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As it happenedended1552754840

Wales vs Ireland LIVE: Hosts hammer visitors to claim 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam

Here's how the final day of the Six Nations championship played out

Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 16 March 2019 17:26 GMT
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Wales v Ireland: Six Nations match preview

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Wales thrashed Ireland 25-7 to win the Six Nations Grand Slam.

Hadleigh Parkes' try inside just 70 seconds set the tone before fly-half Gareth Anscombe took over from the tee to add a further 20 points as the hosts hit the front and never looked back.

Ireland scored with the final play of the game to avoid being left scoreless but it was a day to forget for them in Cardiff.

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Tadgh Beirne starts for the first time in the Six Nations for Ireland, while Joe Schmidt recalls two of his fit again favourites, Sean O'Brien and Rob Kearney starting at open side flanker and full-back respectively.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:37
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It is almost time.

It's the big one. The nauseating talk about the roof, the psychological warfare, the tackle count discussion - it's all over. It's time to play rugby.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:39
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The roof is open, of course, and the players emerge from into the wet and wild that Storm Gareth has brought, warmed by flamethrowers and the roar of the crowd and perhaps rugby's greatest arena.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:40
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The Principality impeccably falls silent in reflection of the atrocities in Christchurch earlier in the week.

Beautifully observed. 

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:43
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Ireland answer their call with a strong rendition. Plenty of green jerseys in the stadium.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:44
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The noise!

A stirring rendition of "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" of real gusto and volume.

The atmosphere is quite something.

80 minutes between Wales and a Grand Slam.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:45
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Angus Gardner is the Australian referee this afternoon with the unenviable task of keeping such a high-stakes affair under control.

Alun Wyn Jones glares at the Irish team as his side assembles for the kick-off. Rory Best takes a deep breath.

Wales will kick-off. Gareth Anscombe has the ball in hand.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:47
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Wales against Ireland is underway.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:47
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Wales 0-0 Ireland, 1 minutes

Perfect start for Wales!

George North's chase is excellent and he bundles the Irish taker into touch inside the Ireland 22.

Wales set up the maul from the lineout.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:48
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TRY! Wales 7-0 Ireland (Hadleigh Parkes, 1 minute)

WHAT A START FOR WALES!

James Ryan comes in at the side so Wales have the advantage, and Gareth Anscombe goes to his boot.

Such a silky playmaker, the out-half delectably chips over the top and it is right into Hadleigh Parkes' path, who gathers and flops over the line. A combination forged in New Zealand but now firmly Welsh, and they set their side on their way.

Anscombe converts. The perfect beginning.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 March 2019 14:49

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