Outstanding performance. It typified the Gatland era, tough and oppressive. At no point did Ireland look like getting anything going, from the very first second to the very last. What a finale. Worthy Grand slam champions. This means Wales are on a 14 test win streak; 17 of their last 20 .
Wales ruling the roost up North. ireland have peaked a while back on on a decline?
I won't be too quick to say they are in decline. Australia and South Africa would have struggled to beat them. As much as they didn't help themselves, this was a classic Gatland choke-hold. Would the SH sides cope with that aerial pressure? Breakdown pressure? Or the set pieces? I don't think so. I think the NH is ahead of the SH now, with New Zealand edging it at #1, but only just. We're in a WC year, and we have three NH sides looking threatening in Wales, England and Ireland. France and Scotland can't be taken for granted. Teams who have been downing South Africa, Australia and Argentina.
