Andy Farrell’s Ireland kept their Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam hopes alive as they downed Wales 31 – 7 at the Aviva Stadium.

Scoring four tries against their fierce rivals would normally equate to a great evening’s work for the men in green; however, such is the standard this team have set that it felt somewhat underwhelming.

Much of the credit must go to Warren Gatland’s young Welsh side who battled hard against their much-fancied opponents from the off.

Facing wave after wave of green attack, Wales stood fast for the opening twenty minutes with the exception of a Jack Crowley penalty.

Dominating possession and territory, Ireland would eventually make their pressure tell as hooker Dan Sheehan barged over the opening try of the match in the 21^st minute.

Ten minutes after the opening score, winger James Lowe would finish off some slick handling from the Irish to touch down in the corner.

Heading into the break with a 17 – 0 lead, Ireland were in full control without really taking all of their opportunities.

As the second half got underway, there was an almost immediate shift in momentum as Wales ripped into their hosts.

Taking just two minutes to get their first score, Wales pummelled the Irish maul with Tadhg Beirne separating his bind which resulted in a potential try being held up.

Left with little choice, referee Andrea Piardi sent Beirne to the sin-bin before signalling a penalty try for Wales.

Dominating possession and territory for the next twenty minutes, Wales showed glimpses of their potential but couldn’t quite create enough attacking shape to truly trouble Ireland.

Separated by just ten points heading into the final fifteen minutes, it was still very much all to play for.

As if written in the stars, fullback Ciaran Frawley, on his first start in green, took a scintillating pass from Jamison Gibson-Park to go over untouched.

Now playing with some breathing space, Ireland would finish with a flourish as Tadhg Beirne made up for his yellow card with what would be the bonus point try in the 81^st minute.

Speaking post-match, Warren Gatland said he was proud of his team’s efforts,  “We showed some great heart and character today.

“I thought the scoreline probably isn’t right, but it probably reflects where the two sides are in terms of that experience.

“We’ve played against one of the best teams in the world. Eight or nine of their team are over 30 and have been around for a while.

“I think we take a huge amount from this. It’s the players that will have got the most out of today.

“I have no doubt where we’re going; this team is going to be an excellent team going forward when we get some more experience.”

Focusing on his opponents, Gatland said he felt Ireland were now in pole position to go on and achieve history as the first ever back-to-back Grand Slam winners.

“I think they’re definitely capable of doing it.

“They’ve got the experience and the composure. Players who can carry and get them on the front foot.

“I think they’ll be a hard team to knock over,” Gatland concluded.

Next up for Ireland is a clash with England at Twickenham; Steve Borthwick’s side will enter the clash fresh off a 31 – 20 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield.

Closing out round four, Wales will tackle France at the Principality Stadium, who, depending on tomorrow’s match with Italy, could still be in with a chance at chasing down Ireland in the Championship.