Five-try Ireland in command

IRELAND maintained their perfect Six Nations start but were made to sweat for it in a frantic victory over Wales.

Trailing by eight points in a first half they otherwise dominated, Ireland led by two scores midway through the second before weathering a Welsh comeback halted in its tracks by Jacob Stockdale’s interception try at the death.

Wales coach Warren Gatland blamed a lack of discipline and said: “We spoke about not allowing them opportunities to get penalties to drive and squeeze you. They were very strong in our own 22. Our line defence wasn’t as good as it needed to be.”

Johnny Sexton uncharacteristically missed three early kicks at goal although he made up for it with a pinpoint, long skip pass that sent Stockdale in for the opening try.

Ireland also lacked discipline and gave away turnovers, one allowing Gareth Davies to sprint in, and Leigh Halfpenny soon extended Wales’s lead to eight points.

However Ireland regrouped, first handing Sexton a chance to get on the board before pounding Wales’s defence for Bundee Aki to score.

Flanker Dan Leavy went in for his first Six Nations try after the break before Cian Healy obliged with the bonus-point score.

But Wales were not done and a converted Aaron Shingler try cut the deficit to one score.

Conor Murray, taking over kicking duties from a limping Sexton, landed a penalty five minutes from time but a Steff Evans try frayed Irish nerves, eased by Stockdale’s last word.