Wales 18-27 Ireland: Josh van der Flier hopes to ‘press on’ after clinching Triple Crown

Josh van der Flier says Ireland will look to “press on” against France after securing the Six Nations Triple Crown with a hard-fought victory over a resurgent Wales in Cardiff.

After losing Garry Ringrose to a 20-minute red card, Ireland recovered from an 18-10 deficit to win 28-17 and move to within two wins of a third straight title and a second Grand Slam in three attempts.

Ireland host France, who hammered Italy 73-24 on Sunday, in Dublin on 8 March before taking on the Italians in their final game in Rome a week later.

“As we always say, we’ll take each game as it comes but today was particularly special because of the prospect of a Triple Crown,” said Van der Flier, who has played every minute of Ireland’s campaign.

“We’ve won it a few times recently but even speaking to my grandad, he was saying that when he was a kid, the Triple Crown was the only thing we’d ever get to play for really and it was special when we won one.

“We’re pleased with that but obviously we’ll be looking to press on against France next and give it all in that game and see how we go.”

While Ireland blew England away in the second half and proved too strong for Scotland, they were pushed all the way by a rejuvenated Wales playing their first match under interim boss Matt Sherratt.

“It was a special match to be involved in to see how hard the lads worked for each other,” added the 2022 world player of the year.

“One lad [Cian Prendergast] had to drop out this morning because he was sick, it can be messy, it’s a physical game

“There’s a lot going on, especially away from home, it’s always tricky.

“There’s a lot of pride to be a part of the group, the lads managed to dig deep and pull a win out because it was different than the last two games but importantly we managed to turn it into a win.”