George North rebound sees Wales end Ireland’s Six Nations hopes

Wales coach Rob Howley’s courageous call to avoid tinkering with his stuttering side was vindicated after they notched up an emphatic 22-9 victory over Ireland in a thrilling Six Nations match.

Fans, pundits and media turned on Wales players and coaches after they leaked 20 unanswered points in their defeat by the Scots, which followed a loss to England after an opening victory over Italy.

But interim head coach Howley refused to bow to pressure for wholesale changes and picked an unaltered team to play the Irish, notably retaining much-criticised winger George North.

North duly stepped up several levels to repay the faith Howley showed him by crossing for a well-taken brace of tries.

A third try by Jamie Roberts, with Leigh Halfpenny booting the rest of the points, saw the Welsh ease past an Ireland team that had Jonny Sexton sin binned and had only three penalties to show for their efforts.

“We knew there would be a reaction and against one of the best sides in rugby you have to play like that both with and without the ball,” Howley said. “I’m delighted for the players, they have taken a lot of stick and we beat Ireland emphatically.”