IRELAND 21 WALES 23

“DAYLIGHT robbery”, was the moan from countless members of the Irish public as they headed for the Aviva Stadium exits, but for Wales it was nice to be the side getting out of jail.

Dreams of a Grand Slam and Triple Crown were salvaged at the death in Dublin with a fair few World Cup ghosts put to rest as well.

There would have been plenty of sighs of relief in the away changing room at 5pm yesterday, Leigh Halfpenny after nailing a winning penalty when the heat was on and lock Bradley Davies after his teammates dug deep to save his bacon.

The Cardiff Blues man may be denied the opportunity to play a big part in Wales’ Six Nations campaign if the citing officer decides to act after he dumped Donncha Ryan into the turf.

But he is lucky that he is not being blamed for another heartbreaking defeat.

With four minutes left it looked grim after Ospreys wing Tommy Bowe had barged over to put the hosts 21-15 up.

But there was always hope, after all, wing George North was one of Wales’ 14 players on the field.

The Scarlets flier had been a thorn in Ireland’s side all afternoon and so it proved again, the giant winger carrying three Irishmen over the line to give Halfpenny a shot at regaining the lead.

It looked like a repeat of the World Cup semi-final defeat to France when his effort sailed to the right of the posts but another New Zealand flashback proved to be crucial with 50 seconds remaining.

There was yet another tip tackle but, unlike Sam Warburton’s horror moment against Les Bleus, this time it was on a man in red.

Lock Ian Evans was recklessly tackled by flanker Stephen Ferris with English referee Wayne Barnes sending the Ulsterman walking to the sidelines with his head bowed after receiving a yellow card.

This time Halfpenny made no mistake, punching the air with delight when the flags went up.

Wales regained the restart and Rhys Priestland booted the ball out, leading to a chorus of boos from the home faithful.

Yet it was just what Wales deserved for playing with incredible ferocity in the backs and showing an incredible appetite for graft up front.

By showing great character they have given themselves a great shot of winning the championship by edging an absolute classic.

Ireland started well with all their big carriers – Stephen Ferris, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy – getting their mitts on the ball early.

They were good value for the 3-0 lead earned by the right boot of Jonathan Sexton but Wales’ power runners then came storming back and the visitors were unlucky not to stretch in front after an incredible attack.

First it took a marvellous cover tackle by scrum-half Connor Murray to stop lock Bradley Davies after a neat throw to the front of the lineout.

Then the breathless passage of play continued with Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts and Mike Phillips going close, Tommy Bowe deliberately knocking on, and George North dazzling with superb footwork.

It ended with Ryan Jones being held up over the line but Wales didn’t have to wait long for their try, and what a score it was.

Priestland floated down the left side before conjuring a terrific offload for centre Jon Davies to go over in the corner.

Gatland’s side continued to have the upper hand in terms of territory and possession. They were winning the collisions and looking far more threatening than a rather stale looking Ireland, who were sorely missing their injured skipper Brian O’Driscoll in midfield.

But Wales were creaking at the lineout and faltering from the kicking tee once again with Priestland striking the post with an absolute sitter of a penalty.

That proved to be costly as the Irish soaked up the pressure, improved and wrestled the lead away on the stroke of half-time when Ospreys wing Tommy Bowe’s arcing run made the most of a Priestland defensive slip to give hooker Rory Best a run-in.

Sexton added the extras to put Ireland up 10-5 after an engrossing first 40 minutes and Welsh hopes of getting their tournament off to a flying start suffered a blow when captain and talisman Warburton failed to return for the second half.

Sexton extended the lead early in the second half but, after Priestland had shanked a penalty attempt, Leigh Halfpenny got Wales back to within a score.

And then, thanks to that man Davies again, it was advantage Wales just two minutes later.

Quick lineout ball went from flanker Justin Tipuric to wing North who barged over centre Fergus McFadden to give his centre another run in.

Sexton edged Ireland back in front and then came Bradley Davies’ moment of madness, the lock planting Ryan headfirst into the Aviva Stadium turf.

Luckily it was not to be costly this time.

Ireland: R Kearney, T Bowe, F McFadden, G D’Arcy, A Trimble, J Sexton (R O’Gara 77), C Murray (E Reddan 77), C Healy (T Court 73), R Best, M Ross, D O’Callaghan (D Ryan 63), P O’Connell (captain), S Ferris, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.

Scorers: tries – R Best, T Bowe; conversion – J Sexton; penalties – J Sexton (3)

Wales: L Halfpenny, G North, J Davies, J Roberts, A Cuthbert (J Hook HT), R Priestland, M Phillips, R Gill, H Bennett, A Jones (P James 70), B Davies, I Evans, R Jones, S Warburton (captain, J Tipuric HT), T Faletau.

Scorers: tries – J Davies (2), G North; conversion – L Halfpenny; penalties – R Priestland, L Halfpenny

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)