Your rugby morning headlines on Sunday, February 23.
Irish players impressed by Wales
Ireland's players have lined up to heap praise on Wales, describing the performance of the home team as "unbelievable".
The Welsh team were expected to be taken apart by the rampant Irish machine, but they surged into an 18-10 lead before finally succumbing 27-18 in Cardiff.
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Irish players looked battered and bruised by the end of the 80 minutes in a match they could well have lost if Ellis Mee's second-half try had not been ruled out.
Lock James Ryan said: “Wales were unbelievable today. They were unbelievably dogged and as well as that they played some really good stuff and really stretched us defensively, particularly in that first half, so we had to work unbelievably hard to get a result but we’re delighted. The intent and our mentality was right in the first half, it was just the accuracy bit that was letting us down, but we got there in the end.
“It’s such a satisfying win. You learn so much about yourself and you grow so much from a result like that when things maybe aren’t going your way and you have to show up and respond.”
Josh van der Flier added: “It was a proper Test match, that. We spoke about it during the week, how our record here (at the Principality Stadium) is not a great one. It’s a really hard place to play, an unbelievable atmosphere always. Wales are a very proud nation so we knew it was going to be tough. That was some battle out there. Wales were very good. There was some real good character shown to get a win. Credit to Wales, we managed to scrape the win so we’re thrilled with that.
“Wales put a huge amount of pressure on us. They were very organised, they were very physical and worked really hard for each other so a lot of credit to them for the way they fought today but we have to be very pleased with that win.”
Sherratt does not want Wales job
Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt says he does not want the job permanently despite overseeing an outstanding performance against Ireland in his first match in charge.
The Cardiff coach insisted he was not interested in the job long terms on the day he was unveiled but there is a feeling that if he can make a success of the next few weeks, that may change.
Sherratt, however, says he is not for turning.
"It's only taken six and a half minutes (for that question)!," he said.
"It's the same answer. No, not at all. I’ve loved today. I really enjoyed watching the players play. But I’m pretty certain on my next steps and that’s back at Cardiff."
Easterby denies Wales job distraction
Ireland coach Simon Easterby has denied that speculation linking him as a potential permanent replacement for Warren Gatland affected his team's performance in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium.
Ireland ran out 27-18 winners to secure a Triple Crown and keep their Grand Slam hopes alive, but the game was a lot closer than many anticipated, with Wales leading at half time. The match took place at the end of a week where speculation has been rife about who will become Wales' new head coach after Matt Sherratt leaves the role at the end of this year's tournament.
Speaking to Virgin Media Sport immediately after the game, Easterby said "outside noise" had not altered his preparation.
The former Scarlets forward was asked: "How has this week been for you because you are trying to prepare for a game and people are asking you in the media about connections to the job of the opposition you're playing against. Is that a hard thing to get right in your head, particularly when you're living a lot of the time in the country that they're talking about?"
Easterby answered by saying: "I've tried to focus on my job and what I can do best for the team.
"To be honest it hasn't been that much of a distraction. I think it's been outside noise that has gone on, outside my control. The most important thing is we came here today, we got a result and we move forward to France."
Much-changed France look to reignite Six Nations title hopes in Italy
By Duncan Bech, PA
France are seeking a reaction to their defeat by England as they look to reignite their Guinness Six Nations title push at the expense of Italy in Rome on Sunday.
Head coach Fabien Galthie has responded to the 26-25 loss at Allianz Stadium by making seven changes, including the axing of star wing Damian Penaud and fly-half Matthieu Jalibert.
Thomas Ramos shifts from full-back into the number 10 jersey and Galthie has sprung another surprise by naming a seven-one split between forwards and backs on the bench.
France become only the second tier one side after South Africa to load their replacements in this way.
Wing Simone Gesi and hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi are the new faces in Italy’s team as they look to follow up their victory over Wales in round two by springing a major upset.
“We can’t say ‘we’ve beaten Wales, that’s it.’ The objective is to beat a team that is better than Wales,” front row Giacomo Nicotera said.
Italy claimed two victories in the 2024 Championship and Nicotera added: “Last year was great, the best Six Nations Italy has had, and we want to improve on it.
“We know if we don’t keep improving then everyone will say last year was a fluke, or coincidence. We are on the right path and growing lots.”
