A late penalty from Leigh Halfpenny allowed Wales to get their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start at the expense of Ireland this afternoon.

The hosting Irish took the lead in the third minute courtesy of Jonathan Sexton, who kicked between the posts following the award of a penalty.

However, ten minutes later Wales got themselves in front with the first try of the match from Jonathan Davies. Rhys Priestland failed the resultant conversion.

Ireland ensured that they would take a 10-5 lead heading into the break when Rory Best went over for a try, which was converted by Sexton.

Sexton extended Ireland's lead shortly after the restart with another penalty, only for Leigh Halfpenny to reduce the arrears shortly after with a penalty of his own.

Davies then put Wales in front with a try that Halfpenny converted, but moments later Sexton kicked Ireland back in front at 16-15.

With 12 minutes remaining Tommy Bowe looked to have won the match for Ireland when he scored a try, although Sexton failed with the conversion.

However, George North responded for Wales with a try five minutes from but Halfpenny was unable to convert as the scores went 20-21 in Ireland's favour.

In the very last minute Halfpenny kept his cool to score a long-range penalty and secure the points for Wales.