Ireland comprehensively defeated Wales (29-7), defending the title in the Six Nations Tournament but weakened by casualties, this Saturday in Dublin, in the match that opened the 2022 edition of the stellar tournament of rugby in the northern hemisphere.

With four tries, the well-disciplined Irish defeated a rejuvenated Welsh team that could barely save the honor at the end of the match, with a try by Taine Basham (minute 75), which served at least to make up the result.

Ireland's tries were scored by Bundee Aki (minute 3), Andrew Conway (43 and 52) and Garry Ringrose (59). To this were added the points contributed by Jonathan Sexton, with three conversions and a penalty.

Twenty years after a historic defeat (54-10) at Lansdowne Road, Wales suffered this corrective in the Irish capital, accusing the absence of its emblematic captain Alun Wyn Jones and rugbiers such as George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric , Josh Navidi or Ken Owens.

After their great role in the round of test-matches in November, especially with the 29-20 victory over New Zealand, Ireland confirms its sweet moment and presents its candidacy for the title in this Six Nations, after third place last year.

The game against France on Saturday next week is key for this.

Wales, on the other hand, suffers a major slip in their hopes of retaining their crown. On matchday two he has a good chance to heal his wounds, against Scotland in Cardiff.

hap/hpa/dr