ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Saturday Feb 24, 2018

Stockdale seals third straight Ireland win in Dublin thriller

A late interception try from Jacob Stockdale enabled Ireland to claim a thrilling 35-27 victory over Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to keep their 6 Nations title hopes alive.

Wales leapt to an early lead courtesy of a Gareth Davies try and eight points from the boot of Leigh Halfpenny. But Ireland fought back and took a 15-13 lead at half-time through tries from Stockdale and Bundee Aki.

Further scores from Dan Leavy and Cian Healy looked to have secured the win for Joe Schmidt’s side but Wales again responded via Aaron Shingler and Halfpenny to set up a grandstand finish.

But Stockdale’s second try in the final minute put paid to any hopes Warren Gatland’s men had of snatching an unlikely win.

Ireland now welcome Scotland to Dublin in a fortnight’s time as they continue their search of a first Grand Slam since 2009.

Ireland clinical from the out-set but rue Sexton misses

Having dominated both possession and territory from the off, incredulously Ireland trailed the visitors after half an hour. Stockdale’s first score was orchestrated by a brilliantly flat pass from Sexton five metres out. 

Their second was more traditional. The forwards piled on the pressure and centre Aki picked up from the base of the ruck to crash over.

Ireland had the superiority that was for sure. But Sexton missed two penalties and a conversion which left the home side only two points ahead at the break.

The second half showed more poise and control from Ireland and they looked like a runaway train when first Leavy barged his way over under the posts, and then Healy touched down in the corner.

But Wales still fought back.

Never say die attitude nearly pays off for Wales

Davies’ try and Halfpenny’s boot kept the Welsh in the match when they probably shouldn’t have been. But it was indeed this perseverance that helped Gatland’s men strike when they found their chances.

Shingler’s effort reignited the flame inside the Wales camp and was more than a simple blip for Ireland.

Halfpenny’s touchdown with mere minutes remaining, however, made for outstanding tension in the dying stages.

That it came down to a brilliant interception try for Stockdale in the final minute ensuring that this fixture goes down as the most entertaining match of the championship so far. Wales ultimately came up short but will take solace in the fact that they secured what could be a vital losing bonus point.

Match highlights

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 226 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 230 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane

  • 258 WEEKS AGO

    Vunipola stands by his comments supporting...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 8 HOURS AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All