Wales 18-27 Ireland: Welsh player ratings after Wales fall just short of major upset
Wales were edged out by just nine points against an unbeaten Irish side at the Principality in what was arguably Wales’ best game of rugby for the past 18 months.
Wales crossed the whitewash through Jac Morgan and Tom Rogers as well as eight points from the boot of Gareth Anscombe but despite a spirited performance, the men in red fell just short in their pursuit of their first win in 15 matches.
Check out our ratings for the Welsh players against Ireland.
1. Nicky Smith - 7
Smith caused Ireland major headaches in the scrum and helped win Wales some easy yet hugely helpful turnovers at ste piece which enabled Wales to apply heaps of pressure onto Ireland in the first half especially.
2. Elliot Dee - 6
Dee was great with the ball in hand often popping up and making large amounts of ground with his carries. His lineout throws were squeaky clean and he put in a real shift which helped the rest of his pack.
3. WillGriff John - 7
John scrummaged as if his life depended on it and he was a major thorn in Ireland’s side at set piece. Around the pitch, he was lively with a great defensive effort standing out and some nice carries in attack too.
4. Will Rowlands - 5
Rowlands wasn’t terrible but he’s also had better games. He looked much more comfortable with the ball in hand and offered some good passes but his defensive lineout work wasn’t effective and often Ireland had a free pass.
5. Dafydd Jenkins - 6
Jenkins tells a similar story to Rowlands it’s just Jenkins looked much more lively around the pitch looking for the ball and making some solid defensive contributions while he was at it.
6. Jac Morgan © - 7
Morgan was great again for Wales leading from the front with some monstrous carries and some even bigger tackles in defence. He was his usual electric self and put his body on the line for his side.
7. Tommy Reffell - 5
Reffell was quiet by his usual standards never really utilising his biggest strength which is his breakdown ability. He never made any notable mistakes he just never stood out in any moments either.
8. Taulupe Faletau - 8
Faletau was back to his absolute best with some major contributions in attack often popping up on the outside channels like years gone by. He applied his experience and size extremely well and gave Wales different angles of attack.
9. Tommos Williams - 8
Williams was excellent for Wales with some brilliant ball speed to keep Wales’ attack flowing and getting Wales on the front foot a number of times. His kicking was smart and helped Wales with some top-drawer exit kicks.
10. Gareth Anscombe - 7
Anscombe proved a point today of what a number 10 with experience can do. He was happy to sit back and run the game from behind the ball and then strike his plays when appropriate. His kicks were clever and saved Wales a few times too.
11. Ellis Mee - 6
Mee’s attacking desire and hunger for the ball was very encouraging to watch for a youngster making his international debut. Whenever he could see space he went for it and showed no fear in his decisions.
12. Ben Thomas - 7
The ability a natural 12 can show when they play their position was epitomised by Thomas’ performance. He was comfortable with dictating the play as a stand-in first receiver and was an excellent play-making option for Wales’ attack.
13. Max Llewllyn - 6
Llewllyn was another player who proved a point with his performance today. The number of times he started a Welsh attack on the front foot was borderline unheard of for Welsh fans. He was positive in everything he did and added to Wales’ attack.
14. Tom Rogers - 6
Rogers was similar to Mee in the way he looked hungry to attack space when it was presented to him. He was comfortable once again under the high ball which was constant from Ireland.
15. Blaire Murray - 6
Murray looked arguably the most comfortable he ever has at fullback in a Wales jersey. He controlled the backfield very well and returned the ball really well. In attack, he would’ve wanted more but he can hardly complain.