Ireland’s opened the Six Nations campaign with a bonus-point victory over reigning champions Wales winning 29-7 at the Aviva Stadium.
Wales’ high levels of absenteeism were reflected on the scoreboard; the visitors trailed 10-0 at the break before eventually suffering a 22-point defeat.
The Connacht contingent were responsible for the opening try on three minutes; Mack Hansen set up Bundee Aki who crossed the line and Jonathan Sexton added the conversion.
Sexton subsequently added a penalty kick on 19 minutes giving Andy Farrell’s men a ten-point buffer at the half-time break.
Andrew Conway registered Ireland’s second try four minutes into the second half and Sexton added the conversion leaving 17 points between the sides.
Josh Adams received a yellow card on 49 minutes and two minutes later, Conway added his second and Ireland’s third converted try.
The bonus point was wrapped up on the hour mark when Garry Ringrose added a fourth try as Ireland suddenly found themselves 29 points clear.
Wales eventually got off the mark when Taine Basham touched down five minutes from time. Substitute Callum Sheedy added the conversion but it was too little too late.
Ireland finished with 22 points to spare which marks a great start to the competition but a bigger test lies ahead in Paris next week.
