Wales slipped to a 15th straight defeat in a 27-18 home loss to Six Nations champions Ireland on Saturday, but the hosts played with endeavour and ambition not seen in recent games.

Ireland has condemned Wales to a record-extending 15th straight rugby loss after overcoming a 20-minute red card to rally for a 27-18 win and stay on course for an unprecedented third Six Nations title in a row.

Ireland were far from their best but Simon Easterby’s side dug deep to show incredible character to overcome a resurgent Wales in a 27-18 win at the Principlaity Stadium. It appeared as if the early Welsh enthusiasm was flattened with just seven minutes on the clock as Jack Conan powered his way over the line.

Sam Prendergast kicked 17 points as Ireland won the Triple Crown in Cardiff on Saturday with a closely-fought 27-18 Six Nations victory over Wales that extended the host nation’s losing streak to 15 matches.