Andy Farrell could scarcely conceal his contentment with Ireland's opening offering in this year's Six Nations with a five-point haul at the expense of the champions. This extended his side's winning run to nine games ahead of next Saturday's pivotal round two match away to France.
“Delighted with the win, and obviously the bonus is the bonus point,” said the Irish head coach. “To get a bonus point win against a side like Wales is no mean feat, so we’re delighted with that, really pleased with certain aspects of our game and like all first games there is plenty to work on as well.”
Although there was a palpable sense of disappointment that Ireland’s first-half supremacy hadn’t generated a bigger lead than 10-0, this wasn’t shared by Farrell and his think tank at the interval.
“No, we just had to play the game that was in front of us. 10-0 was fine because the conditions were terrible out there, it was terrible conditions. It was really difficult to kick in, difficult to play in, it was slippery, blustery in the corners for our kicking game and for lineouts it was tough. Putting all that together, obviously Wales come here to win and do a job on us to be able to get a bonus point, we’re delighted with that.”
Besides which, as is so often the case, Ireland’s first-half supremacy paved the way for them to pull clear in the third quarter, and another factor in their control was the home side’s discipline. They won the penalty count 14-6 and didn’t concede their first penaltgy until the 54th minute.
“It was great, it was something that we constantly talk about,” said Farrell. “Our discipline and decision making was great. Discipline doesn’t just count for penalties, it counts for how you play your own game as well and it was pretty good across the board. There’s plenty to work on as well.”
Securing the bonus point and effectively the win by the 61st minute also allowed Farrell to empty the bench with next week’s trek to the Stade de France in mind.
“It’s important to get everyone up and running as well within the squad and also we’ve a few guys on the outer who didn’t play today who are going to be fully fit for next week as well.”
Farrell could also feel fully vindicated in his decision to give the 23-year-old Mack Hansen his Test debut after just nine games for Connacht.
Hansen had 10 carries and made the most metres, 158, of any player in the game, as well as having a big hand in two of Ireland’s four tries.
“We’re not surprised. He’s got the temperament for handling debuts, he’s very cool, calm and collected him how he plays the game. It suits how we play the game as well, we want to be nice and controlled in how we make decisions and I thought he was pretty smooth at times.
Hansen paid tribute to his teammates after a busily impressive Test debut which earned him the man of the match award.
“The guys inside made my job easier, forwards and backs running great lines and playing very well together. We’ve been working on that in Portugal so to have it all come together like that is special in front of a packed crowd. It was great to see fans back in.
“It’s honestly been a dream come true. Everyone here has adopted me as their own. And I couldn’t be prouder to be Irish today, yeah.
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I think my family and friends are watching so a shout out to them. I got some special messages throughout the week and it just made this week so special for me. I couldn’t be happier to be honest.
“It’s a great start, what we wanted but we know it will be a very tough task in France. We’ll enjoy tonight and then switch our focus to France.
