Sam Prendergast broke Welsh hearts in Cardiff by denying them a first victory for more than a year, but also kept Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam dream alive by kicking them to a 27-18 win. Wales debutant Ellis Mee thought he had scored a potentially decisive late try with just eight minutes remaining,

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby says his side's preparations will be "no different" as they move closer to a Six Nations Grand Slam.

Wales ultimately fell to a 15th successive Test match defeat but started the post-Warren Gatland era with plenty of positives

Ireland survived an almighty scare in Cardiff to secure the Triple Crown and remain on course for an historic third consecutive Six Nations title.

CHAOS IN CARDIFF. It always seems to be the way. The bottom line is that Ireland have won the Triple Crown and their Grand Slam bid remains intact, but only just. They found themselves in major trouble at the Principality Stadium as they trailed at half time to a much-improved Welsh side.