 Ireland did not win their first game until 13 March 1887, a 4–1 win over Wales in Belfast.Between their debut and this game, they had a run of 14 defeats and 1 draw, the longest run without a win in the 19th century.Despite the end of this run, heavy defeats continued to blight Ireland's record, including 3 March 1888 when they lost 0–11 to Wales, and on 23 February 1901 when they lost 0–11 to Scotland.