Ireland and Wales draw 16-16 in Six Nations

Wales were unable to complete the turnaround as they battled back to draw 16-16 with defending Six Nations champions Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

Ireland’s full half Johnny Sexton converts a penalty to level the scores to 16-16 during a Six N …

Wales parachuted Liam Williams into their starting line-up after losing full-back Gareth Anscombe to a tight hamstring.

Sexton restored parity two minutes later with his third penalty after Wales were caught offside in midfield.

Ireland’s South African-born debutant CJ Stander was named man of the match.

Wales struggled in the opening 20 minutes with Dan Biggar going off early with an ankle injury.

Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton in kicking action during the 2016 RBS Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Wales led by three points with time running out, but Sexton – as he has done on so many previous occasions – came up trumps when it mattered and ensured that Ireland avoided defeat.

Wales’ discipline let them down again, the visitors penalised for killing the ball at the ruck.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland was clearly not impressed with the result.

Things got worse for Wales as talisman Biggar – whose left boot was heavily strapped – was forced off with a foot injury, only moments after missing his only kick at goal.

There were no changes to the Wales replacements bench.

Andrew Trimble made try saving tackle on Alan Wyn Jones, Wales had worked the ball through 15 phases to create an overlap and with Toby Faletau outside him unmarked Trimble hit the Lions lock and was able to dislodge the ball.

Stander breached Wales’ whitewash but was ruled to be held up by Televisin Match Official (TMO) Graham Hughes. “We exited poorly and ultimately that has gifted them three points”, said the Harlequins centre.

Sexton’s conversion set Ireland 13-0 to the good, rich reward for industry and accuracy.

Keith Earls took Liam Williams over the horizontal.

“He could have returned to play but by then Rhys Ruddock had slotted in and was comfortable”.

Wales, seeking to wrestle the title back after winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013, drew level with another Priestland penalty just after the break and it took nearly half an hour for him to edge them ahead.

When we got the ball in the opening half hour, we looked risky so it was pleasing.

Ireland cut loose through Jared Payne, with Heaslip offering fine lung-busting support.

British and Irish Lion Gethin Jenkins then replaced Rob Evans, the rookie Scarlets prop having justified his selection with a fine performance.