Wales Player Ratings vs Ireland: 2026 Guinness Six Nations
Wales Player Ratings vs Ireland: 2026 Guinness Six Nations
Wales Player Ratings vs Ireland Guinness Six Nations as Steve Tandy’s side push Ireland close before falling to a 27 - 17 defeat in Dublin.
Steve Tandy’s Wales pushed Ireland all the way in Dublin with a fiercely committed display before ultimately falling to a 27 - 17 defeat at the Aviva Stadium.
Whilst the scoreboard suggests a comfortable Irish victory, the reality was far more attritional with Wales producing a monstrous defensive effort that saw them rack up a staggering 240 tackles across the eighty minutes.
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At times, the visitors looked capable of producing a famous upset with their physicality and breakdown pressure consistently frustrating Andy Farrell’s side.
The standout moment of the night belonged to Rhys Carre, whose stunning solo try will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable scores of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations.
Yet despite that moment of brilliance and a powerful second half try from James Botham, Wales ultimately lacked the attacking polish required to finish off a determined Irish side.
Here is how the Welsh players fared.
1. Rhys Carre – 9
Raced away for a try that might see his front row membership rescinded as he skinned the Irish backfield cover with a neat step before powering clear. This moment will no doubt feature heavily on his career highlight reel when it is all said and done. Away from this moment of brilliance, Carre was exceptional at scrum time where he consistently put Tadhg Furlong under pressure while also carrying with real venom.
2. Dewi Lake – 9
Pulled off a superb turnover to stop a promising Irish attack in the 19th minute. Defensively the Welsh captain was monstrous, putting in dominant hits all over the park. Making 24 tackles and 14 carries whilst hitting his marks at set piece time during his 56 minute shift was elite production from the hooker.
3. Tomas Francis – 7
The experienced tighthead produced a solid shift in a bruising encounter. Whilst he conceded a couple of early penalties at scrum time, Francis quickly steadied himself and applied pressure on the Irish front row during the opening half.
4. Dafydd Jenkins – 7
Once again got through a mountain of defensive work for his side. The Exeter lock was busy at the breakdown and consistently disrupted Irish momentum with well timed tackles around the fringes.
5. Ben Carter – 7
Quietly effective throughout the contest with his work rate off the ball proving hugely valuable. The Dragons lock fronted up well defensively and helped keep the Welsh lineout functioning smoothly despite sustained Irish pressure. Could not quite prevent Jack Crowley from slipping through for Ireland’s second try.
6. Alex Mann – 9
Another immense performance from the Cardiff flanker who continues to establish himself as a cornerstone of this Welsh pack. Seemingly everywhere throughout the eighty minutes, Mann’s defensive output was extraordinary whilst his breakdown work repeatedly frustrated Ireland.
7. James Botham – 8.5
Drove over for a muscular try that dragged Wales back into the contest with just under twenty minutes remaining. Beyond his score, Botham was tireless defensively and consistently positioned himself around the ruck to slow down Irish ball.
8. Aaron Wainwright – 8.5
Produced another industrious performance before departing midway through the second half. Carrying strongly and tackling relentlessly, Wainwright once again showed his importance to the balance of the Welsh back row.
9. Tomos Williams – 8.5
Quite clearly the general of the Welsh attack, the Gloucester scrum half pulled the strings impressively. Whipping out pinpoint passes, testing the Irish ruck defence and kicking intelligently from the base, Williams kept Ireland guessing throughout. His highlight moment came with the perfectly timed pass that sent Rhys Carre racing away for his remarkable try.
10. Dan Edwards – 7
Miscued an early touch finder but quickly settled into the contest with a straightforward penalty to get Wales on the board. Whilst occasionally exposed defensively, Edwards controlled territory well and provided a steady presence in a difficult environment.
11. Josh Adams – 5
Worked hard in defence but struggled to make a significant attacking impact. The experienced winger had few opportunities with ball in hand as Wales’ strategy relied heavily on their forward effort.
12. Joe Hawkins – 5
Part of a midfield that defended bravely for long periods but struggled to create much in attack. Hawkins did manage to get through some useful carries but found it difficult to break down Ireland’s defensive line.
13. Eddie James – 7
Showed some impressive defensive instincts in the outside channel with several strong tackles that helped shut down Irish opportunities out wide. The young centre continues to grow into the Test arena.
14. Ellis Mee – 7
Put in a disciplined defensive shift on the right wing. Whilst opportunities in attack were limited, Mee worked hard under the high ball and supported well when Wales attempted to counter.
15. Louis Rees Zammit – 7.5
Produced Wales’ first real spark with a superb 50:22 from his opening involvement that immediately placed Ireland under pressure. Whilst attacking opportunities were limited afterwards, the fullback injected pace whenever he touched the ball.
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias – 7
Made a positive impact when introduced, carrying strongly and adding further physicality to the Welsh pack.
17. Nicky Smith – 8
Delivered a hugely influential cameo at scrum time where he placed serious pressure on the Irish front row. His arrival helped Wales regain some momentum during the second half.
18. Archie Griffin – 7.5
Continued the strong work at the set piece when he joined the action with his scrummaging helping Wales compete strongly in the latter stages.
19. Adam Beard – 6
Solid without standing out. The experienced lock added defensive stability during his time on the field.
20. Olly Cracknell – 7.5
Brought real energy after replacing Wainwright with several powerful carries that helped Wales maintain pressure during their late push.
21. Kieran Hardy – N/A
Unused replacement.
22. Jarrod Evans – N/A
Unused replacement.
23. Louie Hennessey – 5
Not really afforded many opportunities during his ten minutes on the park but he is now a Welsh international and will no doubt have good days in the red shirt.
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