ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Stockdale seals third straight Ireland win in Dublin thriller

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Saturday Feb 24, 2018

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

Related Articles

  • 109 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 290 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 294 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    The Gallagher Premiership is back - A thrilling match at Tottenham

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Sensational score at the Stadio Olympico

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 35 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 35 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 27 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 26 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 26 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 127 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 127 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 150 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 26 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 27 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All