Old Rivals

By Gary Watton
March 5 2015

As the clash between Wales and Ireland in Cardiff looms on the near horizon, let us look back in time to the six occasions when both countries contrived to produce a share of the points. The following half a dozen encounters took place at Cardiff Arms Park or Lansdowne Road, unless otherwise stated.

16th of February 1991: Wales 21 Ireland 21

Ireland recorded four tries but Wales still snatched a point, helped by two penalties and two conversions from Paul Thorburn. The score was 9-9 at the interval.
 

2nd of February 1974: Ireland 9 Wales 9

The lethal JJ Williams recorded the match’s only try. Phil Bennett converted it and added a second-half penalty. Tony Ensor kicked three penalties for the hosts.
 

17th of November 1962: Ireland 3 Wales 3

A penalty from debutant Grahame Hodgson earned Wales a draw, while English kicked a drop goal for the Irish! The home team had led 3-0 at the halfway stage.

10th of March 1951: Wales 3 Ireland 3

A penalty from the debutant Ben Edwards prevented Ireland from obtaining their second-ever grand slam. Ulster's Jackie Kyle recorded the match's only try.

9th of March 1929: Ireland 5 Wales 5; at Ravenhill, Belfast

Dai Parker converted a Frank Williams second-half try to ensure a point each, after Ireland led at the interval. Eugene Davy had scored a try to earn them the lead.

1st of March 1890: Ireland 1 goal Wales 1 goal

On St David’s Day, Billy Bancroft converted a Charlie Thomas try to ensure a share of the spoils. Ireland had led 3-0 at the interval, thanks to a try from Dunlop.