Player ratings: Wales
Yesterday at 12:41 PM
OPINION: Wales fans arrived at the Millenium Stadium with a sense of cautious optimism – if such a thing exists – and the players almost gave them something tangible to cheer.
Ultimately, Matt Sherratt's first match in interim charge ended in a 18-27 defeat to Ireland but there was plenty to be positive about from a Welsh perspective.
Debutant Ellis Mee took to the Test arena like the proverbial duck to water, while Wales were good value for the 18-13 lead they built early in the second half.
That came on the back of tries from captain Jac Morgan and the impressive Tom Rogers and although Ireland always looked to have one more gear, at least to accelerate into, the mood of the home fans will be a lot brighter than it was following the debacle in Rome a fortnight ago.
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With all that in mind, here is how the Wales players rated in round three of the Six Nations:
15. Blair Murray – 7.5
Another solid performance from the diminutive fullback. Showed some attacking intent and was dependable under the high ball. Provided the attacking impetus to the move that ended with Rogers taking the aerial route early in the second half. Beaten in the air by James Lowe as Jamie Osborne scored for Ireland but saved a further score moments later as he got under the ball to hold up Mack Hansen when the Irish winger looked odds on to add another try.
14. Tom Rogers – 8
His gravity-defying finish was the highlight of a brilliant display. An impressive take from an early Anscombe up-and-under showcased his aerial ability and it was a strength Wales used time and again in defence and attack.
Thought he had helped create a try for Tomos Williams in the first half – only for the scrumhalf to knock on Jac Morgan's pass with the line begging – but went one better in the second. He showed great composure to dot down in the right corner while keeping himself from going into touch. His final act was to help win a penalty despite having spent the previous few minutes receiving treatment.
13. Max Llewellyn – 6
A willing runner in midfield and dependable in defence but was unable to give Wales much forward momentum with ball in hand. He gave away a costly early turnover that ended with a Ringrose 50-22.
The Gloucester man's work ethic cannot be questioned, though. He made eight carries in the first half alone and put in some big defensive hits and there is a promise to his partnership with Ben Thomas that should be built on.
12. Ben Thomas – 6
Looked more comfortable playing in the No.12 shirt, a position that still allowed him to step into the playmaking position on occasion and help raise the tempo of Welsh attacks.
His intent with ball in hand was showcased by his decision to run the ball from deep inside his own 22 when a Predergast penalty struck an upright. Linked well with Anscombe and Llewellyn and did enough to suggest there is a future for that midfield combination.
11. Ellis Mee – 8
Osborne gave the debutant an early 'welcome to Test rugby' shove but Mee rose to the challenge emphatically from that moment on. At times the Scarlets winger seemed to be everywhere, covering back in defence and then immediately springing into life in attack.
It was not perfect – he gave away a couple of penalties – but Mee came within a finger tip of capping an impressive first cap with what might have been a match-winning try. Plenty to build on.
10. Gareth Anscombe – 6.5
Brought much-needed composure and game nous to the red No.10 jersey. Utilised Wales' aerial threats well with a series of well-judged contestable kicks but struggled at times to keep his attack moving with the pace and intensity required at Test level.
Anscombe can be happy with his first Six Nations start in six years but for Wales to improve they need to find players who can provide Anscombe – or whoever lines up at 10 – with a physical edge to break defences.
9. Tomos Williams – 6.5
A couple of knock-ons summed up what was nearly a match-defining performance from the scrum-half. Knocked on Jac Morgan's pass inside with the try line begging in the first half and was unable to gather a stolen lineout in the second.
Overall, though, this was a typically assured performance from Williams, who may have 'lost' his Lions shootout with opposite number Jamison Gibson-Park but was a constant presence in an encouraging Wales performance.
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1. Nicky Smith – 8
An integral part of a Wales scrum that won four penalties in the first half. The only time Christophe Ridley raised his arm in Ireland's favour at the set piece in the opening 40 minutes came when the loosehead was off the field for an HIA.
Played as if he had a point to prove for most of his hour on the pitch and if so then he well and truly succeeded. Smith was a presence around the park, making five carries as well.
2. Elliot Dee – 8
A brilliant performance from the hooker, who barely put a foot wrong at lineout time and was a huge part of an improved scrummaging performance.
Clearly got under the skin of his opposite number too, as Dan Sheehan snapped at him early in the second half.
3. WillGriff John – 7
Not a universally popular inclusion in the Wales line-up but can be very happy with his performance. Played his part in an impressive Welsh scrum while on the pitch and showed his quality with ball in hand as well.
John made seven carries in his time on the pitch and also forced a crucial first-half turnover that allowed Anscombe to relieve some Irish pressure.
4. Will Rowlands – 6
A horrible attempted pass on halfway aside, this was an assured performance from the experienced second row. It was Rowlands who started the move that ended in Rogers' try with a powerful carry on halfway that put Wales on the front foot.
5. Dafydd Jenkins – 6
Contributed to a rise in intensity from Wales, putting in two dominant tackles to threaten the Irish stranglehold on the match. It wasn't to be for Wales or their young lock though.
6. Jac Morgan (captain) – 7
Typically all-action display from the Wales captain in which he showed up on both sides of the ball. Came up with the try that put Wales into a half-time lead and gave the home fans hope.
Was a menace in defence as well, completing 11 tackles and helping to slow the Irish tide at times particularly during the first half, and stole a lineout early in the second. Albeit, Wales weren't able to capitalise.
7. Tommy Reffell – 7
Selected to help slow Ireland at the breakdown in tandem with Morgan and did everything that was asked of him in his 57 or so minutes on the pitch.
Brought some much needed intensity to the Welsh defence, completing six tackles in the opening 15 minutes alone. He had increased that number to 17 by the time he was replaced by Aaron Wainwright and Reffell was a willing option on the other side of the ball too, making seven carries.
8. Taulupe Faletau – 7.5
The Wales No.8 was back somewhere near his best, making 15 carries as he attempted to provide the physicality that Wales so desperately need in attack. Put in a shift defensively too.
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Replacements:
16. Evan Lloyd – N/A
Only came on in the closing stages, not enough time to make an impact.
17. Gareth Thomas – 5
An inauspicious start as an HIA replacement, giving away a penalty from his first scrum. Was a much more steady performer when he came on in the second half.
18. Henry Thomas – 6
Did nothing wrong in his time on the pitch, helping Wales maintain parity at the set piece.
19. Teddy Williams – 5
Came on for the final 10 minutes and made a nice break in the closing stages.
20. Aaron Wainwright – 6
Did all he could to give Wales some momentum as the second half wore on but it wasn't to be.
22. Jarrod Evans – 5
Came on earlier than maybe expected due to an Anscombe HIA. Did not do anything wrong but was caught in two minds at the gain line on more than one occasion.
23. Joe Roberts – 5
Came on for the final quarter and although he didn't do anything wrong, he had a tough act to follow in Rogers.
By Martyn Thomas @Rugbypass
