Ireland were in a hole but they managed to dig themselves out just before half time.
Despite have the lions’ share of possession, territory and scoring opportunities, Ireland found themselves trailing 10-6 after the half-hour mark. Johnny Sexton was missing simple kicks and Ireland were guilty of a series of uncharacteristic errors.
And then it all clicked for Joe Schmidt’s men.
Just like in France, there was a collective will that drove them forward and each man knew exactly what was needed. Ireland pierced the Welsh out wide, mauled effectively, went through some mighty phases and – with the backs screaming for the ball to go wide – Bundee Aki came steaming in.
As he did against Italy, Aki steam-rolled anyone who dared get in his way. The crunch and slap could be heard from way up in the stands but Aki was in and Aki was over.
Ireland kicked on after that and, from five points behind, they found themselves nine points clear after 45 minutes when Dan Leavy powered over.
Following Ireland’s 37-27 victory, man of the match Chris Farrell told SportsJOE what the Aki try did for his teammates and what was said at half-time. He commented:
“Yeah, that was massive. It’s massive to go in ahead.
“There’s a difference to go in ahead and, what was it, five points behind at that stage. A huge difference and sense of relief.
“And if you think back, 20 minutes after that we were 10 points up. When you look back, we could have been more clinical and we could have strode away had a few things gone right for us. They didn’t and we ended up having to scrap until the very end.
“Bundee is unbelievable. He is very good to play alongside and a huge benefit to Irish rugby.”
Farrell made yards on just about every one of his 13 carries and he credited both Sexton and Aki for teeing him up for some solid takes.
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