Ireland all but ended Wales' hopes of retaining their Six Nations title with an assured 31-5 victory over the champions at windswept Lansdowne Road yesterday.

Wales started brightly, looking to run the ball from all angles, and put the first points on the board thanks to a well-judged chip ahead from centre Matthew Watkins to give winger Mark Jones a try in the seventh minute.

But the loss of flyhalf Stephen Jones midway through the first half with a knee injury seemed to knock the visitors, in their first match without coach Mike Ruddock, off their stride.

As mistakes crept in, a rattled Wales resorted increasingly to the boot while Ireland went on the attack and took complete control.

Tries came from flanker David Wallace in the first half, winger Shane Horgan early in the second and scrumhalf Peter Stringer at the death, with Ronan O'Gara securing the rest of the home side's points.

Ireland join Scotland, England and France on four points from two wins after three rounds of the championship while Wales have two points.

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