Tadhg Beirne: Some Irish media didn't help

Tadhg Beirne says Ireland's cause wasn’t helped by certain comments made in Irish media in the build-up to the Guinness Six Nations win over Wales.

Coming in on the back of a 14-game losing streak and with a new interim head coach, Matt Sherratt, in place, few game Wales any chance of causing an upset.

Some pundits had speculated that Ireland would need to have a couple or three players sent off in order to make the game a close contest.

In the end, Ireland played for 20 minutes with 14 men after Garry Ringrose’s red card.

However, a rejuvenated Welsh outfit were good value for a 18-10 lead to the 56th minute before being reeled in as Ireland picked up the Triple Crown.

"They had a new lease of life and nothing to lose today, they are an unbelievably proud nation," said Beirne, who played two for two seasons with Scarlets, after the 27-18 win.

"They were able to throw everything at it.

"If we’re being honest, the Irish media back home during the week didn’t help us with some of the comments that were coming out.

"They had a lot to prove and a lot to play for and you could see that in their performance today. They certainly put it to the wire."

Out-half Sam Prendergast had a mixed day at the office but held his nerve to close out the game with three penalties in the final 14 minutes, including one effort from over 50 metres out.

"That’s his character, he’s always cool and calm," said Munster lock Beirne.

"He’s an unbelievably cool kid, you can see that in his performances all the time. Nothing really fazes him, you saw that out there today.

"His kicking was brilliant, and he controlled the game well at times."

Bundee Aki (below) came on in the 52nd minute when Ringrose's 20-minute red card elapsed and head coach Simon Easterby hailed