Here’s how we rated the Irish and Welsh players out on the Aviva pitch today.
ROB KEARNEY: Solid defence but the Ireland full-back had few opportunities to impress in attack. 7/10
DAVE KEARNEY: Ran strongly when afforded the opportunities, mainly from Johnny Sexton’s clever approach work, but it remains to be seen if he has done enough for World Cup selection. 7
LUKE FITZGERALD: Had his hands full opposite the Wales centre pairing of Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams. 6
ROBBIE HENSHAW: Could make little impact on the game as he was kept quiet by a strong Welsh midfield defence. 6
KEITH EARLS: Carried off midway through the second half after he attempted to tackle George North, giving the Ireland coaching team an anxious pre-World Cup wait. 6
JOHNNY SEXTON: Mixed and matched his game cleverly, during the first half especially, and he remains Ireland’s most potent World Cup weapon. 7
CONOR MURRAY: Could not stamp his mark on an often scrappy contest that lacked any pattern or rhythm. 6
JACK McGRATH: Faced a testing afternoon opposite a fired-up Wales scrummaging unit, but is definitely a player with rich promise. 6
RICHARDT STRAUSS: Worked hard in the set-piece exchanges as neither pack gave an inch. 6
NATHAN WHITE: Encountered an outstanding opponent in 115 times-capped Wales loosehead Gethin Jenkins. 6
IAIN HENDERSON: Scored Ireland’s try and there is no doubt he can do a job for his country at the World Cup. 7
PAUL O’CONNELL: Could not mark his Dublin Test match farewell with victory, but he was given a hero’s reception before and after the game. 7
PETER O’MAHONY: A typically robust effort from the Munster flanker, who showcased his trademark high work-rate. 7
JORDI MURPHY: Drifted in and out of the game as Ireland struggled to break down their opponents. 6
JAMIE HEASLIP: Was unable to inspire Ireland as they lost their first game in Dublin for 10 Tests. 6
Replacements
Sean Cronin: Took over from Strauss early in the second period. 6
Sean O’Brien: Went on for O’Mahony in the second half. 6
Tadhg Furlong: Made his Test debut when he came on after 57 minutes. 6
Dave Kilcoyne: Took over from McGrath after 61 minutes. 6
Felix Jones: Replaced the unfortunate Earls 16 minutes from time. 6
Eoin Reddan: Gained a run instead of Murray during the final quarter. 6
Paddy Jackson: Was given a run during the last quarter instead of Sexton. 6
Donnacha Ryan: Replaced Luke Fitzgerald as the clock ticked down. 6
WALES
LEIGH HALFPENNY: Once again reliable with the boot as he kicked Wales to a fine victory. 7/10
ALEX CUTHBERT: Looked out of sorts at times in attack and defence. Could struggle to make the World Cup squad. 5
SCOTT WILLIAMS: Made a fine break in the first half but attacking chances were at a premium after that. 6
JAMIE ROBERTS: Outstanding performance in attack and defence. Put his body on the line as usual. 8
GEORGE NORTH: Played the whole game on his first appearance for five months after suffering three concussion injuries last season and marked his 50th cap with a win. 7
DAN BIGGAR: Looked a little rusty on his first outing after a gruelling pre-season. 6
RHYS WEBB: Tried to mix and match his game but he has given more effective displays. 6
GETHIN JENKINS: Produced a strong afternoon’s work, thriving in the scrums and delivering his usual high tackle-count before going off early in the second period. 8
KEN OWENS: Did not take a backward step in the set-piece battle. 7
TOMAS FRANCIS: Outstanding Test debut by the York-born Exeter prop. Looks set to be part of the World Cup squad. 8
BRADLEY DAVIES: A hard-working contribution by the Wasps second-row forward as he scraps for World Cup recognition. 7
ALUN-WYN JONES: An outstanding performance by the Wales captain, who led from the front. 8
DAN LYDIATE: Made a staggering number of tackles as part of a Wales back-row that outplayed their opposite numbers. 8
JUSTIN TIPURIC: Scored a try and was consistently impressive in all areas. A wonderful talent. 8
TAULUPE FALETAU: Did the hard yards, as usual. Continues to perform with remarkable consistency. 7
Replacements
Paul James: Replaced Jenkins early in the second period. 6
Aaron Jarvis; Took over from the impressive Francis and did his job well. 7
Luke Charteris: Replaced Bradley Davies midway through the second period. 6
Scott Baldwin: Given a run instead of Ken Owens after 55 minutes. 6
Hallam Amos: Impressive when he went on for Roberts during the second half. 7
Gareth Davies: Replaced Webb as the clock ticked down. 6
Rhys Priestland: Took over from Biggar after 64 minutes. 6
James King: Had a late run instead of Alun-Wyn Jones. 6