CARDIFF (Reuters) – Clinical Ireland scored three tries in the opening 20 minutes and cruised to a 34-10 bonus-point victory over Wales to spoil coach Warren Gatland’s welcome home party in the Six Nations opener at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Ireland bulldozed the Welsh in the first quarter as they dominated the collisions and set-piece, allowing number eight Caelan Doris, lock James Ryan and wing James Lowe to cross for scores. Flank Josh van der Flier got the fourth try late on.
Wales, who lost nine of their 12 tests in 2022, were improved in the second half and managed their lone try through fullback Liam Williams, but were largely kept at bay by the efficiency of the Irish defence and will feel they have much work to do in all facets of play.
Ireland host France in their second match on Feb. 11 in a clash between the top two teams in the world rankings, while Wales travel to Scotland hoping more time on the training field with the recently restored Gatland will help them find more cohesion.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
