Wales begin life after Warren Gatland as Six Nations favourites Ireland come to Cardiff looking to continue their grand slam charge. The first fallow week brought an end to Gatland’s second stint in charge of a nation to which he has given so much,

Ireland coach Simon Easterby admitted that his side were made to sweat to the last as they eked out a 27-18 victory over hosts Wales in an enthralling Six Nations clash in Cardiff on Saturday and remained on course for a hat-trick of titles.

Title favourites Ireland survived a major Six Nations scare as they clinched the Triple Crown by beating a transformed Wales team 27-18 in Cardiff. While Wales ultimately fell to a 15th-successive Test match defeat,