Ireland stay in Six Nations hunt with bonus-point win over improved Wales

Ireland overcame a stubborn Wales to keep their Six Nations and Triple Crown hopes alive with a 27-17 bonus‑point victory in Dublin.

Jacob Stockdale and Jack Crowley looked to have finally established control for Andy Farrell’s men with first‑half tries after several defiant Welsh defensive stands.

But a sensational breakaway score from prop Rhys Carre – his third of this year’s competition – cut Ireland’s lead to just two at the break.

Ireland stretched their advantage within four minutes of the restart through Jack Conan, only for James Botham to strike back and keep Wales in touch heading into the final 15 minutes.

However, a bonus‑point‑clinching try from Jamie Osborne and a late Crowley penalty eventually extinguished a valiant Welsh effort.

The defeat prolonged Wales’ wait for a first victory in Dublin since 2012 and extended their winless Six Nations run to 15 games, but another improved performance from Steve Tandy’s side offers hope that they can end their drought in round five against Italy.

For Ireland, a third victory lifts them to second in the table, preserving their outside chance of reclaiming the Six Nations title ahead of welcoming Scotland to Dublin next Saturday.

Wales prop Rhys Carre streaked away for a sensational solo try

More to follow.

What’s next?

Saturday’s double-header starts with leaders France travelling to face Scotland at Murrayfield (2.10pm kick-off), before England play Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (4.40pm ko).

Ireland round off their Six Nations campaign at home to Scotland on March 14 (2.10pm ko), while Wales face Italy at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (4.40pm ko) before France face England at the Stade de France (8.10pm ko).