The try that never was - Valiant Welsh effort falls a fingertip short

It was a chaotic game in the third round of the Six Nations when Wales took on Ireland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It was Ireland who pounced first on six minutes through Jack Conan as he dotted the ball down through close range. Wales bounced back with a penalty through Gareth Anscombe as he added Wales’ first points of the game.

The first game-changer, however, was on 33 minutes when Ireland centre, Garry Ringrose, was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.

Ringrose was off his feet as he flew into the Welsh centre, making contact to the head, causing the attacking Welsh player to fall to the ground awkwardly. Ringrose was originally given a yellow, but after careful review, it was upheld to a twenty-minute red card shortly into the second half. The last time Wales were ahead at halftime at home during the Six Nations was 2021, ironically when they played Ireland.

Ringrose hit pic.twitter.com/XNK8bVqJ16

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The Irish defence desperately tried to hold out after going down to fourteen men but it was Jac Morgan who dotted the ball down from close range and Gareth Anscombe added two more for the home side.

It was a match that looked like Wales’ to win – but soon became Wales’ to lose. Ireland showed their immense quality, regaining control of an otherwise chaotic match through the boot of Sam Prendergast and a well-worked try by Jamie Osbourne.

In the 72nd minute, the Welsh winger Ellis Mee, looked certain to regain control of the lead but referee, Christophe Ridley claimed it was short. The Welsh winger who is a former Nottingham Rugby player and current NTU (Nottingham, Trent University) student made his international debut this afternoon. It looked like he’d scored a try in the corner as his fingertips lost control before the try line. This was a huge moment in the game.

Wow. Ellis Mee came so close to a sensational try. 🤏

The decision was given against him… right call? 🤔

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🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales 18-24 Ireland ☘️

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This moment proved to be the final nail in the coffin despite a valiant Welsh effort. A much-improved performance from the side under new leadership.