Sam Prendergast broke Welsh hearts in Cardiff by denying them a first victory for more than a year, but also kept Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam dream alive by kicking them to a 27-18 win. Wales debutant Ellis Mee thought he had scored a potentially decisive late try with just eight minutes remaining,

Wales ultimately fell to a 15th successive Test match defeat but started the post-Warren Gatland era with plenty of positives

Wales slipped to a 15th straight defeat in a 27-18 home loss to Six Nations champions Ireland on Saturday, but the hosts played with endeavour and ambition not seen in recent games.