Geordan Murphy Ireland full-back

Well, we have got off to a winning start and it was a relief to come away from Cardiff with the points.

Dwayne Peel of Wales tackles Ireland's Geordan Murphy

Wales impressed me. They are a strong side and I expect them to go on and do well in the championship.

There was quite an atmosphere in the Millenniumn Stadium and the noise the Welsh fans were making caused problems hearing at line-out calls.

I was disappointed not to start the game but I was soon in action as Denis Hickie had to come off with a head gash.

I must admit I was quite nervous. I had been warming up for a while as Gordon D'Arcy had picked up a groin injury.

Then Denis went down and I was called on. It is difficult getting into a match quickly like that.

I had about 10 minutes or so while Denis was being patched up and then he came back on.

Late in the game I came on again as Brian O'Driscoll had to go off.

SIX NATIONS BLOG It was a fairly ugly, dog-day victory BBC blogger Jim Stokes More on our Six Nations blog

The match was pretty hectic at that stage but we came out on top and that is the main thing.

I am not sure how serious Brian and Gordon's injuries are. I expect they will have scans and we will have a better idea then.

We are flying back to Dublin on Monday but it is basically a rest day before we get down to preparing to play France next Sunday.

It will be the first rugby match at Croke Park, the GAA stadium, and it should be quite an occasion.

France had a good win over Italy and I expect they will fancy their chances, especially if we have a few injuries.

But we are happy to have made a winning start and believe there is even better to come.

If you would like to ask Geordan a question during the course of the Six Nations, fill in the form at the top right of this page.