Irish aim to ‘press on’ after surviving Wales scare

After winning the Six Nations Triple Crown with a spirited victory over a resurgent Wales in Cardiff, Josh van der Flier predicts that Ireland will “press on” against France.

After falling to a 20-minute red card, Ireland rallied from a 18-10 deficit to defeat the country 28-17 to win the tournament for the third time in three attempts.

Ireland host France, who hammered Italy 73-24 on Sunday, in Dublin on 8 March before taking on the Italians in their final game in Rome a week later.

“As we always say, we’ll take each game as it comes but today was particularly special because of the prospect of a Triple Crown”, said Van der Flier, who has played every minute of Ireland’s campaign.

The Triple Crown was the only thing we could ever really play for when we won it, according to my grandad, who was speaking to him several times recently, and it was special when we won it.

We’re pleased with that, but we’ll undoubtedly be looking to move on to France next and give it everything in the end result. “

Ireland defeated England in the second half, but a rejuvenated Wales, who were playing their first game under interim manager Matt Sherratt, gave them the advantage.

The 2022 world player of the year added, “It was a special match to be involved in to see how hard the lads worked together.”

” One lad]Cian Prendergast] had to drop out this morning because he was sick, it can be messy, it’s a physical game

“There’s a lot going on, especially away from home, it’s always tricky.