Wales slipped to a 15th straight defeat in a 27-18 home loss to Six Nations champions Ireland on Saturday, but the hosts played with endeavour and ambition not seen in recent games. Ireland wsecured the Triple Crown and top the table with 14 points from three matches,

Ireland has condemned Wales to a record-extending 15th straight rugby loss after overcoming a 20-minute red card to rally for a 27-18 win and stay on course for an unprecedented third Six Nations title in a row.

Wales today host Ireland as the Six Nations returns. Welsh rugby has been on the slide of late, though they will hope for a boost following the end of the Warren Gatland era. Matt Sherratt takes interim charge but has it all to do in Cardiff today when the rampant Irish come to town.

Ireland coach Simon Easterby said reports linking him with the vacant Wales job were only speculation but did not rule out the possibility of taking on the role in the future. Easterby’s strong links with the principality have led to suggestions he is in line to take over from Warren Gatland,

Interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt insisted Thursday that a Six Nations showdown against Ireland was no time for experimentation despite the team being on a record streak of 14 consecutive Test defeats.