Ireland maintain winning start against dogged Wales

Ireland's back-to-back Grand Slam bandwagon will roll on to Twickenham in two weeks' time after a 31-7 win against Wales at the Aviva Stadium, but Andy Farrell's side were given a stern reminder that their title will not be a procession.

Their 11th consecutive Six Nations win was never in any doubt against a dogged - but very limited - Welsh side, however, an uncharacteristically sloppy attacking display saw them have to wait until the final play of the game to secure a bonus-point try.

First-half tries from Dan Sheehan and James Lowe had given the home side a 17-0 lead with just over 30 minutes played, as the predictions that Ireland would rack up a big score against Warren Gatland’s side looked to be coming true.

Ireland had been in complete control in that first half, with 70% possession and 62% territory in the first 40 minutes while Wales gave up nine penalties in that period, matching their total from the first two games combined.

But rather than ruthlessly kick on in the second half, Ireland regressed in the third quarter. Their discipline unravelled as they gave up an early penalty try, while Tadhg Beirne took a trip to the sin-bin.

As sloppy as Ireland were, Wales never had the weapons to really punish them, and the hosts finally grabbed the steering wheel in the last 20 minutes. Ciarán Frawley, who was excellent in his first start at full-back, dived over to extend the lead, before Beirne’s score with the final play of the game ensured they would pick up maximum points.

Ireland controlled possession in the opening minutes, with the pick of the early chances falling to Robbie Henshaw who was found on the touchline by Gibson-Park with a skip pass, but the centre's chip down the touchline just ran too far.

The only Welsh