Wales player ratings vs Ireland: 2025 Six Nations

Saturday, 22 February 2025 at 16:20

byHarry Tovey

Wales player ratings vs Ireland as a much improved Welsh fell to a narrow defeat against title favourites in Cardiff.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Ireland clinched their 14th Triple Crown and kept their Six Nations three-peat dreams on track with a dramatic comeback win over Wales in Cardiff.

Garry Ringrose sees red, but Ireland stay composed

Andy Farrell’s side faced a major setback when centre Garry Ringrose was shown a 20-minute red card in the 34th minute for a high tackle on Wales' Ben Thomas. Despite trailing 18-10 at one stage, the reigning champions refused to buckle.

Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne inspire the fightback

Back-row powerhouse Jack Conan and rising star Jamie Osborne crossed for crucial tries, while fly-half Sam Prendergast kept the scoreboard ticking, landing 17 points from the tee in a mature performance.

Wales show promise under Matt Sherratt

Interim boss Matt Sherratt saw his side produce their best display of the tournament, with Jac Morgan leading from the front and Tom Rogers finishing in style. The recalled Gareth Anscombe chipped in with eight points, but it wasn’t enough to stop Ireland’s charge.

Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs Scotland.

Wales: 18

Tries: Jac Morgan (42'), Tom Rogers (42')
Cons: Gareth Anscombe (43')
Pens: Gareth Anscombe (22', 34')

Ireland: 27

Tries: Jack Conan (06'), Jamie Osborne (55')
Pens: Sam Prendergast (20', 48', 66', 69',77')
Cons: Sam Prendergast (07')

Wales player ratings vs Ireland:

Blair Murray – 6

The New Zealand-born utility back started for the second consecutive time after coming in for Liam Williams last timeout in Rome. The 23-year-old showed brilliant footwork at times and made some brilliant breaks that put Wales on the front foot and like in Rome had another standout performance.

Tom Rogers – 6.5

Earning just his seventh cap, the Scarlets winger made his third consecutive start in this year’s Championship. He made a huge impression early into the game with a brilliant take in the air, and then his hard work was awarded with a try. After a brilliant pass by fullback, Murray allowed the 26-year-old to score his first try for Wales in picturesque fashion in the corner. Around the breakdown area he didn’t shy away and, on one occasion turned the ball over for his side to relieve pressure but was replaced by Joe Roberts on 62 minutes.

Max Llewellyn – 6

After initially being left out of Warren Gatland squad, the 26-year-old started his first match for Wales for the first time since playing in all of Wales’ Autumn Nation Series matches. Llewellyn, out of all the backs probably had the quietest game out of them all but still added to Wales’ attack and defence with some big hits and carries.

Ben Thomas – 6.5

Cardiff Rugby’s Thomas was back in his preferred position of 12 after starting against both France and Italy at 10. He was hit with a big shot early in the encounter by Gary Ringrose who was later sent off with a 20-minute red card. It must be said playing back in the twelve shirt this afternoon was a great call by head coach, Sherratt as he played his best game of the Championship. In attack was brilliant and also was great asset in defence as well.

Ellis Mee – 6

The 21-year-old nearly added to what was a brilliant performance with a try late in the game. However, after a TMO check, it was ruled out. He was impressive with ball hand and when given the ball, he looked to work his magic as he attempted to get through the Irish defence. Overall it was a brilliant debut by the Scarlets man.

Gareth Anscombe – 6

Like Llewellyn, he was left out of the initial squad but made a serious impact on his first start back in the Welsh jersey. Kicked well and definitely strengthened Wales when in attack, something that they have been lacking so far this Championship.

Tomos Williams – 6

He was great at keeping the tempo of Wales’ attack up with some quick thinking with the ball, but on 25 minutes, the Gloucester Rugby man fumbled a golden opportunity after a pass back inside from Jac Morgan. Overall was solid in defence and it seemed like Williams is slowly growing into this year’s Championship.

Nicky Smith – 5

Now playing in the Gallagher Premiership for Leicester Tigers, Smith for the first time this afternoon since South Africa in the Autumn started for Wales. He went off on 18 minutes for an HIA but returned to the field of play on the half-hour mark. It was a strong display from the 30-year-old, who was impressive around scrum time and was replaced on 60 minutes by Gareth Thomas.

Elliot Dee – 5

He was a part of the strong front row that was causing Ireland a lot of problems and when it came to lineout time, Dee's arrows were also on point at crucial times in the encounter. This wasn’t the case in Italy last timeout. The Dragons RFC player was also utilised well in attack putting in a great shift

WillGriff John – 5

The 32-year-old won just his third cap, having last featured for Wales against Fiji in 2021. The Sale Sharks man was a good asset, especially around the breakdown area, which caused the visitors many problems. Henry Thomas eventually replaced him on 52 minutes.

Will Rowlands – 5

The Racing 92 man played his best game of the Championship so far. Carried extremely well and also at times showed some great handling. He may be an injury concern for Scotland as he limped off the pitch as he was replaced by Teddy Williams, but that was more like it from the 33-year-old.

Dafydd Jenkins – 5

Jenkins missed the Italy match due to dropping out due to illness, but his work rate this afternoon was unmatched. Made some huge hits, which added pressure on the visitors in attack.

Jac Morgan (C) – 6

Like what he has been so far in this year’s Championship, Morgan was great value yet again for Wales and is still keeping his name in the hat for the Lions Tour in the summer. His work in defence was sensational as he made 11 tackles and also crashed over to score Wales’ first try of the afternoon.

Tommy Reffell – 6

Reffell was brilliant in defence, putting in some massive hits, with an eye-catching one being on Jack Conan, and his strength was something that set the bar for many of his fellow teammates to be inspired by. In attack as well was great, making seven carries, but was replaced by Aaron Wainwright.

Taulupe Faletau – 6

Like many in this player rating, it was like Faletau was back to his best. He put in a great shift defensively and in attack where he allowed his counterparts in the pack to follow to be inspired by to make some great runs.

Replacements:

Evan Lloyd – 4

Gareth Thomas – 4.5

Henry Thomas – 5

Teddy Williams – 5

Aaron Wainwright – 5.5

Rhodri Williams – N/A

Jarrod Evans – 6

Joe Roberts – 5

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