Francis features in Welsh draw

Ireland let a 13-point lead slip as Wales fought back for a draw in a compelling Six Nations match in Dublin.

The home team led 13-0 after 28 minutes thanks to Conor Murray's try and eight points from the boot of Johnny Sexton.

But Wales, who used Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis as a second half replacement, hit back with Taulupe Faletau's try converted by replacement fly-half Rhys Priestland, whose 72nd-minute penalty edged Wales 16-13 ahead.

Sexton's third penalty squared things moments later, while Priestland's late drop-goal attempt was off target in a breathless finale.

Post-match, Welsh coach Warren Gatland admitted to feeling flat and frustrated following the final whistle.

The New Zealander was happy with the way his side fought back from 13-0 down to lead 16-13 with eight minutes remaining, but Sexton's late penalty spoiled what could have been a good day for Wales.

"I'm not satisfied at all - I'm feeling pretty flat at the moment," said Gatland. "It's disappointing that you've played one game and even though it's not a loss you've taken a couple of trophies out of the cabinet already. You can't win the Triple Crown and you can't win the Grand Slam so that's disappointing."

Meanwhile, Irish skipper Rory Best added: "No-one's happy with a draw, but it took character to come back after going behind for the first time with five minutes left on the clock," he said.

"We got the good start we wanted, but then let them score 10 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half. We will digest the result and then assess how happy we are with it."