Simon Easterby praised Ireland’s mentality for “digging ourselves out of a hole” to overcome Wales in the Six Nations and keep their Grand Slam dream alive. Ireland started as massive favourites in Cardiff to inflict a 15th-successive defeat on Wales following the departure of their head coach Warren Gatland.

Simon Easterby praised Ireland’s mentality for “digging ourselves out of a hole” to overcome Wales in the Six Nations and keep

CHAOS IN CARDIFF. It always seems to be the way. The bottom line is that Ireland have won the Triple Crown and their Grand Slam bid remains intact, but only just. They found themselves in major trouble at the Principality Stadium as they trailed at half time to a much-improved Welsh side.

Ireland were far from their best but Simon Easterby’s side dug deep to show incredible character to overcome a resurgent Wales in a 27-18 win at the Principlaity Stadium. It appeared as if the early Welsh enthusiasm was flattened with just seven minutes on the clock as Jack Conan powered his way over the line.