Ireland Clinch Triple Crown in Cardiff Thriller

WALES 18-27 IRELAND

Ireland edged past Wales 18-27 in a pulsating clash at the Principality Stadium, securing their 14th Triple Crown and keeping their hopes of a historic three-peat alive in the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.

Fast Start from the Visitors

Sporting their alternate white strip, Ireland set the tone early, with Sam Prendergast launching the ball high into the electric Cardiff air. The hosts, under interim coach Matt Sherratt, fielded a much-changed side and started with intent, but it was the Irish who struck first. A bruising carry from Joe McCarthy laid the groundwork for Jack Conan to bulldoze over from close range. Prendergast’s conversion made it 7-0 to the visitors.

Ireland kept their foot on the gas, applying relentless pressure on the Welsh defence. A scrum penalty offered another opportunity, and the composed Prendergast slotted a 27-metre kick to extend the lead to 10-0 inside the opening 20 minutes.

Wales Find Their Rhythm

Wales needed a response, and it came swiftly. A loose Irish pass gifted the hosts field position, and when Ireland strayed offside, Gareth Anscombe coolly converted a penalty to put Wales on the scoreboard at 3-10.

Buoyed by the home crowd, Wales began to cause real problems for Ireland’s defence. Debutant Ellis Mee was a constant threat on the right wing, while Tomos Williams was inches away from scoring after a slick offload from Jac Morgan. The breakthrough eventually came following sustained pressure, as Ireland conceded another penalty. Before Anscombe could step up, the TMO flagged a high tackle from Garry Ringrose on Ben Thomas, resulting in a yellow card and further review in the bunker.

Anscombe’s penalty reduced the deficit to 6-10, and Wales weren’t finished. A perfectly executed driving maul sucked in Ireland’s defence, creating the space for captain Jac Morgan to power over the line. With Anscombe adding the extras, Wales headed into the break leading 13-10.

Ireland Rally After Ringrose Red

As the second half resumed, referee Christophe Ridley confirmed Ringrose’s yellow card had been upgraded to a 20-minute red. Wales seized the momentum, launching an early attack that resulted in a stunning finish from Tom Rogers in the corner after a blistering break by Blair Murray. Though Anscombe’s conversion drifted wide, Wales held an 18-10 advantage.

 

 

 

 

 

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With Ireland soon back to a full complement, they clawed their way back. A breakdown penalty allowed Prendergast to narrow the gap to 18-13 before their relentless pressure finally told. Playing under advantage, Jamison Gibson-Park floated a pinpoint kick to the corner, where James Lowe leapt above Josh Adams to bat the ball inside for Jamie Osborne to touch down on his Six Nations debut. Prendergast’s conversion attempt was wayward, but Ireland had drawn level at 18-18.

Prendergast’s Nerve of Steel

With 15 minutes remaining, a penalty inside Wales’ 22 saw Prendergast step up and make no mistake, nudging Ireland into a 21-18 lead. Moments later, Bundee Aki forced a crucial turnover just inside the Irish half, presenting Prendergast with another long-range opportunity. Brimming with confidence, the young fly-half struck it sweetly, extending Ireland’s lead to six.

Wales weren’t done. A slick move released Mee down the left wing, and as he reached for the line, the TMO was called into action. The on-field decision was a try, but after a forensic review, it was ruled a knock-on—an agonising moment for the Welsh faithful.

With time ticking down, Ireland’s defensive discipline held firm. Another penalty in kicking range allowed Prendergast to put the game beyond doubt, sealing a nine-point victory and securing the Triple Crown.

Gibson-Park Runs the Show

Jamison Gibson-Park was named Guinness Player of the Match, once again proving instrumental in Ireland’s attack. His pinpoint kicking and game management reaffirmed his credentials as the leading contender for the British and Irish Lions’ scrum-half role.

Wales showed plenty of promise under Sherratt, pushing Ireland all the way in a thrilling encounter. But the visitors’ composure and big-game mentality ultimately made the difference as they march on with their sights firmly set on a third successive Six Nations crown.

Line-ups

WALES

• Forwards: 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 WillGriff John, 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Dafydd Jenkins, 6 Jac Morgan (Captain), 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Taulupe Faletau.
• Backs: 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 11 Ellis Mee, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Tom Rogers, 15 Blair Murray.
• Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Joe Roberts.

IRELAND

• Forwards: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan (Captain), 3 Thomas Clarkson, 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Jack Conan.
• Backs: 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast, 11 James Lowe, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen, 15 Jamie Osborne.
• Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Bundee Aki.

Stats

Wales (13) 18

Try: Morgan (40’+3), Rogers (43′)
Conversion: Anscombe (40’+4)
Penalty: Anscombe (23′, 35′)

Ireland (10) 27

Try: Conan (7′), Osborne (56′)
Conversion: Prendergast (8′)
Penalty: Prendergast (21′, 49′, 67′, 70′, 78′)

Red Card: Ringrose (34′)

Man of the match: Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)

Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)

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