Ireland Six Nations star caught using sly tactic against Wales rival as commentator laughs

Andrew Porter and Gareth Thomas.

Andrew Porter was spotted throwing away the boot of his Welsh rival Gareth Thomas during Ireland’s Six Nations victory on Saturday. Andy Farrell’s side won 31-7 to continue their perfect start to the campaign, but not without some dark arts at play for the hosts.

Thomas’ shoe had come off during a ruck in Dublin in the second half and as he went to retrieve it and go again, Porter got to it first and threw it back towards Ireland’s posts.

His throw ensured that the Welsh prop could not retrieve his footwear until a break in play or his side turned the ball over as he would be put in an offside position, while temporarily leaving his side a man down.

He had to be wary of his foot being stepped on without adequate protection and continued playing on without a right boot, taking offence at Porter’s underhanded tactics.

Andrew Porter.

He pushed Porter and the pair got in each other’s faces before the Ospreys man had to get back behind the ball and defend another wave of Irish attack.

ITV commentator Miles Harrison appeared to enjoy the exchange, laughing as he noticed that “a boot had been dispatched back to half-way”. Porter then ran directly into Thomas in an attempt to block a kick forward.

Andrew Porter throwing a shoe.

The exchange had come in a moment of respite for Ireland, having withstood momentous pressure from Wales in the second half. But once again their defence stood strong and kept Warren Gatland’s side to just seven points.

Ireland took their 18th consecutive Test win on Irish soil thanks to tries from Dan Sheehan, James Lowe, Ciaran Frawley and Tadhg Beirne.

Beirne and James Ryan picked up yellow cards but the hosts quelled any hope of a Welsh comeback in the second half, having taken a 17-0 lead into half-time before a spirited Wales performance in the second half.