Ireland survived a second-half comeback from Wales to take a 22-30 win in the opening game of the 2013 Six Nations championship this afternoon.
© David Davies / PA Photos
The reigning champions got off to a bright start, but Ireland's defence held strong under the early pressure and they soon took charge of the game.
A Wales knock-on gave the visitors a scrum, allowing Simon Zebo to open the scoring with a try for Ireland ,with Cian Healy adding a second before half time to give Ireland a commanding 23-3 lead at the break.
© David Davies / PA Photos
A strong start to the second period for the visitors saw them extend their advantage to 27 points through a Brian O'Driscoll try.
However, Wales fought back with tries from Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny, the second while Ireland were down to 14 men; Rory Best was sin-binned for coming in from the side.
Toby Faletau thought he had helped reduce Ireland's lead further with 10 minutes still to play, but replays showed that he had not grounded the ball so the try was not awarded.
Ireland were reduced to 14 again for an infringement in the lead up to Faletau's try attempt, Conor Murray to player responsible.
A strong finish from the home side saw Ireland's advantage cut to eight points with three minutes to play, but Wales could not increase their score further, ending hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams for the hosts.
Sian Cowper
