Wales 18-27 Ireland LIVE RESULT: Six Nations favourites win Triple Crown despite encouraging Dragons display

IRELAND have beaten Wales to win the Triple Crown!
The Dragons were much-improved under interim coach Matt Sherratt, but the quality of the defending Six Nations champions prevailed in the Welsh capital.
Ireland now move to 14 points and sit at the top of the table with two more rounds of matches remaining.
Wales remain the only side in the Six Nations without a win, but their spirited performance against the Irish will encourage many.
- Match result: Wales 18-27 Ireland
- Wales XV: 15-Murray, 14- Rogers, 13-Llewellyn, 12-B Thomas, 11-Mee; 10-Anscombe, 9-T Williams; 1-N Smith, 2-Dee, 3-John, 4-Rowlands, 5-Jenkins, 6-Morgan (capt), 7-Reffell, 8-Faletau
- Ireland XV: 15-Osborne, 14-Hansen, 13-Ringrose, 12-Henshaw, 11-Lowe; 10-S Prendergast, 9-Gibson-Park; 1-Porter, 2-Sheehan (capt), 3-Clarkson, 4-J McCarthy, 5- Beirne, 6-O'Mahony, 7-Van der Flier, 8-Conan
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Young dragons to focus on positives
Despite the bitter feeling of defeat in Cardiff today, there is plenty for Wales to build on.
They have played arguably the best side in the world today and took them all the way.
Having struggled to be competitive in games in the last couple of campaigns, this felt like a momentous shift for the hosts.
More performances like this and Wales could be a force to be reckoned with once again.
Credit: Getty Jamison leading by example
Gibson-Park was awarded the man of the match award today in Cardiff.
He is always the heartbeat of this Irish side and links their play to great effect.
As professional as ever, when awarded the accolade, he had nothing but positive things to say about the Welsh performance in this test match.
Credit: AFP
FT: Wales 18-27 Ireland
It is all over in Cardiff.
Wales really made them work for this one.
Ireland had to dig deep to secure the triple crown.
Penalty - Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Wales 18-24 Ireland
77. For all their attacking talents, it goes a little under the radar how much their defence contribute to performances.
This time it wins them a penalty which could seal victory.
Prendergast could win a triple crown with this kick.
Wales 18-24 Ireland
75. The review decided that the ball went down short and was knocked on.
So close to a Welsh try and with the onfield decision awarding it, you felt they might get the rub of the green.
Instead, the hosts have it all to do in Cardiff.
Wales 18-24 Ireland
73. Wales are piling on the pressure in the Ireland twenty-two.
They spread it out wide and Mee goes in at the corner.
If he has finished this, it is a sublime score by the hosts.
Penalty - Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Wales 18-21 Ireland
69. Despite the score, Wales will take that rather than the try.
The hosts need to turn defence into attack more now.
Try and get their noses in front, give themselves something to protect in the final stages of this game.
Wales survive the TMO review as it is deemed there was no head contact.
TMO review in progress
Penalty - Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Wales 18-18 Ireland
67. Superb play from Murray for Wales.
Hansen is going over the line but he holds him up so he cannot ground it to score.
That could be a big moment in this match.
Wales 18-18 Ireland
65. It has been some time since Wales have been this competitive in a Six Nations match.
Facing arguably the best team in the competition, the hosts are going toe-to-toe with Ireland.
This match is so finely poised, it really is anyone's game.
Wales 18-18 Ireland
61. We have a real game on our hands now in Cardiff.
Ireland are piling on the pressure but a penalty is awarded to Wales for a neck roll.
The triple crown is on the line for the visitors here.
Wales 18-18 Ireland
59. Prendergast is havig a superb kicking game for Ireland.
His tactical kicks in behind the Welsh defence have been inch-perfect.
It is the one thing that has been lacking for the Irish, finding that person who can step into the shoes of Sexton.
Wales 18-18 Ireland
57. Wow, what a superb move from the visitors.
They had a penalty advantage so lofted a kick out wide that seemed to have way too much on it.
Lowe leaps into the air, like a salmon, a palms it back into play towards Osborne.
He catches and goes over the line unopposed.
Unbelievable rugby from Ireland, that is how you utilise a penalty advantage, Wales take note.
Try - Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
Wales 18-13 Ireland
53. Wales have a lineout deep in their own twenty-two.
They need to keep things slick now and not gift chances to the visitors.
The hosts do just that as they knock-on, giving Ireland a penalty.
Wales 18-13 Ireland
51. That is the end of the Ringrose red card for the visitors.
Bundee Aki is limbering up to come on for Ireland also.
This will be a tough test for the hosts now.
Wales 18-13 Ireland
49. Ireland will be pleased to put points on the board while they are still serving that red card.
It puts them within a try of the Welsh score.
This could be some second half if Wales can continue with this impressive forward play.