Wales vs Ireland LIVE: Result and reaction from Six Nations as visitors survive scare

Wales 18-27 Ireland: The visitors survived a huge scare in Cardiff against their much-improved hosts

Interim Wales coach Sherratt prepares to host Grand Slam chasing Ireland

Ireland survived a mighty scare against Wales to keep their hopes of a Six Nations grand slam alive with a 27-18 win.

Few gave Wales a hope with the tournament favourites coming to Cardiff looking to extend the hosts’ losing run to 15 games, yet the two sides delivered an unexpected thriller. Wales surged into a second-half lead after the sending off of Ireland centre Garry Ringrose as they threatened an upset in Matt Sherratt’s first game in interim charge.

But Ireland showed their champion qualities with Jamie Osborne crossing for a crucial score and Sam Prendergast extending their advantage from the tee. Wales were denied a late try that could have forced a late twist when debutant Ellis Mee was deemed to have not grounded cleanly in the corner. It was a much improved outing from the beleaguered home side after the mid-tournament exit of Warren Gatland, but their hunt for a first win since the 2023 World Cup goes on. Ireland, meanwhile, still have hope of an historic third successive competition crown.

Re-live all of the action from Cardiff in our live blog below:

Wales vs Ireland LIVE

• Ireland cling on to survive scare against Wales and keep grand slam hopes alive
• FT: Wales 18-27 Ireland
• 57' - TRY! Jamie Osborne levels scores after crossfield kick (WAL 18-18 IRE)
• 43' - TRY! A flying Tom Rogers extends the shock Welsh lead (WAL 18-10 IRE)
• HT: RED CARD! Garry Ringrose is sent off after a high tackle on Ben Thomas (WAL 13-10 IRE)
• 40' - TRY! Tommy Reffell squirms over to give hosts surprise half-time lead (WAL 13-10 IRE)
• 8' - TRY! Conan powers through Williams for opening try (WAL 0-7 IRE)

[22 February 2025 15:36 · Luke Baker]

Wales 18-13 Ireland, 55 mins

Superb kick from Prendergast. Dare we say he’s looking Sexton-esque in the Ireland 10 shirt...

He pings a spiral over the head of the retreating Irish defence and it bounces to touch for the 50-22. Ireland secure the lineout and are camped in the 22 now.

[22 February 2025 15:35 · Luke Baker]

Wales 18-13 Ireland, 54 mins

The 20-minute red card is over and Bundee Aki runs on to make it 15 vs 15 once more. Can they turn the screw?

Wales mess up a lineout in their own 22 and McCarthy celebrates as he slaps the ball out of the hands of jumper Faletau. That looked like Faletau hadn’t landed yet and the decision is indeed overturned - Wales penalty and they clear.

But Anscombe is off for a HIA as Jarrod Evans comes on.

[22 February 2025 15:31 · Luke Baker]

Wales 18-13 Ireland, 52 mins

Good physicality again from Wales - they are winning the collisions. Nice hands as well as Llewellyn has space down the right flank. Whatever happens, this is such an improved performance by the men in red.

Ireland win a breakdown penalty as Wales are pinged for not releasing. They’ll have a platform in Welsh territory

[22 February 2025 15:29 · Luke Baker]

PENALTY! Wales 18-13 Ireland (Sam Prendergast, 49 mins)

Simple penalty bang in front of the posts and Sam Prendergast slots it. He could have taken a bit longer though to wind the red card clock down.

Back within a score and only another two minutes or so of the 20-minute red card remaining.

[22 February 2025 15:28 · Luke Baker]

Wales 18-10 Ireland, 48 mins

Ireland make a mess of the lineout but Rogers is forced to take the ball into the touch, so they come again.

This is cleaner and now they have a platform in the 22. They go left and Osborne darts through to take them within seven metres. Prendergast dallies on the gain-line and is hit but Ireland have the penalty in front of the sticks for offside.

[22 February 2025 15:26 · Luke Baker]

Wales 18-10 Ireland, 46 mins

The energy in the stadium is palpable now! This Welsh crowd are starting to believe.

Gibson-Park with a lovely box kick over the top pins Wales in their own 22, although they’re able to exit with a clearance kick over the 22.

[22 February 2025 15:24 · Luke Baker]

TRY! Wales 18-10 Ireland (Tom Rogers, 43 mins)

WOW! Wales go left and then spread the ball back right. Great hands as Murray loops on the wrapround and then feeds Tom Rogers, who has space on the right wing and acrobatically dots down!

It’s brilliant from Wales. We haven’t seen Wales play like that for a long time.

Anscombe misses the touchline conversion but they extend their lead!

(Getty Images)

[22 February 2025 15:22 · Luke Baker]

Wales 13-10 Ireland, 42 mins

Prendergast collects a loose ball in his own half and shows some dancing feet before getting caught by Williams but Ireland win the penalty.

Quickly taken and they go on the attack

[22 February 2025 15:21 · Luke Baker]

KICK-OFF! Wales 6-10 Ireland

And back underway in Cardiff. Wales couldn’t... Could they?

[22 February 2025 15:17 · Luke Baker]

Garry Ringrose's card upgraded to red

Wow! Garry Ringrose’s yellow card has been upgraded to red by the bunker system. That’s a huge boon for Wales.

It’s ‘only’ a 20-minute red card, due to the new Six Nations trial, so Ringrose will be able to be replaced at the end of that time but it’s still a longer period where the hosts will have a man advantage.