Video: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and captain Rory Best reflect on Wales draw

By The Newsroom
Published 8th Feb 2016, 09:17 BST
Updated 8th Feb 2016, 10:19 BST
DINNINGTON RUFC round-up.DINNINGTON RUFC round-up.
DINNINGTON RUFC round-up.
Johnny Sexton kicked a penalty six minutes from time to preserve injury-hit Ireland's unbeaten RBS 6 Nations home record under Joe Schmidt and stall Wales' stirring fightback.

The kick secured a 16-16 draw - the first between Ireland and Wales since 1991 - meaning that both sides’ Grand Slam hopes floundered at the first hurdle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yet they played with such fearsome commitment and intensity to still suggest strong title ambitions.

Ireland led 13-0 at the Aviva Stadium after 30 minutes through scrum-half Conor Murray’s try and eight points from Sexton, but Wales hit back through a Taulupe Faletau touchdown, plus three Rhys Priestland penalties and a conversion after he replaced injured World Cup hero Dan Biggar.

Wales led by three points with time running out, but Sexton - as he has done on so many previous occasions - came up trumps when it mattered and ensured that Ireland avoided defeat.

Related topics:IrelandJohnny SextonWalesDan Biggar