Resurgent Wales redeemed themselves following back-to-back losses with victory over a title-chasing Ireland, who had won their previous two matches. A brace of tries from the impressive George North and a late third from Jamie Roberts sealed a deserved win for the fired-up Welsh dragons. Their success came off a solid defensive display which kept the Irish try-less and Wales’ top players excelling their opposition in the game’s key battles, which ultimately won the day in this war of attrition.

Leigh Halfpenny – 8
?Kicked two of his three conversions and one penalty, but his biggest contribution was in play. Provided the assist for George North to score his 20th minute try and was involved in the attacking move which almost resulted in Wales’ second on 38 minutes causing Jonathan Sexton’s sin-binning. The full-back made good ground in attack and was astute in defence.

George North – 9?
The returning winger produced all the telling attributes about Wales in his display alone: rejuvenated, physical and pumped up. He powered through Simon Zebo and Keith Earls to cross in the 20th minute, then went over in the corner on 44 minutes following Rhys Webb’s quick pass off the blindside of an attacking maul. His best performance for some time.

Jonathan Davies – 8?
Involved in both incidents which led to Ireland’s key player Jonathan Sexton going off for a HIA and getting 10 minutes in the sin-bin. He cleverly pinned himself around Sexton after being tackled and gave referee Wayne Barnes no choice but to show the yellow card. A pivotal moment in the match which Wales profited from by scoring 10 points.

Scott Williams – 7.5?
Played a part in the attack which led to Wales’ opening try as he burst through the Irish line, advanced forward and off-loaded to Rhys Webb. Both he and centre partner Jonathan Davies performed admirably in defence as their blitz ‘up and rush’ tactics successfully stifled and cut off Ireland’s backline moves. Was replaced by Jamie Roberts on 66 minutes.

Liam Williams – 7.5?
Made regular attacking fortays into and towards the Irish 22-metre line. The winger took the ball up to the danger area after gathering a grubber kick from Dan Biggar in the 11th minute. Claimed a cross-field kick, which almost led to a second Welsh try just before half-time, and made in-roads following a looping Rob Evans’ pass on 59 minutes.

Dan Biggar – 8
?Neutralised the influence of Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton as they tussled in argubly the game’s key contest at out-half. Got away with some of his passes being intercepted and was unlucky with a 30-metre drop goal attempt hitting the upright. He was heard bragging ‘Thank you Jonny boy’ following Sexton’s sin-binning. Unsporting, but sharp mind games in a battle of wits.

Rhys Webb – 9?
Came out on top in his much-touted rivalry with Conor Murray and featured prominently in both the opening two tries. He linked up with Scott Williams before feeding Leigh Halfpenny in the flowing move to set up George North’s first, then provided the assist for North’s second off an attacking maul. Was at the heart of everything good for Wales.

Rob Evans – 7.5
Fronted up in defence to Ireland’s driving mauls. Threw a sublime and eye-catching skip pass to create a Welsh attack in the 59th minute, which allowed teammate Liam Williams to advance towards the Irish ’22. Was replaced by Nicky Smith as one of four changes made by Wales head coach Rob Howley on 66 minutes.

Ken Owens – 7.5
Helped Wales secure their own lineout ball and ensured they matched the Irish front row at scrum time. Was twice driven back by Rory Best and CJ Stander in attack, but managed to repel Ireland with aggressive defending. Was the last Wales’ starting forward to be replaced – by Scott Baldwin – on 71 minutes.

Tom Francis – 7
Got penalised for pulling one maul down illegally midway through the first half as Wales rode their luck at times in disrupting Ireland’s forward momentum. However, he played his part in restricting the Irish surge thanks to some titanic Welsh defending. Was replaced by Samson Lee in the 69th minute.

Jake Ball – 7
?Helped the Welsh lineout to function well in attack and defence. Gave away a needless penalty for collapsing a maul on 50 minutes, which allowed Ireland the chance to clear their lines and relieve some Welsh attacking pressure. He was later replaced by Luke Charteris shortly after the hour mark.

Alun Wyn Jones – 9
The Wales captain produced big moments in this match when they mattered most – especially in the lineout. Jones stole ball from an attacking lineout with Ireland just 5 metres away from the Welsh line in the 16th-minute. He also robbed an Irish lineout on halfway on the hour and another on 63 minutes. Three lineout steals and defensively resolute.

Sam Warburton – 8.5
Hit the rucks at a ferocious pace and was outstanding in defence. Kept the impact of a formidable Irish back row, featuring the 100th-time capped Jamie Heaslip and marauding CJ Stander, to a maintainable level. The former captain led the line impeccably for his team’s relentless line-speed defending, which stopped the Irish threat at source and kept the visitors try-less.

Justin Tipuric – 8
?Stout in defence and a good receiver from the lineout. Worked tirelessly with Sam Warburton in slowing down Irish ruck ball and making 18 tackles. Conceded a penalty for not releasing which Paddy Jackson kicked to put Ireland 6-5 in front on 26 minutes and was again guilty of indiscipline on the hour mark in giving away a soft penalty.

Ross Moriarty – 7.5?
Spent most of the match defending and without the ball as the Welsh back row were kept busy at the breakdown withholding an Irish onslaught. Made one major break down the right handside in the 50th minute, but was tackled into touch by Ireland’s scrum-half replacement Kieran Marmion. Was replaced himself soon after by teammate Taulupe Faletau on 66 minutes.?

BENCH
Another area where this game was won and lost was in the timing of introducing replacements. Whereas Ireland waited too long to make the necessary changes, Wales showed faith in their reinforcements as they brought on their entire calvary with the game still in the balance at 15-9. And their bravery was rewarded when two of those – Taulupe Faletau and Jamie Roberts – combined in blocking down Jonathan Sexton’s dink to wrap up the contest with a 78th-minute try.

By Aron Hegarty