“We are bitterly disappointed to have lost our first game,” he said. “There were parts of the game where we had them under pressure, but we gave away too many errors. Fair play to Ireland, they had us struggling for possession towards the end of the game and we didn’t seem to be able to get out of our half.”

Wales Head Coach Gareth Jenkins, who was in charge for his first RBS Six Nations game, admitted his side had been naive at times and had failed to capitalise on periods of intense pressure upon the Irish defence.

“It was a wasted opportunity, we gave away tries far too easily,” he said. “Our spirit and endeavour was good, but we showed a touch of naivety at times which cost us, but we have to carry ourselves up to Scotland next week in a positive mood.

“The Irish are a wily old bunch, they controlled the game without having much ball for long periods of time. They have another gear to go up, that is why they are pre-tournament favourites.

“They scored three tries and at times I was left wondering where those tries came from, that is the mark of a good side.”