IRELAND 6 WALES 13
(at Athletic Park, Wellington, NZ).
Wales won their opening match of the first Rugby World Cup that was held in New Zealand and Australia and in which New Zealand went on to defeat France in the final at Auckland, while Wales gained a creditable third-place after defeating Australia 22-21 at Rotorua.
It was at windy Athletic Park, Wellington that Wales and Ireland met in their opening Group fixture, just 51 days after Ireland had won 15-1 in the championship at Cardiff.
This time it was Wales who were the winners however with Richard Moriarty of Swansea leading the side at lock alongside Bob Norster of Cardiff and Richard’s brother, Paul, was at No 8.
Jonathan Davies (Neath) played the commanding role in a swirling wind with Robert Jones (Swansea) providing a sound service.
It was Davies and his clubmate, full back Paul Thorburn, who played a part in creating the game’s only try, touched down by Cardiff centre Mark Ring.
Thorburn converted and Davies dropped two smart goals with the reply being only two penalty goals by Ireland centre Michael Kiernan.
It was not a great game, but it was at least a winning one in this new competition. Wales went on to beat Tonga 29-16 and Canada 40-9 in the Group, England 16-3 in the quarter-finals, but lost 49-6 to New Zealand in the semi-finals.
Scorers.
Ireland – Pens: Michael Kiernan (2).
Wales – Try: Mark Ring. Con: Paul Thorburn. DG’s: Jonathan Davies (2).
Wales v Ireland 1976
Wales v Ireland 1948
Wales v Ireland 1936
Wales v Ireland 1914
