Ireland vs Wales - WELSH TEAM ANNOUNCED AT 11:50 THIS MORNING...!

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Ireland Six Nations 2012 Squad

15 -Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) Captain
6 - Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 -Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
19 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)



WALES SQUAD

BACKS

Scrumhalf
Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE)
Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES)
Rhys WEBB (OSPREYS)

Flyhalf
Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS)
James HOOK (PERPIGNAN)

Centre 3/4s
Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES)
Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS)
Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS)
Gavin HENSON (CARDIFF BLUES)
Ashley BECK (OSPREYS – Uncapped)

Wing 3/4s
George NORTH (SCARLETS)
Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES)
Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES)
Harry ROBINSON (CARDIFF BLUES)

Fullbacks
Liam WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Uncapped)
Lee BYRNE (ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE)

FORWARDS

Tightheads
Craig MITCHELL (EXETER CHIEFS)
Adam JONES (OSPREYS)

Looseheads
Ryan BEVINGTON (OSPREYS)
Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES)
Rhys GILL (SARACENS)

Adaptable to both sides of the Scrum
Paul JAMES (OSPREYS)
Rhodri JONES (SCARLETS – Uncapped)

Hookers
Matthew REES (SCARLETS)
Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS)
Ken OWENS (SCARLETS)

Locks
Bradley DAVIES (BLUES)
Ian EVANS (OSPREYS)
Lou REED (SCARLETS – Uncapped)

Back Five Option
Ryan JONES (OSPREYS)

Blindside Flank Forward
Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS)

Openside Flank Forward
Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN)
Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS)

Number 8s
Toby FALETAU (Dragons)
Andy POWELL (Sale)


Its a month away, just 31 days to the opening game for Wales and Ireland. The excitement of the start of the tournament is as thrilling as it has ever been. I think we are hoping that both sides will show some of the new talent on display in the HEC given their chances at International level. A mix of experience blended in well to temper the exuberance of youth when it is needed.


How do the teams match up historically?

First ever Ireland vs Wales was at Lansdowne Road, Dublin on the 28th of January 1882.

Ireland nil – 2G, 4T Wales
Try: Evans
Bridie
Clapp
Baker Jones

Con: Lewis (2)


The winning result for Wales was their first ever victory in International Rugby. Since then the two Nations have played for the following results.

117 Played 117
47 Wins 64
64 Losses 47
6 Draws 6
164 Tries 201
85 Conversions 98
131 Penalties 126
21 Drop Goals 33
1227 Points 1353
39.66% Success Rate 54.31%

Last meeting was in the Quarter Finals of the RWC 2011. Wales were victorious in a classic encounter. Both nations fielded exceptionally good teams that had done well in their previous pool matches.

The game previous was in the 2011 Six Nations with another win for Wales, controversial due to the try that should not have been allowed scored by Mike Phillips.

I agree with you on Beck i've watched his progress and have always been impressed by him. Hopefully he'll get some game time, he has so much potential and could be a perfect foil for Roberts. I think he has a lot more potential than Scott Williams or Jon Davies.

I think Scott Williams and Jon Davies are suffering a little form Post RWC syndrom, though I thought both looked effective for the Scarlets last weekend.

Many of the RWC team have not played much rugby since, when they have played they haven't had much warm up playing time first and may not be at their physical best.

Lets hope that the Training camp in Poland resolves that and get the squad firing again....!

The biggest issue of integrating a center into the first team is that you would likely wish to do it from the bench where if you have one free place for a back after selecting two half backs you would likely wish to have a wing/fullback rather than a Center who could cover wing if they had to...

I think Scott Williams and Jon Davies are suffering a little form Post RWC syndrom, though I thought both looked effective for the Scarlets last weekend.

What! If they couldn't beat a man themselves they could do Porthcawl. When they did beat a man did they link up? Did they heck! It's not post WC syndrome its called "believing your own hype"

Glas a du wrote:

I think Scott Williams and Jon Davies are suffering a little form Post RWC syndrom, though I thought both looked effective for the Scarlets last weekend.

What! If they couldn't beat a man themselves they could do Porthcawl. When they did beat a man did they link up? Did they heck! It's not post WC syndrome its called "believing your own hype"

I was referring to them not playing as well as they had previously. Not their encompassed ability.

Glas also really want to hear your opinions on deriding Priestland in your previous post....?

Not many people have said a bad word against him and i think your points might be very interesting.

OK. I think the boy's a liability. He can't tackle, his head drops visibly when he's off his game. He can suffer terrible yips in kicking. In his favour his distribution is good, but Northampton worked out that he was not going to make breaks and flew up at the midfield and he was stuck. When he does try breaks he doesn't get anywhere and if you lay a hand on him he goes down. He does show flashes of brilliance, but these are more than cancelled out by general flakiness and lack of substance.

What other options do we have Glas
Biggar, Tovey, Matthew Morgan?
We don't have a lot of depth in Wales and hes the best we have at the moment.

Glas a du wrote:OK. I think the boy's a liability. He can't tackle, his head drops visibly when he's off his game. He can suffer terrible yips in kicking. In his favour his distribution is good, but Northampton worked out that he was not going to make breaks and flew up at the midfield and he was stuck. When he does try breaks he doesn't get anywhere and if you lay a hand on him he goes down. He does show flashes of brilliance, but these are more than cancelled out by general flakiness and lack of substance.

Would dropping him and selecting say Stephen Jones or Nicky Robinson or Dan Biggar do more for Wales now and in the near future?

The fly half factory deffinately isn't offering overtime at the moment.

Wish Karrrdifff had given Henson a go at 10 so we could suss him out maybe.

When was the last time Hook actually played for his club ?

What Priestland is lacking is consistency. It's the same thing Hook was/is lacking, but if the Scarlets keep playing Priest at 10, then hopefully that aspect of his game will improve.

Also, I thought Roberts was already out of the first 2 matches of the 6N's? I personally can't see him starting against Ireland anyways.

I would try Foxy and Beck to start against Ireland, with Scott on the bench to help shore things up in the 2nd half. (or alternatively start Foxy and Scott with Beck on the bench to inject some creativity).

Hook played for Perpignan the game before the Dragons where they rested a lot of their first team and he played well

Madness to even suggest first cap for Beck v Ireland, i'd prefer Henson

maestegmafia wrote:

Glas a du wrote:OK. I think the boy's a liability. He can't tackle, his head drops visibly when he's off his game. He can suffer terrible yips in kicking. In his favour his distribution is good, but Northampton worked out that he was not going to make breaks and flew up at the midfield and he was stuck. When he does try breaks he doesn't get anywhere and if you lay a hand on him he goes down. He does show flashes of brilliance, but these are more than cancelled out by general flakiness and lack of substance.

Would dropping him and selecting say Stephen Jones or Nicky Robinson or Dan Biggar do more for Wales now and in the near future?

The best thing yo can do for the future as the 1st line international team is win your games. Win your games and the rest will fall into place. If Stephen can win us the game he should play. I rate Biggar as next in line and then Tovey/Priestland/Morgan. I would go as far as to say the tragedy of Shingler was that he didn't stay in the Scarlets because F Preistland was the teacher's pet and Shingler knew he was the better player.

munkian wrote:The fly half factory deffinately isn't offering overtime at the moment.

Wish Karrrdifff had given Henson a go at 10 so we could suss him out maybe.

When was the last time Hook actually played for his club ?

Hook missed last weeks game but played the one before. They are using him in the Top14 rather than the Amlin.

Glas a du wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Glas a du wrote:OK. I think the boy's a liability. He can't tackle, his head drops visibly when he's off his game. He can suffer terrible yips in kicking. In his favour his distribution is good, but Northampton worked out that he was not going to make breaks and flew up at the midfield and he was stuck. When he does try breaks he doesn't get anywhere and if you lay a hand on him he goes down. He does show flashes of brilliance, but these are more than cancelled out by general flakiness and lack of substance.

Would dropping him and selecting say Stephen Jones or Nicky Robinson or Dan Biggar do more for Wales now and in the near future?

The best thing yo can do for the future as the 1st line international team is win your games. Win your games and the rest will fall into place. If Stephen can win us the game he should play. I rate Biggar as next in line and then Tovey/Priestland/Morgan. I would go as far as to say the tragedy of Shingler was that he didn't stay in the Scarlets because F Preistland was the teacher's pet and Shingler knew he was the better player.

Ok now it just sounds like you're trolling Glas. How can you say that Biggar or Tovey are ahead of Priestland or Hook. I don't think Stephen can win us games, he's shown us how limited he is in the past.

OK. I'm out. I'm not trolling, I'm not even going to point out how far wide of the mark you are with the last sentence. I have a view, you now know what it is. Nos da.

Gatts wrote:Madness to even suggest first cap for Beck v Ireland, i'd prefer Henson

It is a bit, but from what I recall, Beck's had some of his best games against Irish opposition in the Pro12 this season - can any O's fans clarify this?

Sure it's a risk, but Gatlands gambled plenty of times before. Twill be whether they think he's up to it defensively if he gets a shout imo.

Beck has particualry shone against Irish opposition

Glas a du wrote:OK. I'm out. I'm not trolling, I'm not even going to point out how far wide of the mark you are with the last sentence. I have a view, you now know what it is. Nos da.

I'm just calling you out mate. Stephen Jones is a good player but he is limited. He is a pretty good distributor of the ball, he is an ok goal kicker, he is good at organising and he is a good defender. On the other hand his kicking out of hand is aimless, his running game is limited and he loses his head in big matches.
How can you say Tovey or Biggar are ahead of Priestland because:
"he can't tackle, his head drops visibly when he's off his game and he can suffer terrible yips in his kicking"
and
"When he does try breaks he doesn't get anywhere and if you lay a hand on him he goes down"
When Tovey and Biggar are so much worse than Priestland in those aspects.

You have an opinion i respect that but i disagree with it.

Glas a du wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Glas a du wrote:OK. I think the boy's a liability. He can't tackle, his head drops visibly when he's off his game. He can suffer terrible yips in kicking. In his favour his distribution is good, but Northampton worked out that he was not going to make breaks and flew up at the midfield and he was stuck. When he does try breaks he doesn't get anywhere and if you lay a hand on him he goes down. He does show flashes of brilliance, but these are more than cancelled out by general flakiness and lack of substance.

Would dropping him and selecting say Stephen Jones or Nicky Robinson or Dan Biggar do more for Wales now and in the near future?

The best thing yo can do for the future as the 1st line international team is win your games. Win your games and the rest will fall into place. If Stephen can win us the game he should play. I rate Biggar as next in line and then Tovey/Priestland/Morgan. I would go as far as to say the tragedy of Shingler was that he didn't stay in the Scarlets because F Preistland was the teacher's pet and Shingler knew he was the better player.

That is true to a degree. Throughout the 1950's we played very much the same team, in the sixties we had a generation missing game time, we did the same from the late sixties to the late seventies and the eighties we had the same problem, we had a great team developing by the late eighties and we lost most of them to rugby league.

Wales need to learn from this recurring pattern. We need to think of the future, old heads are good but we need to be pragmatic about our future talents too. Stephen Jones has been a bit part player since his 100th cap against the Baa Baa's. He is no longer even the first choice at the Scarlets, so it wasn't a massive surprise to not see him included.

Priestland has had a good five years under Jones at the Scarlets patiently learning his trade and his inclusion in the welsh squad has paid dividends. I don't think Jones, Biggar, Robinson, Morgan or Tovey have done enough to warrant selection ahead of him.

Stephen Jones is a good player but he is limited. I accept he isn't perfect

He is a pretty good distributor of the ball, he is an ok goal kicker, he is good at organising and he is a good defender. Yes

On the other hand his kicking out of hand is aimless, It can be at times

his running game is limited yes, but, he deals with poor ball excellently and manages the game well

and he loses his head in big matches I don't accept that. I'd need evidence of it

Tovey and Biggar are so much worse than Priestland in those aspects (mentioned) Tovey has the yips bit gives a natural attacking flair and excellent attacking kicks from hand, Biggar is a solid defender, kicks well from the tee and marshalls his backline superbly, he has the mental edge and in a better side would grow into a better all round player, much as I can't stand the bloke.

Biggar is a poor defender not a solid one mate....!

Nah he's right Biggar is a solid defender, much better then Morgan or Tovey, anyways.

Glas a du wrote: Biggar is a solid defender, kicks well from the tee and marshalls his backline superbly, he has the mental edge and in a better side would grow into a better all round player, much as I can't stand the bloke.[/i]

Are you Biggars Dad? Tackling and backline marshalling, he's the worst! He kicks the leather off the thing and always tries to drop-goal but misses. He is by far the worst outside half to watch. This isn't just my opinion, it seems to be the overall verdict on here where people are from all over Wales. I've got friends in the valleys who all also hate the guy and say he's crap.

Hey Im an osprey fan and Biggar is rubbish. cant pass, cant run, can kick but thats about it, I mean Hes the Welsh Dan Parks without the goalkicking consistency.

rugbydreamer wrote:Nah he's right Biggar is a solid defender, much better then Morgan or Tovey, anyways.

Tovey and Morgan are not great comparisons RD. One is always injured the other is small for a rugby player and in his first season.

Biggar is very poor in defence and he blames other for missed tackles he didnt make far too often.

He will improve, just needs time, he is only 22.

Roberts possibly out for the first game...!

Becks big chance?

Who should Warren Gatland select?
From that source of fine and accurate opinion The Western Mail...

With just a fortnight to go until Wales' Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin, our rugby writers pick their starting XVs and we ask you to select the men you think should carry the nation's hopes in the opening match.

Simon Thomas' verdict

EVERY rugby follower in Wales will be taking on the role of selector over the next week or so and we’re no different here in the media.

Clearly, only one man’s opinion really counts – a certain Warren Gatland.


But we all have our own ideas about what team we would like to see running out against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in 15 days time and here are mine.

Ideally, you would like to be picking from a fully-fit complement of players, but it just doesn’t work that way.

So, we will have to make do without the first-choice locks from the World Cup, Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris.

That is a loss because their phenomenal work-rate was a key factor in Wales’ heroic displays out in New Zealand.

It leaves us down to just two experienced second-row specialists in Bradley Davies and Ian Evans for the trip to Dublin.

There is be a temptation to go for Ryan Jones, who has played most of his rugby at lock for the Ospreys this season and would certainly offer the same kind of tireless work-rate as the absent duo.

But, with Paul O’Connell prowling the lineout jungle, we’ll need the height of the 6ft 8ins Evans, while Davies offers a physical presence at the front of the line and a vital ball-carrying option.

The other position where injury has a big bearing on selection in inside centre.

If Jamie Roberts were fit, he would be a shoe-in, having been the stand-out No. 12 at the World Cup.

But the Blues banger is struggling to recover from the knee ligament damage he suffered against the Dragons just before Christmas.

He won’t be able to return to full training until just days before the Ireland game and you just feel it would be pushing things a little too hard to try and get him on to the field in Dublin.

It may well be better to give him another week to get back to 100 per cent for the second championship match at home to Scotland.

Losing Roberts for the Irish opener would obviously be a blow because he is a genuine world-class player, but Wales are fortunate that centre is one position where they are well-blessed.

Moreover, it would provide an opportunity for Jonathan Davies to line up in his regional position of inside centre, where he has been so devastating for the Scarlets.

Davies has taken a fair bit of flak over his passing at 13 and some of that has certainly been justified.

But, in fairness, that outside centre position hasn’t really allowed him to play to his strengths.

If he was handed the Roberts crash-ball role, you might well see a different player, as he consistently causes carnage there for the Scarlets, particularly when receiving straight from the scrum-half.

Having Davies at 12 would create an opening at 13 and I would go for James Hook, whose running ability and creativity could be lethal in the wider channel.

As for replacing Shane, I’d opt for another Williams in the versatile Liam, whose spikiness and speed appeals, which would allow the on-fire Leigh Halfpenny to continue at full-back, where he took the World Cup by storm.

Simon's Team: 15 Leigh Halfpenny 14 George North 13 James Hook 12 Jonathan Davies 11 Liam Williams 10 Rhys Priestland Mike Phillips 1 Gethin Jenkins 2 Matthew Rees 3 Adam Jones 4 Bradley Davies 5 Ian Evans 6 Dan Lydiate 8 Toby Faletau 7 Sam Warburton

Reps: Rhys Gill, Huw Bennett, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Scott Williams, Alex Cuthbert



Delme Parfitt's verdict

WE all know how great Shane Williams was – still is even – but only in the process of selecting a side for Dublin in two weeks’ time have I realised just how great.

For nigh on 12 years, his name has been inked in at No.11, a given, the best we have, a world class banker selection.

So now he’s gone, who replaces him?

I mulled over the conundrum for about 20 minutes, wasn’t 100% comfortable with what most would see as more obvious options such as Liam Williams and Alex Cuthbert, and so decided to stick my neck out and plump for Blues rookie Harry Robinson.

I can see mouthfuls of tea being spat across breakfast tables as we speak.

Admittedly, it goes against all logic to throw the jersey for a white-hot clash with Ireland on their home turf to an 18-year-old with no real track record even at regional level.

But since Robinson was called up to the 35-man training squad last Tuesday, I’ve watched a lot more footage of him playing, albeit some of it Sevens.

And for me, there’s something of the X-Factor about the boy that has made me less and less surprised Warren Gatland chose to elevate him.

The New Zealander always highlights how important the ‘three Ss’ – speed, size and skill – are in assessing the merits of individual players.

Robinson has speed and skill in abundance, and while he may lack a bit of the other commodity, he is not short of strength, a little bit like Williams who, for a wee man was always as strong as an ox.

Robinson has aggression too, he doesn’t lack for confidence, so why not?

I remember a 19-year-old waif named Rhys Williams making his Wales debut against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2000. Nobody thought he was remotely ready, but he was fearless, and ended up contending for the man of the match award.

It’s happened numerous times in the past as well – Keith Jarrett anyone? – so what the hell, even if this upcoming match does not strike you as the sort of environment for a rookie.

Elsewhere, I’ve gone with Leigh Halfpenny at full-back on the basis that he performed brilliantly there at the World Cup, is on form in the role for the Blues and does not want to be moved.

It is great news that Lee Byrne appears to be rediscovering himself at Clermont, but having not seen enough of him playing I’ve stuck with Halfpenny.

For me, the only other contentious selection is at centre.

I’ve gone for Jamie Roberts at 13 despite concerns about his fitness, purely because he is so central to everything Wales do in attack.

I’d have him at outside-centre, further away from the decision making at 12 where I’d put James Hook as a second five-eighth to provide the midfield guile Wales have lacked and take some of the pressure off Rhys Priestland at 10.

Up front, I think in a way it’s heartening that the eight more or less picks itself, but the one concern is at second-row where we are without the first choice World Cup partnership of Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris, which means we may only be an injury or two away from a crisis in that department.

Delme's team: 15 Leigh Halfpenny 14 George North 13 Jamie Roberts 12 James Hook 11 Harry Robinson 10 Rhys Priestland 9 Mike Phillips 1 Gethin Jenkins 2 Matthew Rees 3 Adam Jones 4 Bradley Davies 5 Ian Evans 6 Dan Lydiate 7 Sam Warburton 8 Toby Faletau

Reps: Paul James, Huw Bennett, Ryan Jones, Andy Powell, Lee Byrne, Lloyd Williams, Jonathan Davies.



Andy Howell's verdict

IT won’t take Warren Gatland too long to pick his Wales team to face Ireland for what will be a super-charged opening to this season’s Six Nations.

Wales make their first visit to Dublin’s plush new Aviva Stadium and the clash has got all the ingredients to be absolutely pivotal to the European title race.

If Gatland’s men get it right and return from the Irish capital with a rare victory, I can see them powering past Scotland, England and Italy to set up a potential Grand Slam decider with France in Cardiff in two months time.

It’s the retirement of Wales record try-scorer Shane Williams which will give Gatland most cause for concern.

Great Entertainer Shane’s decision to bow out of international rugby shouldn’t be underestimated because he wasn’t just a finisher but a brilliant attacking catalyst.

Nobody can fill his boots in the same way so Wales have to improvise. The problem Gatland has is it would be a monumental gamble to throw in rookies Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert or Harry Robinson against an Irish team on its own patch and thirsting for revenge after being knocked out of the World Cup 22-10 by Wales in a Wellington-staged quarter-final.

Powerhouse teenager George North will be switched from right to left-wing, as happened over the last year when Shane was missing through injury and much will be expected of him with nine tries in just 16 outings to his name.

But who should play at right-wing and full-back? Leigh Halfpenny was a roaring success at full-back as Wales finished a marvellous fourth at the World Cup and I’d be loathe to move him back to the wing, but needs must on this occasion.

Negotiating the Dublin cauldron will require experience so I’d recall Lee Byrne at full-back.

Many thought his Test career was over after he fell out of favour in New Zealand but the 31-year-old has bounced back since leaving the Ospreys for French powerhouses Clermont Auvergne with a string of valued performances.

Up front, Rhys Gill is pushing hard with some terrific displays for English champions Saracens but old head Gethin Jenkins is needed at loose-head prop against Ireland and I’d stick with Huw Bennett at hooker.

First-choice locks Luke Charteris and Alun Wyn Jones are both missing through long-term injury so Ian Evans and Bradley Davies, who were in the team defeated by Australia at the Millennium Stadium last month, deserve to remain with the versatile Ryan Jones on a bench containing five forwards and two backs in scrum-half Lloyd Williams and James Hook.

For me there would be no Gavin Henson because it’s either all or nothing with him – you either put him in from the start or not at all.

Ireland will be slight favourites but I’ve no doubt my Welsh team could beat them on February 5. Warren, you decide!

Andy Howell’s Wales team to beat Ireland: 15 Lee Byrne 14 Leigh Halfpenny 13 Jonathan Davies 12 Jamie Roberts 11 George North 10 Rhys Priestland 9 Mike Phillips 1 Gethin Jenkins 2 Huw Bennett 3 Adam Jones 4 Bradley Davies 5 Ian Evans 6 Dan Lydiate 8 Toby Faletau 7 Sam Warburton (capt).

Reps: Matthew Rees, Paul James, Rhys Gill, Ryan Jones, Andy Powell, Lloyd Williams, James Hook.



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/01/21/analysis-who-should-start-wales-six-nations-opener-against-ireland-select-your-team-91466-30167035/#ixzz1k5CKPgES

Matthew Rees has a Shoulder injury again

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/01/20/matthew-rees-ruled-out-of-scarlets-clash-v-castres-with-shoulder-injury-91466-30166258/

It's just bruising to his shoulder so he should be fine.

Let's hope so. We are already suffering a few injuries, two first choice locks will be huge.

If Bennett reporduces his WC form then Rees' injury wouldn't be that big a blow BUT as much as I have eaten humble pie about Bennett I still fear it was a flash in the pan.

Ken Owens has been the form Hooker over the last month. He has been fantastic in my opinion.

Cian Heeley just limped off during the second half of the Leinster match

Lydiate has come off with an ankle injury , don't know how bad

munkian wrote:Lydiate has come off with an ankle injury , don't know how bad

:/

Still have Ryan Jones

*que ryan jones injury

munkian wrote:Lydiate has come off with an ankle injury , don't know how bad

Noooooooooooooooooooooo. Hope its not to bad and the freezer in Poland will get Mr Bionic back up and running again, after all C'mon Danny whats a little ankle sprain after breaking your neck and coming back to highest level

He limped off without help so should be Ok. Dragons have 5 tries at half time and I couldn't go , Grrrrrr

Home advantage should be enough for Ireland especially when they have a score to settle. Wales are as good as they have been in the last 20 years but they are probably the most inconsistant 6N team and I reckon they peaked at the WC.

Ireland have France away in round two. Hopefully, although Ireland are often slow starters, they will see the Wales game as absolutely must win for a sucessful campaign and put in an excellent performance. Stating the obvious I know but lose v Wales and then an away trip to France could but spell the start of a calamitous season where world ranking points are vital.

leinsterbaby wrote:Home advantage should be enough for Ireland especially when they have a score to settle. Wales are as good as they have been in the last 20 years but they are probably the most inconsistant 6N team and I reckon they peaked at the WC.

Ireland have France away in round two. Hopefully, although Ireland are often slow starters, they will see the Wales game as absolutely must win for a sucessful campaign and put in an excellent performance. Stating the obvious I know but lose v Wales and then an away trip to France could but spell the start of a calamitous season where world ranking points are vital.

Surely there was a score to settle after the last six nations ? And it was a knockout WC match , if you are 'up for it' then , when can you be ?

I'm not sure what you mean by as good as they have been the last 20 years ? Ireland have done little with what has to be their golden generation and Kidney is doing little to build the next one.

The score to settle I was referring to was the WC prior to that Ireland lost in Wales, big deal, its Wales' home ground if Wales are good they should win all their games there. Ireland finished ahead of Wales anyway in the end so no big deal.

By saying as "as good as they have been the last 20 years" I mean Wales over the last 20 years have had some good teams some poor ones. This team ranks up with their best in the last 20 years and crucially they have some depth now in crucial positions.

No point really in commenting on the "golden generation" comment as it is something you only really hear in British media outlets. It isnt something we really think about here in Ireland.

I'm hardly going to hear the views of the Irish media am I ? Anyway , my Leinster girlfriend and Ulster flat mate have similar opinions to me. You are of course entitled to yours but I don't agree.

And as this thread is about Wales v Ireland of course the last six nations game matters

Priest land and Lydiate injured today not good

munkian wrote:Anyway , my Leinster girlfriend and Ulster flat mate have similar opinions to me.

They probably just say that to shut you up

leinsterbaby wrote:The score to settle I was referring to was the WC prior to that Ireland lost in Wales, big deal, its Wales' home ground if Wales are good they should win all their games there. Ireland finished ahead of Wales anyway in the end so no big deal.

By saying as "as good as they have been the last 20 years" I mean Wales over the last 20 years have had some good teams some poor ones. This team ranks up with their best in the last 20 years and crucially they have some depth now in crucial positions.

No point really in commenting on the "golden generation" comment as it is something you only really hear in British media outlets. It isnt something we really think about here in Ireland.

The Irish provincial form has been pretty impressive this weekend.

Dan Lydiate, james Hook, Rhys Priestland, Ryan jones, Matthew Rees all injured.

maestegmafia wrote:Dan Lydiate, james Hook, Rhys Priestland, Ryan jones, Matthew Rees all injured.

Nigel Davies on Priestland - "He's pretty chirpy in the changing rooms. He's walking around pretty well so hopefully it's nothing too serious".

Im Hopefull on Lydiate, Rees we knew had a knock for this weekend, Ryan would be a blow given our dearth of locks.

Tovey had a great game today though so if Hook is out maybe he will ge a chance otherwise it will be wellies and arguments in another thread will become moot.

I thought Ken Owens played really well today for Scarlets. Great around the field, defence too.