A RESURGENT Wales fired up by the criticism of their dismal defeat against Scotland finally performed to defeat Ireland and end their title aspirations on Friday night.

The capacity crowd sung the home side to victory with an ear-splitting roar within the Millennium Stadium, with a shut roof adding to the atmosphere.

Wales coach Rob Howley has been roundly criticised since last autumn when he stepped in for the absent Warren Gatland, who is on Irish and British Lions duty.