Win should not camouflage the shortcomings

Obviously the most important thing is that we won the match. Another defeat would have been a severe setback to the development of this side especially after leading 26-6 early in the second half.

Wales did improve at this stage of the match, particularly in their own lineouts, which up to this point had been deplorable. But Ireland then suddenly seemed hesitant and unsure of themselves. Every Irish supporter was dreading the distinct possibility that this match would be let slip .

Fortunately for Ireland Wales began to repeat the handling errors of the first half, changed their hooker-lineout thrower, thereby upsetting their lineouts and effectively killed off their own comeback. I must say the number of handling errors throughout by both sides, particularly by Wales, was extraordinary. Both coaches will have been disappointed. But from our point of view the win was vital and the relief at the final whistle was apparent in the reaction of players and management. The strong relationship between players and coach was very evident and this will surely stand to them for the remainder of the season and the forthcoming World Cup.

Keith Wood's joy at finally winning a Five Nations match was enormous and nobody deserved the victory yesterday more than he did. His overall performance, crowned by a marvellous try, was fantastic.

Very few backs would have beaten Welsh and Lions centre Scott Gibbs so easily. There surely isn't a better hooker than Wood in the world at this moment.

David Humphreys was the other outstanding performer and apart from the 19 points he kicked, he also made the score for Kevin Maggs, first by his block down and then with the intelligent switch pass having drawn all the remaining Welsh cover on himself.

I don't begrudge him his man-of-the-match award but I've always thought there should be two awards - the best back and the best forward.

We forwards always feel that the backs get the more glamorous jobs while a lot of what the forwards do tends to go unnoticed by many observers.

The Irish forwards were much too good for their opponents, particularly in the scrums and lineouts.

The ease with which we turned the scrums gave our back row a great platform on our own put-ins and made life impossible for the Welsh on their scrums. It also limited the creative Robert Howley, which was very important.

Eric Miller played very well at number eight and Dion O'Cuinneagain was again outstanding. Andy Ward was quieter than usual which was not surprising after his recent lay-off.

Victor Costelllo was introduced to the back row at the right time when we needed to tighten the game up at the end. Selecting the three back rows to start against England will be difficult but I cannot see Victor being left out against the strong English pack.

The backs defence was excellent but I feel that we still need a cutting edge in the midfield if we are to capitalise on the good ball that is being provided.

The back line will probably feel as well that the ball should get to the outhalf more quickly which it would by better presentation from the forwards and a quicker release from Conor McGuinness.

Conor O'Shea again had a great game at fullback but he will be kicking himself for not scoring a try. "He who hesitates . . . "

Justin Bishop, on the right wing, never got any attacking opportunity but his work rate around the park and especially his decision-making in defence was superb. Niall Woods, on the opposite wing, was instrumental in setting up the space for Keith Wood's try but he again gave ammunition to his critics by missing a couple of straightforward tackles. This may cost him a place against England. The midfield did all that was asked of them and Jonathan Bell was far better that Scott Gibbs on the day.

There is already an air of excitement about the visit of England in two weeks time. Their defeat of Scotland and the other results to date show that the gulf of the last few years between England, France and the others has been bridged. We can look forward to the match with great optimism.

Injuries will not affect any of our key players but even professionals must find the prospect of competitive league matches next Saturday a bit worrying with the English match on the horizon.

Wales will be in a state of depression. The hope and expectation which they enjoyed after their narrow defeat by South Africa is now a distant memory and with their remaining matches against England and France, they look certainties for the wooden spoon.

Their pack is by far the weakest in the Five Nations and until they get themselves some decent forwards, particularly in the front five, their problems are going to continue. Graham Henry, their coach, must be wondering where he goes from here.

David Humphreys' two drop goals were very well taken but it was his place kicking which probably gave the management more satisfaction as they will feel vindicated having stuck with him as a place kicker in the face of so much criticism.

Warren Gatland is realistic enough to know that we can improve hugely on Saturday's performance. The victory, however, will make the job much easier. (In an interview with Johnny Watterson)