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Wales’ Adam Beard Says Ireland Were “Flattered” By 31-7 Scoreline

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By David Parsons

Wales forward Adam Beard has claimed Ireland were “flattered” by the 31-7 scoreline after their four-tries-to-one victoryat the weekend.

Beard was reflecting on Wales’ third successive Six Nations defeat, which followed their narrow losses to Scotland and England.

With France and Italy – the two teams Wales have left to play in this year’s tournament – drawing 13-13 on Sunday, Wales are above bottom-placed Italy in the table, only by points difference.

Beard said: “We were close in the first two [games] and probably that scoreline flatters Ireland a bit because we worked very hard in that game.

“You just have to look how clinical they [Ireland] are. They are a squad that has probably been together now for two or three years, there haven’t been too many changes,” said Beard.

“We have a new-look squad, but what I can promise you is that Wales have a squad that are hungry and are working hard for each other.

“We are not satisfied with these losses. When we get back to training, we will be critical within ourselves.

“We will look to get a reaction against France and come back fighting hard.

“It is probably the intensity of international rugby [that has been learned most]. There are a lot of new caps within the squad and boys with a lot of inexperience.

“The pace, the physicality and the thinking on the ball that comes with international rugby you will learn with experience. There are not many that come into an international squad and click straight away.

“It takes a bit of time in the process, and we are working hard at that. I’m sure in 12 to 18 months time we are going to be a very good side.

“We want the victories now though and were not satisfied, so we are going to keep working hard to get them in the last two games.”

Reigning Six Nations champions Ireland limited Wales to a penalty try during Saturday’s success in Dublin after nilling Italy 36-0 in round two on the back of beating France 38-17.

Ireland, who have scored 15 tries across the three bonus-points wins, travel to Twickenham on March 9 seeking to keep their championship clean sweep quest on track before hosting Scotland on the final weekend.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell held a differing view to Beard and felt Ireland were good value for their healthy 24-point winning margin – thanks to their solid defence.

“Our defence is top drawer, there’s no doubt about that,” said Farrell.

“It has been for quite some time now. It was unbelievably fitting that we kept them (Wales) out because of the fight and want to be able to do that.

“I thought our defensive shape wasn’t very nice at times but our intent certainly on the line said a lot about how much they love defending for one another.”

“Of course, we always want to play better but the game is what it is, from minute one.

“For example, we’re winning the penalty count hands down at half-time (against Wales) and then all of a sudden within minutes of the second half, it has evened up.

“That could happen in two weeks’ time, role reversal. The game takes its own shape but there’s parts of our game we obviously need to improve.”

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