Wales beat Ireland in Six Nations thriller in Cardiff
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ByEurosport
Updated 10/03/2017 at 22:40 GMT
George North bounced back from criticism from his own camp to crash over the try line twice as Wales beat Ireland 22-9 in a bruising Six Nations clash on Friday that restored home pride after two successive defeats.
George North and Rhys Webb (Wales) - 2017
Image credit: AFP
North had been warned about his form by defence coach Shaun Edwards in the build-up to the game and responded by demonstrating his quality and power as Wales scored three unanswered tries in a hard-worked win.
Victory ensured Wales will stay in the top eight of the World Rugby rankings and avoid a potential horror draw for the next Rugby World Cup in Japan.
They had lost their previous Six Nations clashes against Scotland and England and were in danger of slipping down the rankings.
The result also ended any Irish hopes of securing a third Six Nations title in four years.
Ireland trail leaders England by three points before they host Eddie Jones’ side in the final round of matches in Dublin on March 18.
But a win for England over Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday will seal a second straight title for England, who would visit Ireland seeking back-to-back Grand Slams.
"We knew we were one performance away from winning a game, they have been down to fine margins every week," said Rhys Webb
"We showed glimpses of what we can do and there is more to come from us. You don't become a bad team over night."
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones felt his side needed a win after defeats to England and Scotland.
"We owed that to the Welsh people and to ourselves," he said. "We haven't done ourselves justice in the last two games."
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