THE GENERAL CONSENSUS among the Welsh media seems to be that their country’s win was well-deserved.
Writing for walesonline.co.uk, Andy Howell acknowledged that “the Irish will argue the penalty flanker Stephen Ferris conceded on Ian Evans was marginal,” though he added that the “only thing that matters is the scoreboard”.
He criticised Irish fans for “unsporting and unusual booing” while Halfpenny was taking his last-minute penalty, and added that Wales were “simply the better team”.
Meanwhile, Leigh Halfpenny, writing a column for the same website, described how his “heart began to thump” once the last-minute penalty was awarded.
Advertisement
He also expressed relief, having missed a previous conversion attempt following George North’s late try. He wrote:
“When I saw that one go to the right of the target I honestly felt it would be my last chance to win the game. But the gods were smiling on us this time.”
“I don’t really want to get involved in the issue to be honest, not least because I didn’t see it on the pitch and still haven’t seen it on television”
The Werstern Telegraph, meanwhile, described the match as “a classic” and also asserted that the last-minute penalty Wales were awarded was “a harsh call,” adding that Davies should have been sent off for his tackle on Ryan.
The paper’s sports columnist, Chris Kirwan, described Ireland as “rather stale looking” and argued that they “were sorely missing their injured skipper Brian O’Driscoll in midfield”.
The Daily Post quotes Warren Gatland admitting that Wales were “reasonably lucky” and “got out of jail,” while it also quotes Halfpenny praising Ireland, saying that “they gave us a really tough game”.
Here's what the Welsh media thought of Ireland's performance yesterday
THE GENERAL CONSENSUS among the Welsh media seems to be that their country’s win was well-deserved.
Writing for walesonline.co.uk, Andy Howell acknowledged that “the Irish will argue the penalty flanker Stephen Ferris conceded on Ian Evans was marginal,” though he added that the “only thing that matters is the scoreboard”.
He criticised Irish fans for “unsporting and unusual booing” while Halfpenny was taking his last-minute penalty, and added that Wales were “simply the better team”.
Meanwhile, Leigh Halfpenny, writing a column for the same website, described how his “heart began to thump” once the last-minute penalty was awarded.
He also expressed relief, having missed a previous conversion attempt following George North’s late try. He wrote:
“When I saw that one go to the right of the target I honestly felt it would be my last chance to win the game. But the gods were smiling on us this time.”
As for Bradley Davies’ controversial tackle, he said:
The Werstern Telegraph, meanwhile, described the match as “a classic” and also asserted that the last-minute penalty Wales were awarded was “a harsh call,” adding that Davies should have been sent off for his tackle on Ryan.
The paper’s sports columnist, Chris Kirwan, described Ireland as “rather stale looking” and argued that they “were sorely missing their injured skipper Brian O’Driscoll in midfield”.
The Daily Post quotes Warren Gatland admitting that Wales were “reasonably lucky” and “got out of jail,” while it also quotes Halfpenny praising Ireland, saying that “they gave us a really tough game”.
The South Wales Evening Post called the match “the perfect ad for the game”.
And finally, one of the paper’s reporters described an Irish taxi driver’s thoughts before the game:
Prophetic words, as it turned out.
Read: On the mend: Leinster happy with Cullen’s progress following surgery>
Read: Six Nations hot topic: Should Bradley Davies have been sent off yesterday?
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
alternate view Andy Howell Six Nations Ireland Leigh Halfpenny Wales western mail