The Wales win is coming, I can feel it - Lake

Wales captain Dewi Lake says a win is just around the corner after an encouraging display in the 27-17 Six Nations defeat by Ireland in Dublin.

Wales' losing Six Nations streak has now stretched to 15 matches, with the previous victory in the tournament coming against Italy in March 2023.

But this Dublin defeat was the finest performance in the Steve Tandy era so far, as Wales fell just short again.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said Wales were "tremendous and Ireland had been involved in a proper, dogged Test match".

This performance follows the narrow 26-23 home loss to Scotland two weeks ago, with Wales facing Italy on the final weekend in Cardiff next Saturday.

Wales will bid to avoid the wooden spoon for the third successive Six Nations and try to claim a tournament win for the first time in almost 1,100 days.

"The win is coming, I can feel it, it is just around the corner," said Lake.

Lake says he was disappointed to lose another game, but praised the turnaround in performances.

"The development of the team in the past four weeks has been monumental," said Lake.

"We're always disappointed to lose, but the positives and the way we played is always something to be proud of."

Lake says Wales will be left to rue some missed opportunities against Ireland.

"In the end, we couldn't cross the line," said Lake.

"We had the opportunities in the first half, maybe we didn't take them as much in the second half.

"I know I talk about the negatives, but we need to learn from them and going into next week, we need to work on taking those chances."

Tandy says it was harsh to leave Ireland with nothing, with a late Jack Crowley penalty denying Wales even a losing bonus point.

"I have massive pride in the boys and the shift they put in," said Tandy.

"I am disappointed we didn't get anything from the game for the group because I felt we deserved something.

"They showed a lot of fight and there was a lot of great skill out there as well."

Tandy agreed it could be considered the best performance of his era so far, despite it being a seventh defeat in eight matches.

"I think so, probably for different reasons," said Tandy.

"This group is unbelievable to work with. I know it's tough for people, everyone wants us to win, but the way the group are developing and this performance tells you so much about these players."

Wales' dynamic defence made 240 tackles and kept the Ireland attack at bay for long periods with some thunderous hits.

Flanker Alex Mann led the way with more than 30 tackles, while lock Dafydd Jenkins and James Botham were not far behind as they hit 20-plus respectively, while Lake also made more than 20 tackles in less than an hour before being replaced.

The efforts came with Tandy and Dan Lydiate attempting to implement a new defensive system.

"The physicality they left out in the field was outstanding," said Tandy. "Dan [Lydiate] has done a great job around the contact area.

"When we came in in the autumn, there were lots of new systems coming in, lots of different language and the way they've adapted and developed has been great.

"The mindset of the group has been excellent, but as much as you'll see a lot of toughness, there was a lot of skill around the defence as well."

Prop Rhys Carre's superb solo try against Ireland in the first half was arguably the highlight of the game.

Carre became the first Wales prop and only the fifth starting prop in international rugby history to score three successive tries in three internationals.

It completes a remarkable return to international rugby for a player who was deemed not fit enough by previous Wales coaches Wayne Pivac and Warren Gatland.

The Saracens prop has been brought back into the fold by Tandy and the coach is being rewarded.

"He's been a massive credit and all the plaudits should go to Rhys," said Tandy.

"The way he has come back into the environment and the way he trains as well has been impressive.

"You see the output Rhys has in scoring tries, but there is also the effort he puts in in training.

"I think there's a bigger ceiling in Rhys. He is playing well at the minute, but I believe there's much more to come, which is exciting."