Dublin (AFP)

Ireland had a second success in a row in the Six Nations Tournament by defeating the Welsh title holder (24-14), who will not repeat his Grand Slam of 2019, after a more bitter than spectacular match, Saturday in Dublin.

With four trials registered, Ireland, alone at the head of the Tournament while waiting for France-Italy on Sunday, wins an important offensive bonus point in the race for final victory before its trip to England in two weeks.

In its Landsdowne Road, which has become almost impregnable - a draw and a defeat conceded in 5 years in the Tournament - the green wall has stifled the Welsh offensives.

The Red Devils were not spared from the facts of the game, such as the injury injury out of their winger Josh Adams after 25 minutes of play, in a first act played against the wind.

Two minutes later, however, on one of the few perfectly carried out offensives, they had managed to briefly gain the advantage by Tomos Williams served at height by Dan Biggar after a one-two with his captain Alun Wyn Jones (5-7, 27th).

But despite the experience of the 787 cumulative caps at kickoff, the men of Wayne Pivac, whose first defeat at the head of the selection he took over after the World Cup, have often backed down and paid cash their mistakes.

In the 20 minute, Irish back Jordan Larmour had thus taken advantage of a missed tackle from Nick Tompkins for his first selection, before taking advantage of three defenders to cross the line (5-0, 20th).

The Irish still took advantage of a forward Tomos Williams near his line on the second try scored strongly by Tadgh Furlong, supported by his first line (12-7, 32nd).

Finally the break came on a lost ball in touch improved by Josh van der Flier shortly after the recovery (19-7, 47th) before Andrew Conway scored a very valuable fourth try at the end (24-7, 76th ).

In a burst of pride, the Red Devils took advantage of the reduction to 14 of their opponents after a yellow card inflicted on CJ Sanders to register a test by Justin Tipuric at the siren (24-14, 80th + 3).

The reception of the French team in 15 days in Cardiff will therefore be decisive for the turn that the tournament will take for the Welsh whose attack remains the priority site.

© 2020 AFP