Ireland have begun their 2023 Six Nations campaign in winning fashion courtesy of a 34-10 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium this afternoon.
The top-ranked side in world rugby underlined their status as tournament favourites by crossing the whitewash three times in the opening 21 minutes as Caelan Doris, James Ryan and James Lowe all went over.
Twelve points from the boot of captain Johnny Sexton saw Andy Farrell's side build a 27-3 lead before the half-hour mark - their highest-ever tally in the first half of a Six Nations game against Wales.
That left Warren Gatland needing a minor miracle from his side in his first game back at the helm and, while Liam Williams threatened a rousing comeback by going over in the 46th minute, Ireland held off the charge and comfortably saw out a first win in Cardiff for a decade.
World Rugby Player of the Year Josh van der Flier went over seven minutes from time to secure the bonus point and put the result beyond doubt once and for all, with Ireland's final points tally of 34 representing their biggest in an away game against Wales since 2001.
Indeed, Ireland were just a converted try short of their biggest-ever win in Cardiff, although it could have been different had Wales been more clinical with the opportunities they did create.
Rio Dyer in particular looked destined to touch down as he raced on to a loose ball, but Hugo Keenan showed remarkable pace to beat him to the ball as it bounced over the line, saving a certain try.
The first-half blitz was as much to do with Wales coming out of the blocks slowly as it was Ireland impressing, and the second half was a more even affair to provide some positives for the hosts to take from the defeat.
Nonetheless, next week's visit to Scotland now takes on huge importance for Gatland and Wales as they look to improve upon last season's fifth-placed finish, while Ireland will now turn their attention to a blockbuster clash with France in Dublin.
The result marks the first time in 10 years this fixture has been won by the away team, while for Wales it is a fourth successive Six Nations defeat. body check tags ::
