Wales 22-30 Ireland

Ireland held off a stirring second-half Wales comeback to launch their Six Nations campaign with a thrilling win and condemn the champions to an eighth successive Test defeat. Converted tries from Simon Zebo and Cian Healy and three Jonny Sexton penalties gave Ireland a commanding 23-3 half-time lead, Leigh Halfpenny's penalty Wales' only riposte. Brian O'Driscoll's score on the resumption increased Ireland's lead before tries from Alex Cuthbert, Halfpenny and replaceme Craig Mitchell revived the hosts. But Ireland, who had Rory Best and Conor Murray yellow-carded, held out in a breathless encounter.