Rugby World Cup: Two Jacob Stockdale tries inspire Ireland to warm-up victory over Wales

Wales 17-22 Ireland: Wing Stockdale led the way with two first-half tries as Wales head coach Warren Gatland’s final Principality Stadium Test before he departs after the World Cup ended frustratingly

Warren Gatland had spoken openly before this match of the opportunity his players had to further dent Ireland’s fragile confidence after their Twickenham humiliation. But against an energised and repurposed Irish side, it was the hosts who ultimately stepped away from this clash with question marks over their heads.

Losing 22-17 against Joe Schmidt’s men, Wales failed to hit the heights they’ve proved their capable of in what was their first home defeat since November 2017. Despite ending with a flourish, the 2019 Six Nations champions left it too late to overturn their opponents who, from the off, looked the superior side in this World Cup warm-up.

Admittedly, it was a pick-and-mix starting XV that ran out here at the Principality Stadium, with much focus on 23-year-old fly-half Jarrod Evans and other inexperienced starters given their chance to shine as Gatland considers his options ahead of Japan.

But it was the visitors who caught the eye, with wing Jacob Stockdale leading the way courtesy of two first-half tries that put his side firmly in control.

Twelve points adrift heading into the break, with the score 15-3 in Ireland’s favour, Wales looked short of ideas in attack and uncertain of themselves in defence. Indeed, by the half-way stage Wales had missed 20 tackles compared to Ireland’s four. It was a clear indicator of the gulf in quality between the two teams.

The second half initially seemed to be going the way of the first. Leon Brown, who had replaced Samson Lee in the front row, was sin-binned by referee Romain Poite for a scrummaging offence just 11 minutes after going on, allowing Ireland to enjoy territorial dominance through a powerful set-piece.

The visitors went on to blow a scoring chance when Jack Carty's pass to Adam Conway was ruled forward but Romain Poite soon awarded them a penalty try, opening up a 19-point advantage.

Such a setback seemed to bring the fighting spirit out of Wales, with Rhys Patchell and debutant Owen Lane eventually crossing the white line to close the gap.

But by this point, the damage had been done. There was to be no way back for Wales, meaning Gatland’s final home game as head coach ended in the disappointment of defeat.