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Adams' hit on Sexton was 'quite reckless and cynical' | Andy Dunne

Wales' Josh Adams was 'lucky' not to have been red carded for his shoulder charge on Johnny Sexton, according to Andy Dunne.

Stephen Kisbey-Green

Rugby

Adams' hit on Sexton was 'quite reckless and cynical' | Andy Dunne

Stephen Kisbey-Green

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Wales' Josh Adams was 'lucky' not to have been red carded for his shoulder charge on Johnny Sexton, according to former Connacht and Leinster outhalf Andy Dunne.

Ireland got their Guinness Six Nations campaign off to a winning start with a comprehensive victory over defending champions Wales on Saturday.

Mack Hansen on debut shone for the Irish, getting involved in everything alongside Connacht teammate Bundee Aki.

However, one of the biggest talking points from the match was Josh Adams' yellow card for a shoulder charge on Ireland captain Johnny Sexton.

It took place in the 49th minute of the match. Wales' scrumhalf Tomos Williams put in a chip kick for Adams to chase, however Sexton seemed to have gotten there first, before Adams hit the Irish outhalf just below the chin with his shoulder.

Referee Jaco Peyper and his TMO discussed the matter, and landed on a yellow card. However, Dunne felt that it could have been more.

'It was probably half an inch away from a clear red card' | 🟥

Andy Dunne discussed that yellow card to Josh Adams that nearly knocked Johnny Sexton clean out | 🏉

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Speaking to OTB Sports' Aisling O'Reilly after the match, Dunne felt that Adams was lucky to have only received a yellow card.

"It was probably one inch, maybe half an inch away from a clear red card," Dunn said. "Tomos Williams at nine had put in a speculative chip for Adams to chase through.

"As the oval ball can bounce in any direction, it bounced right between the path of Sexton and Adams on a collision course.

"You would have expected Adams to try and go for the ball. He ignored it by nearly a meter and full-on shoulder charged Sexton half an inch below the chin.

"It looked like a whiplash effect even for Sexton. The whole crowd here were delighted to see him get up and play on from that, and he didn't look too worse for wear.

"Adams, it was quite reckless, cynical and he was very lucky to stay on the field."

Player Ratings | Big Mack Hansen is loving it as Ireland punish Wales

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