Ireland 35 Wales 5
Ireland began their build-up to the rugby World Cup with a comfortable 35-12 victory over a youthful Wales side at Lansdowne Road today.
Led by the inspirational hooker Keith Wood, who was returning to the side for the first time in almost a year, Ireland were too strong for the inexperienced Welsh, who selected six uncapped players in their 22-man squad.
Lock Paul O'Connell (two), flanker Alan Quinlan, replacement flanker David Wallace and lock Malcolm O'Kelly all scored tries while fly-half David Humphreys slotted four conversions.
Full-back Geordan Murphy added a conversion in injury time.
Wales captain Gareth Thomas scored a try early in the first half while right wing Garan Evans scored his first international try and inside centre Iestyn Harris added a conversion with just over 10 minutes to play.