the ones that were there faltered. The front row union of Ireland will need to rally around the youngster.

Best – 4
Not a captain’s performance. Three missed tackles all sent Ireland back-pedalling when they needed the front foot. Lineout was a shambles of it’s former self and the leadership just didn’t seem to be there. Next week will be about personal goals against a rival for his berth this summer.

McGrath – 6.5
Another trucker working hard throughout in the loose, but the scrum dominance was non existent. Part of a great driving maul that sadly infringed right where it shouldn’t.

Replacements (Not Finishers) – 5

Jackson will need to accept fault for missing Scott Williams and the subsequent try. Marmion kept the plaudits with his tackle on Moriarty sending the in form No. 8 out of bounds. Healy, Henderson and O’Mahony all added impetus, but couldn’t quite bring it together. If this is how it ends for Tommy Bowe then it’s a crying shame.

By Lorcan O’Duffy