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Mon 8 Feb 2016 | 10:14
Ireland and Wales open Six Nations campaigns with a frustrating draw

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Ireland and Wales played out a 16-16 draw on Sunday, the first between the two sides in Dublin since 1974. As a result, neither side will be able to compete for a Grand Slam or Triple Crown, but both still have realistic chances of going for the overall title.

Defending champions Ireland started the better of the two sides, shooting out to a 13-0 lead before Wales pulled things back to lead, and Jonny Sexton then drew level with a late penalty.

A Conor Murray try started off Ireland's charge for a third successive title, but Toby Faletau scored just before the half, while Rhys Priestland kicked them ahead. The long range Sexton kick rescued things for the home side, but captain Rory Best was disappointed with not taking the win.

"It's a difficult one, nobody's overly happy with a draw. It's disappointing we let Wales back into it," he said, while coach Joe Schmidt spoke about being deflated.

"I did sense to be honest that we were a little bit vulnerable, to be honest," said the Kiwi.

"You certainly can't feel elated, a little bit deflated because we built that 13-0 advantage and I thought it was on the back of some really strong work both sides of the ball.

"Wales created a number of opportunities. Both sides just rolled their sleeves up defensively and managed to shut down a couple of opportunities that were created.

"I'm sure both teams are a little bit deflated. I think with the firepower they brought to the table we're reasonably happy with the way that the lads responded."

Wales skipper Sam Warburton said a draw was not a good result for either team, while coach Warren Gatland felt it was probably a fair reflection of the contest.

"We were disappointed with how we started but good sides get themselves back into the game and we did that and possibly should have come away with a win," said Gatland.

"We dominated the territory and possession to get in front. Then to not execute an exit play accurately enough was disappointing.

"I don't want to take anything away from Ireland. They contributed well and maybe a draw was a fair reflection of the game."

Wales host Scotland next, while Ireland travel to Paris to take on France.

Posted By: Grant Constable

5 Comments

  • ronan
    9:56 PM 09/02/2016

    cj stander.
    i thank you....
    what a performance, cj stander, jamie heaslip, sean obrien....im looking forward to that.
    zeebo doesnt even deserve to peel the oranges for half time.
    if hes not getting clean attacking ball hes no interest in the game. useless...

  • s_conner
    11:36 AM 09/02/2016

    Thanks KK, been playing rugby for years and genuinely wasn't aware of this 10 metre rule (whoops), though I've just checked it out here: http://laws.worldrugby.org/index.php?law=11&language=EN

    11.4 a) has an interesting point:

    "The offside player must immediately move behind the imaginary 10-metre line or the kicker if this is closer than 10 metres".

    My interpretation is that he doesn't need to retreat 10 metres from where the ball lands, but just behind the kicker. So once the kicker passes him, he is onside.

    However you may be right that since his initial movement is forward, this is enough to penalise him.

    I love rugby but I can understand why my girlfriend doesn't have a clue what's going on.

  • drg
    2:52 AM 09/02/2016

    Just judging by the 38 min onwards mark, I think Ireland were lucky to get the draw. They played well but their attack was well stumped. Wales looked dangerous in attack and held the ball well for continuous phases.

    I think Ireland probably don't feel lucky at all, but I think they either deserved a draw or a lose.. Sadly..

  • katman
    5:55 PM 08/02/2016

    What a performance by CJ Stander. And to think he was considered surplus to requirements here in SA. I bet Heyneke Meyer is sorry now.

  • s_conner
    1:53 PM 08/02/2016

    Can anyone explain to me the reason Tomas Francis was called offside after Lloyd Williams' box kick? Was it for being in front of the ball when the kick was taken? (1.42 in above vid).

    To my mind he never chases the kick, but retreats behind his scrum half, and then plays the ball once Ireland have knocked it on.... Eddie Butler stupidly said in BBC commentary 'Wales are not 10', which means absolutely nothing in that context. I'm not sure what the ref signals, and there's no mic connection at the time, so.... someone please enlighten me!

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