Wales suffered a sixth straight Test defeat as Ireland ran out 32-9 winners in the opening Autumn Nations Cup clash in Dublin on Friday, piling more pressure on Wayne Pivac. 

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was forced off with a hamstring problem during the first half as the new tournament got under way, yet the hosts still had little trouble in claiming a comfortable victory. 

Sexton kicked two penalties and converted Quinn Roux's try before going off, with Billy Burns' boot then giving Ireland a 16-6 lead at the break. 

Leigh Halfpenny hit his third penalty of the match to lift Wales to nine points soon after the break, but further penalties from Burns and Conor Murray put Ireland well in control before debutant James Lowe wrapped up the win. 

It leaves Wales coach Pivac under increasing scrutiny, with the 2019 World Cup semi-finalists having failed to come close to the performances achieved under Warren Gatland. 

Wales have the chance to respond when they host Georgia next week, while Ireland take on Six Nations champions England at Twickenham.