THE Ireland A team will face England in London a fortnight hence with a Triple Crown the prize for victory. Following the win over Scotland in January, the Welsh were overcome at Donnybrook yesterday by 25-11.

It was the ideal prelude to the main event at Lansdowne Road this afternoon and some worthy precepts were laid down for the senior side in a performance that embraced the serviceable, the opportunistic and the resolute qualities that will be worthy of emulation by the national side.

This was Ireland's first wind over Wales at A level since that achieved in Newport three years ago. On that occasion Ireland won by a point, this time, the margin was much more emphatic. Having built a 25-11 lead by the 65th minute, Ireland did not have to endure any anxiety as the match entered its closing phase and controlled the game against an opposing side whose challenge had been broken and whose play grew ragged and lacked conviction.

Watched by a capacity crowd, Ireland laid the foundations for victory in the first half when, playing into the wind, they led 5-8 at the interval. "While I was pleased after we beat Scotland, I am even more pleased with this performance," said coach Dave Haslett. "We won good possession in the first half and took our chances. When we had to defend inside our own 25 we did it very well. I thought we controlled the second period, used the ball well and were well on top at the end."

That is an accurate assessment of a match from which Ireland will derive considerable satisfaction and encouragement in the performance of the team and of several individuals in it. In that regard, the captain, scrum half Alain Rolland, had a fine match and if as yet young Malcolm O'Kelly has not the physical attributes to be moved forward into the top sphere of international competition he again revealed he has the basic talent and he did extremely well, notably in the line out.

The back row of Anthony Foley, Barry Walsh and Liam Toland, both individually and as a unit, were major players in this success. The scrummaging initially was a bit loose, but in that facet too, Ireland settled and hooker Paul Cunningham not alone threw accurately into the line out but also made a handsome contribution in other respects in a pack that did very well.

Eric Elwood's great experience and educated right boot camel into play in the second half and he used the wind shrewdly to pin the Welsh back into their own "25" with long and accurate kicking. The outside backs and full back Conor O'Shea also discharged their briefs to turn in a competent performance.

Ireland's opening score was a very well executed try by Robert Henderson after Richard Wallace _ made a fine break and Henderson finished the job. On the few occasions when first tackles were missed by Ireland, the cover was always on hand.

Adrian Davies kicked a penalty for Wales to cut their deficit but O'Shea then landed one for Ireland to restore their five points advantage. Stuart Davies forced" his way over the Irish line after a period of sustained Welsh pressure to bring the scores level. But Ireland struck an important blow just before the interval when the pack drove forward and Foley got over the Welsh line and Elwood converted.

So Ireland led 15-8 at the interval and that was stretched to 18-8 when Elwood kicked a penalty before Adrian Davies kicked his second penalty for Wales, who at times did indulge in some creative play but lacked the ability to finish it off against a vigilant defence. With 15 minutes remaining, very good work by the Irish pack near the Welsh line enabled Walsh to crown a fine display with a try which Elwood converted.