Warren Gatland is confident Rhys Patchell will not be ruled out of the World Cup despite being forced off during the 19-10 defeat by Ireland after a blow to the head.
The outside-half did not return following the HIA cuased when he was hit by CJ Stander during the build-up to Ireland’s first try.
Despite leading 10-7 at half-time, Wales suffered a third defeat in their four World Cup warm-up matches but head coach Gatland was unconcerend.
Wales leave for Japan on Wednesday with Gatand expecting Patchell – who suffered two concussions last season — to be on the plane.
He said: “It was just a HIA,” he said. “He’ll be assessed over the next few days.
“He seemed ok in the changing room. He’ll be fine for the World Cup.
“With that knock, he’s probably gone a bit low to make the tackle. We’ll talk to the medics about that and see how he feels over the next few days.”
Pic: Simon King/Replay Images.
Full-back Rob Kearney gave Ireland the lead with a try following the CJ Stander break that ended Patchell’s afternoon.
Wales responded with a Leigh Halfpenny penalty before Hadleigh Parkes crashed out.
But the second-half was played almost entirely in Wales’ half as Tadhg Furlong and James Ryan powered over for tries with Wales conceding a succession of penalties as the defence came under sustained pressure.
The victory took Ireland top of the world rankings for the first time going into the World Cup just weeks after that 57-15 thrashing by England.
But Gatland was unconcerned by the result in Wales’ final outing before they open their campaign against Georgia.
“Not at all, really. That’s what these games are all about,” said Gatland, when asked if he was concerned.
“We tried some things. The turnover rate was disappointing, but we showed some great character.
“Teams could have capitulated there.
“I felt there were a few times where we were pulled up for high tackles and Ireland had been high too. But we’ll learn from that.”
“I thought we played wellfirst-half. We spoke about keeping our discipline and then gave away 10 penalties in the second-half.
“Ireland did what they do well. Off nine, using Bundee Aki. You have to be collision dominant and disciplined.
“Those were two areas that we weren’t up to scratch. Was pleased with the set-piece and scrum.
Ireland: Kearney; Larmour, Henshaw, Aki, Earls; Sexton, Murray; Healy, Best (c), Furlong, Ryan, Kleyn, Stander, van der Flier, Conan.
Replacements: Cronin, Kilcoyne, Porter, Henderson, Ruddock, McGrath, Carty, Ringrose
Wales: Halfpenny; North, Davies, Parkes, Adams; Patchell, Williams; Jones, Dee, Tomas Francis, Ball, Jones (c), Wainwright, Tipuric, Moriarty.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Nicky Smith, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Josh Navidi, Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar, Liam Williams.
