We got out of jail - Gatland

Warren Gatland: Happy to take the result

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• Wales pip Ireland at the death
• Hardest kick ever - Halfpenny

Wales boss Warren Gatland admits his troops were a tad lucky to leave Dublin with a win on Sunday, having beaten Ireland 23-21.

A last-minute penalty from full-back Leigh Halfpenny snatched a win for the Welsh who were without Bradley Davies for ten crucial second-half minutes after he was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle.

Ireland had their fair share of possession but were unable to translate it into points, a fact that Gatland is well aware could have been very different on another day.

"We were reasonably lucky. I thought we were only at about 70% today. But to come here and be under pressure and to come back with 14 men shows great character," said Gatland.

"The displeasing thing was a bit of a lack of discipline with the yellow card. We got out of jail, but we've won our first game of the tournament away from home. We were down at half-time in the World Cup against Samoa, but we kept our patience and finished on top of them. That is what Test match rugby is all about - taking your opportunities.

"We have been unlucky in the past a few times in the last minute, so we will take that any day."

Gatland reserved particular praise for winger George North who enjoyed a great day out.

"George North was absolutely world class, particularly when he bumped off Fergus McFadden and passed out of the back for Jonathan Davies to score. It just shows what potential he does have," said the Kiwi.

Wales may be without Davies for their next encounter with the lock facing the possibility of a citing for his tackle on Donacha Ryan.

"We've got to plan, potentially, for him being cited," explained Gatland.

"I've seen a replay, and I won't deny it wasn't fantastic. Potentially, we have got to prepare for the worst.

"There was definite intent there and I wouldn't have argued with the decision if it had been a red card. With the one in the World Cup there wasn't intent and that was the difference in the interpretation of the law," he added.

Skipper Sam Warburton may also be a doubt for the game after he failed to return for the second forty after taking a blow to the leg. Looking from the sidelines - as he did during Wales' World Cup semi-final against France - Warburton admits he found it hard to watch at times.

"I suffered a dead leg after 10 or 15 minutes and then I took another knock just before half-time. I will get it iced and treated then the medics will make a call in the 24 hours," said the flanker.

"I couldn't watch for parts of the game - it was unbelievable. Those sorts of games don't happen very often.

"It reminded me of the semi-final in the World Cup, sitting there and knowing you can't do anything - it was agonising. I thought we were very smart in the second half even with a player down and our big boys ran hard and that made a massive difference.

"Being at the same club as Leigh I see him after training spending ages on the pitch banging them over all day long. It's a bit different when you have 50,000 Irishmen against you.

"He deserves that because he was gutted about the World Cup semi-final miss and he is chuffed with that kick. He did fantastically well."

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