U21 SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Ireland U21 (22) 30 Tries: J Heaslip, D Gannn, J Hearty, T Bowe Cons: G Steenson (2) Pens: G Steenson (2) Wales U21 (9) 19 Tries: R Rees (2) Pens: L Thomas (3) Att: 2,000

First-half tries from Jamie Heaslip, David Gannon and John Hearty gave the home side a commanding lead.

Lee Thomas' three penalties kept Welsh dreams alive, and when replacement wing Richard Rees crossed for two second half tries a comeback was on the cards.

But Ireland wing Tommy Bowe claimed his side's fourth try in the dying moments to seal the match.

It was Wales' first defeat at this level since a 30-22 loss to France at Ebbw Vale in February 2002.

Ireland Under-21: Andrew Finn (Dolphin); Richard Lane (UCC), John Hearty (Blackrock College), Glen Telford (Dungannon), Tommy Bowe (QUB), Gareth Steenson (QUB), Tomas O'Leary (Cork Constitution); John Wickham (Clontarf), Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution), Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins), David Gannon (Blackrock College, capt), Shane O'Connor (Cork Constitution), Brendan O'Connor (Cork Constitution), Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon), Jamie Heaslip (DU).
Replacements: Conor Geoghegan (UCD), Stephen Bennett (Bath), Neil McComb (Dundee HSFP), David O'Brien (Old Belvedere), Robbie Shaw (London Wasps), Michael Glancy (Loughborough University), Breffne O'Donnell (UL Bohemians).

Wales Under-21: Matthew Nuthall (Pontypridd); Ifan Evans (Llandovery), Richard Payne (Newport), Lee Thomas (Celtic Warriors), Francesco Brillante (Cardiff); Scott Macleod (Blues), Rhodri Wells (Swansea); John Yapp (Blues), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Cai Griffiths (Neath), Ian Evans (Pontypridd), Luke Charteris (Dragons), James Merriman (Gloucester), Richie Pugh (Ospreys, capt), Richard Dale (Newport).
Replacements: David Maddocks (Scarlets), Keiran Crawford, Nathan Williams (Scarlets), Jonathan Mills (Bath), Matthew Jones (Ospreys), Richard Rees (Swansea), Gavin Evans (Llanelli).

Referee: S Davey (England)