What was forecast to be a battle of attrition between two of the tournament favorites was instead a steamrolling by the emerald giants. The Welsh pack was obliterated in every facet of play to such effect that some might have effectively seen the end of their international careers. Joe Schmidt’s tactics appeared to have caught Wales completely off-guard, as there was virtually no opposition for the catch-and-drive game at the lineout, with a 78th minute walk-in try for the reserve flyhalf after a 20 metre maul the icing on the cake.

Wales were diabolical in the first half, committing heinous mistakes and handing the game to Ireland on a plate. Two disastrous lineouts gave away crucial possession, and a careless obstruction penalty nearly put three points in Jonny Sexton’s pocket. Ireland had played utterly predictable rugby, offering nothing in attack beyond plugging the corners, and yet had scored three times and Wales none.

Warren Gatland would have been seething at half time but there was no evidence of any sort of revival as Sexton took points from another foray into Welsh territory. Leigh Halfpenny’s lone penalty teased but was immediately erased by another Sexton penalty, and that was that. A flurry of changes came but even fresh legs couldn’t stop the green wave from smashing over the line with disconcerting ease.

Gatland is in a difficult position now. Under better circumstances some of the tight five, who were dreadful, would be dropped immediately, but with so many injuries it’s hard to see who might do the job. What is to become of Rhys Priestland? Surely Dan Biggar must now have his opportunity, but how much blame should be placed on Mike Phillips, whose service was painfully pedestrian and gave Priestland little option but to kick aimlessly. It could be a case of last-chance saloon for the old-timers against France, but it’s a dangerous proposition.

Ireland now look odds-on for the championship, though two significant hurdles remain. The first is in London, where England will look to derail their ambitions, the second is France on the final day. Schmidt will not be looking past the first, and will have to conjure a new game plan as Stuart Lancaster will studying the Welsh video in his sleep over the next week. The rugby may have taken a week off, but the tension will only build as the tournament moves on.

IRELAND vs WALES
Saturday, February 8, Dublin, 14:30 GMT

SCORING
08 mins – J. Sexton pen 3-0
17 mins – J. Sexton pen 6-0
32 mins – C. Henry try 11-0
33 mins – J. Sexton con 13-0
46 mins – J. Sexton pen 16-0
56 mins – L. Halfpenny pen 16-3
59 mins – J. Sexton pen 19-3
78 mins – P. Jackson try 24-3
79 mins – P. Jackson con 26-3

IRELAND
R. Kearney; A. Trimble (F. McFadden 61), B. O’Driscoll, G. D’Arcy, D. Kearney; J. Sexton (P. Jackson 74), C. Murray (I. Boss 79); C. Healy (J. McGrath 68), R. Best (S. Cronin 73), M. Ross (M. Moore 54); D. Toner, P. O’Connell (capt.) (D. Tuohy 64 {T. O’Donnell 64}); P. O’Mahony, C. Henry, J. Heaslip.

WALES
L. Halfpenny; A. Cuthbert, S. Williams (L. Williams 17), J. Roberts, G. North; R. Priestland, M. Phillips (R. Webb 79); G. Jenkins (P. James 71), R. Hibbard (K. Owens 61), A. Jones (R. Jones 61); A. Coombs (J. Ball 71), A.W. Jones; D. Lydiate (J. Tipuric 71), S. Warburton (capt.), T. Faletau.

Referee: W. Barnes (RFU)
Assistants: G. Jackson (NZRU) & J.P. Doyle (RFU)
TMO: G. Hughes (RFU)