 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |
Only in the last 10 minutes did Wales show any real urgency with the Cardiff Blue Tom Shanklin going over for two tries. The game was, however, effectively over as a contest and the late scores served only to put a false reflection of the match on the scoreboard.
Much had been made of Simon Easterby's Welsh connection in the run-up to the match, and while the Llanelli Scarlets man put in another imperious display it was the return of Leinster Lions centre, Brian O'Driscoll, which made the real difference. O'Driscoll hadn't played since injuring his hamstring playing for the Leinster Lions' in the Heineken Cup seven weeks ago - such is his talent, power and speed that he still managed to stand out as the best player on the pitch by some distance.
His previously untried centre partnership with fellow Leinster Lion, Gordon D'Arcy, worked well with both players troubling the Welsh defence on numerous occasions with their pace and quick feet. Gary Ella must have been an interested spectator and while early days in the partnership, it will be interesting to see if the two are paired in the centre together for their province in the future.
Wales must be disappointed. They do, however, possess many talented players and the fruits of their restructured domestic game will surely be borne in the near future. The benefits of stiffer competition for places at club level can be seen clearly in their improved levels of fitness and organisation with all 15 starters being drawn from the five Welsh super clubs.
Thirteen of the players involved in this match will turn out for their clubs in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals which take place on the weekend of 9/10/11 of April.
Ireland: Munster 7 (O'Gara, Stringer, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Foley, Sheahan); Llanelli Scarlets 1 (Simon Easterbury)
Wales: Llanelli Scarlets 5 (Stephen Jones, Thomas, McBryde, Dafydd Jones, Peel)
