Wales v Ireland player ratings as unlikely hero emerges and new kid blows people away
by Steffan Thomas · Wales OnlineWales' losing run extended to 15 Test matches but this was a significantly better performance despite slipping to a 27-18 defeat to Ireland in Cardiff.
Wales scored two tries courtesy of Jac Morgan and Tom Rogers, while Gareth Anscombe kicked eight points. But tries from Jack Conan and Jamie Osbourne, along with 17 points from the boot of Sam Prendergast got Ireland over the line.
There remains a lot of work to do if Wales are to start beating the top nations again but this performance at least proved there is hope of a brighter future. Here are your Wales player ratings from an entertaining Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium.
Blair Murray 7
Murray was a constant threat with ball in hand. The 23-year-old gives Wales an extra dimension from full-back with his pace and footwork.
Ireland exposed his height on a few occasions most notably for Jamie Osborne's try when Murray got beaten in the air but put in an outstanding try-saving tackle on Mack Hansen.
Tom Rogers 7
The Scarlets wing enjoyed a fine game. Took an early up and under under huge pressure and looked dangerous with ball in hand, always looking to offload.
A superb finish early in the second-half was his standout moment while he also defended very well and was strong aerially.
Max Llewellyn 7
The Gloucester centre was left out of Warren Gatland's initial Six Nations squad and showed Wales what they had been missing against Ireland. Llewellyn got over the gainline and gave the Wales backline the incision it had lacked in recent times.
Ben Thomas 7
Matt Sherratt had clearly released the shackles on Thomas because he looked very slick and assured with his passing. Caused Ireland problems with the variety of his passing game and worked well with Llewellyn.
Ellis Mee 8
Less than a year ago the 21-year-old was playing for Nottingham in the second tier of English rugby. Mee was outstanding and has a big future ahead of him in the international arena.
Looked a threat whenever on the ball, slicing Ireland's defence on a number of occasions and was unlucky not to score with what would have been a sensational finish at the corner.
Gareth Anscombe 6
Kicked well out of hand when on the field, while the variety of his passing caused Ireland problems as he linked well with his outside backs. Wales have a young back division and Anscombe's experience proved very beneficial.
Tomos Williams 6
A constant threat around the fringes when in possession while his kicking out of hand got Wales out of trouble on a few occasions. Williams played with tempo and kept the Ireland back-row guessing but a few mistakes proved costly with Wales lacking some control late on.
Nicky Smith 7
Found it difficult to get a look in under Gatland but this was a powerful performance from the Leicester Tigers prop who helped Wales win four scrum penalties. He also carried well and put in a huge shift in defence.
Elliot Dee 6
The Dragons hooker played an important part in Wales' set-piece functioning far better than it had in the opening two games of the championship. Dee's throwing into the lineout was accurate for the most part while the scrum was strong while he was on the field.
Made six tackles and three carries.
WillGriff John 8
The 32-year-old's selection went under the radar but he was outstanding in what was his first cap for Wales since 2021. John achieved parity at the scrum and contained the powerful Andrew Porter.
Helped Wales win four scrum penalties and put in 10 tackles.
Will Rowlands 6
This was Rowlands' best performance of the season to date. The big Racing 92 lock has been below par of late but carried well at times against Ireland.
Rowlands worked well with Elliot Dee at the lineout and provided some much needed physicality.
Dafydd Jenkins 6
The Exeter Chiefs lock is a work horse putting in 11 tackles, while also winning a lot of lineout ball. Jenkins is not as dynamic a carrier as some other locks on the international circuit but did a lot of the unseen dirty work which allowed others to shine.
Jac Morgan 8
The Wales captain led from the front, getting through a mountain of work. Morgan made 12 carries and put in 13 tackles in an all action display.
Did well to smash over the line to claim a try on the stroke of half-time. Measured up well against Josh van der Flier and put a strong case forward for Lions selection.
Tommy Reffell 7
The 25-year-old was another Wales forward who put in a huge shift. There was to be no trademark turnovers but he did well in applying pressure on Sam Prendargast and got under the skin of the Ireland forwards.
Wales' top tackler with 17.
Taulupe Faletau 8 - STAR MAN
Led the charge and rolled back the years with a tremendous individual performance. Faletau was everywhere and topped the carrying charts with 15.
The 34-year-old was so dynamic, especially in the wide channels, and gave Wales some much needed go forward which has been lacking in recent times.
Replacements
Evan Lloyd 5
The Cardiff hooker was solid and hit his man at the lineout
Gareth Thomas 5
Worked hard off the bench but conceded a scrum penalty in the first-half when Nicky Smith had gone off with a HIA.
Henry Thomas 5
The scrum was not as strong after Wales had replaced their starting front-row. Not as effective as WillGriff John around the park.
Teddy Williams 5
Entered the fray in the 72nd minute and put in a couple of tackles but not enough time to make an impact.
Aaron Wainwright 6
Carried well with ball in hand upon replacing Tommy Reffell to give Sherratt a selection headache ahead of Wales' trip to Murrayfield.
Rhodri Williams N/A
Not used
Jarrod Evans 7
The Harlequins playmaker made a big impact. Looked dangerous with ball in hand, often stepping his way past the first defender, while his passing game got on the outside of the Ireland defence on a few occasions.
Joe Roberts 5
A few strong carries but fortunate not to get penalised for a high shot.