BBC Sportrugbyunion

The Wales hooker was taken to the cleaners by O'Connell at the line-out and that may well have been the difference between defeat and victory.

The Welsh lost six of their own throws and much of the possession they did win was scrappy, and although the blame cannot be entirely placed on the hooker he must shoulder a large burden.

In contrast, opposite number Jerry Flannery hit his man with every throw and the Irishman outplayed his Welsh counterpart around the park as well.

VERDICT: Set for a summer on the beach.