Inspired by Keith Wood's return, Ireland began the buildup to the rugby World Cup with a 35-12 victory over Wales on Saturday with all five tries coming from the forwards.
Lock Paul O'Connell scored two and Malcolm O'Kelly and flankers Alan Quinlan and David Wallace also crossed the Welsh line at Lansdowne Road while front row Wood, returning after 11 months out because of injury, had one ruled out.
Gareth Thomas and Garan Evans, both wingers, replied for the visitor as the two teams began preparations for the Oct 10-Nov. 22 championship in Australia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
With lots of empty seats in Lansdowne Road, the Irish went ahead after five minutes.
Wales didn't have enough players back to defend and Irish fly-half David Humphreys moved possession wide for Munster lock Paul O'Connell to go over for a try which Humphreys converted.
But the visitor hit back with a try after the Irish pack lost their own lineout ball. Center Iestyn Harris found flanker Richard Parks with a pass that created plenty of space to launch an attack and team captain Gareth Thomas eventually touched down wide out for his 31st try in 67 tests.
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