‘Wise old’ Irish douse Dragon fire

THREE tries to nil and a 19-9 winning margin on foreign soil suggest a competent all-round performance by Ireland at the Millennium Stadium yesterday.

However, that most certainly wasn’t the case and now a shaken side must prepare for France at Croke Park on Sunday with inspirational captain Brian O’Driscoll a doubtful starter with a hamstring strain and yesterday’s man of the match Gordon D’Arcy also struggling with a groin problem.

The pre-Six Nations favourites had to fight for their lives against a fired up and combative Welsh side who dominated possession for long stretches, especially in the first half. Yet they trailed 12-9 at the interval. Shortly after half time, one of a number of crucial decisions went against them when Simon Easterby appeared to illegally bustle Welsh winger Chris Czekaj off the ball in the left corner when it looked all over a Welsh try.