Wales suffered their fourth defeat of this Six Nations campaign as they lost 27-17 to Ireland in Dublin on Friday evening.
Andy Farrell’s side kept their Triple Crown hopes alive as they will now face off in a final-day showdown against Scotland, with both sides still capable of lifting this trophy.
While this will have pleased Ireland and their fans, the Welsh can take heart from the fact that under Steve Tandy, they seem to be building something and are now causing issues for other nations.
This will encourage Welsh fans going into their final fixture next weekend when they face Italy, a game both nations will have targeted securing a win in before a ball was kicked.
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An overwhelming sense of pride was the feeling from the pundits on S4C, as Wales legends Jamie Roberts, Dan Biggar and Jonathan Davies all appeared delighted with the performance, despite the result.
Davies said: “It’s a huge game next week against Italy; if we can come here and deliver a match like that, there’s hope.
“That was the best game Wales has played so far. The little mistakes and starting strong need to improve, but we’re getting there.”
As Wales prepare for their final fixture against Italy, they will take confidence in their record against Italy, as they have won 28 of their 34 contests.
However, in recent years Italy have won three of the last four clashes between the pair along with the fact that Wales have only secured two victories in their last 25 international Tests.
Yet, Tandy’s side suffered a heartbreaking late loss to Scotland in the third round of the Six Nations in a game in which they felt they ought to have won after their performance.
There was no real expectation they would secure a victory against Andy Farrell’s side after their performance in Twickenham last time out, but the manner in which they pushed Ireland right to the whistle has clearly encouraged the Welsh supporters they can secure a win in the Six Nations, their first in three years.
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union
Brendan McGilligan