3 Feb 2013

Ireland beat Wales in Six Nations

12:40 pm on 3 February 2013

Ireland have inflicted an eighth successive defeat on last season's Six Nations rugby champions and grand slam winners Wales, whose fall from grace continued with a 30-22 loss in the opening game of the tournament in Cardiff.

Wales were stunned by Ireland's 20-point salvo in the opening 28 minutes that brought tries for wing Simon Zebo and prop Cian Healy, their scores backed up by Jonny Sexton's accurate boot.

Returning former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll went over from a metre out early in the second half for his 46th international try in 121 matches and although Wales countered with scores from Alex Cuthbert, Leigh Halfpenny and Craig Mitchell, their stirring fightback fell short.

No side has won back to back grand slams since France in the old Five Nations in 1997 and 1998.