That was way too close for comfort

The home side were much improved, while Ireland were wasteful, got beaten up at the scrum, and Garry Ringrose was given a 20-minute red card.

Thankfully, the Grand Slam is still on.

Player ratings:

Andrew Porter - 5.5

Ireland's shocking performance at scrum time was the key to Wales' lead at half-time.

Dan Sheehan - 6

A decent showing from the captain, nothing more.

Tom Clarkson - 5

See Andrew Porter.

Joe McCarthy - 7

One of Ireland's better players, and a beast in the carry.

Tadhg Beirne - 7

Not his best game but his standards are so high that even a slight off day is still impressive.

Peter O'Mahony - 6.5

Carried well in the tight but did not have as much impact as he would have liked, but did top the tackle charts.

Josh van der Flier - 7

A tireless performance from Ireland's openside.

Was key in a later counter ruck which was the winning of the game.

Jack Conan - 7.5

By far Ireland's best player in the first half and unfortunately had to go off early.

Jamison Gibson-Park - 7.5

Another strong performance and key to Ireland's best passages of play. So cool under pressure and his box kicks were excellent, although probably lucky to get POTM.

Sam Prendergast - 7

Was on for a 7.5, but a woeful kick out on the full nearly killed his team.

Had a magnificent 50:22 and a great long-range penalty kick.

Mack Hansen - 6

Solid with the little ball he got. Was a dog in defence.

However, he did butcher a try near the end when he was held up after not passing to Dan Sheehan.

Robbie Henshaw - 7

Carried and defended well.

Garry Ringrose - 5

Was good while he was in the pitch but his red card was costly.

James Lowe - 7.5

Excellent once more. Kicked well and got up brilliantly to assist Jamie Osborne for his try.

Jamie Osborne - 6.5

Butchered what looked like a certain try early on but was fairly flawless from then on.

Replacements:

16. Gus McCarthy - 6

17. Jack Boyle - 6.5

18. Finlay Bealham - 7

19. James Ryan - 6

20. Ryan Baird - 6.5

21. Conor Murray -

22. Jack Crowley - 6

23. Bundee Aki - 7