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

by maestegmafia Thu Jan 05, 2012 6:11 pm

First topic message reminder :

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.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:38 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:Ireland were a good side, they have been in terminal decline since the slam in 2009.

Terminal decline? Looks like it'll be a Five Nations championship again soon, then.

by geoff998rugby Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:42 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote: Of their probable team only 3 maybe four would get into the welsh side.

Good one good one..I love these wind ups from an parallel universe Laugh

by RubyGuby Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:45 pm

roddersm wrote:Ruby if Priestland is out I think you will struggle. He pulled the strings during the RWC and without Roberts I don't think the backline will pose much threat.

Gethins injury is a big blow too.

If Jones or Hook play fly half then the play will drift across the field and Wales should be easy enough to defend against to be honest.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:45 pm

luckless_pedestrian wrote:
TycroesOsprey wrote:Ireland were a good side, they have been in terminal decline since the slam in 2009.

Terminal decline? Looks like it'll be a Five Nations championship again soon, then.

Unless Kidney actually starts to evolve the team that won the slam they are going to be also rans. we faced a similar issue after 2008 when our teams senior players were unable to compete at the same level again. We didnt rely upon then to suddenly rediscover the form of 08 and 09 Gatland was shrewd enough to know it wasnt going to happen. So the team went through a major transformation in 2010-2011. we suffered for it in results. Kidney is hoping the same style of play and basically the same players can get back to their 2009 form despite them getting progressively worse year on year.

There is nothing new or different there. I mean ROG in the press today saying its the first step to their grand slam is about as deluded as you can get.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:49 pm

Write 'decline' if you want, but don't write 'terminal decline' unless you mean it.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:50 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:
TycroesOsprey wrote: Of their probable team only 3 maybe four would get into the welsh side.

Good one good one..I love these wind ups from an parallel universe

not a wum. other than Bowe, POC, Healey and Ferris(Healy and Ferris only cos of our current injuries) who else would get into the welsh team? ROG or Sexton over Priestland or Hook, I dont think so. I would happily take Faletau or Warburton over SOB or Heaslip. Phillips is better than Murray. your centres dont even come close. North and Haplfpenny wouldnt be dropped for their possible Irish counterparts. Id rather have our two british lions in the front row than Ross or Best.

by **rodders** Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:52 pm

There is merit in what you are saying Osprey but the reality is that if Wales have the injury problems that have been reported then Ireland should win this game comfortably.

If they don't then Kidney will be under serious pressure. There's no point us building Wales up here into something they are not.

They had a fantastic RWC but they have a lot of injuries and many of their players have not shown anywhere near the same form since.

By contrast many of the Irish players are playing the best rugby of their careers and the depth of talent has never been greater.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:59 pm

If you are relying on our injuries to win then honestly your clutching at straws.

Paul James instead of Gethin - we gain in the scrum is as effective in defence but not as good in the loose and doesnt have Gethins vision. A blow certainly but easily absorbed given how many times we have been without Mellon the last few years.

Bradley and Evans instead of Charts and AWJ. we gain in the scrum ans we also gain two ball carriers. Our lineout is not weakened but we lose somthing in defence. Not really weaker but certainly different. Evans would have been putting up his hand for selection even if Charteris was fit.

Priestland is a blow but its looking like he will make it, if he doesnt we have either our record cap holder or Hook who is in much better form than he was at the RWC.

Lydiate being out is a shame if thats the case, but we have Ryan Jones who is in the best form of his career to come in. Backrow balance is a bit different but Sideways will do the dirty grunt work.

We arent really weakend that much by our injuries but I would suggest Ireland without BOD are.

by Rory_Gallagher Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:03 pm

Ireland without BOD is a step forward in my opinion actually. And no, I think the only thing these injuries provide is an excuse if the Welsh lose. I think whether you had a full team or not, we would probably win (provided Kidney isn't a complete idiot). I mean you did well at the RWC, but the only team of any significance you defeated were us. And you beat us well. But you have lost twice now to Australia, who Ireland beat of course. And as rodders said a lot of these welsh stars haven't been doing so great (Faletau being a huge exception).

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:04 pm

Ireland have known for a good while they'd be without O'Driscoll and have been able to plan accordingly; we're in the week leading up to the match and we don't know who our outside half's going to be. That doesn't help our preparation.

by maestegmafia Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:06 pm

The Western Mail wrote:Charters is LIONS star Ronan O’Gara has warned Wales that Ireland are viewing their Dublin date as the first step on the road to a Grand Slam.

Irish rugby is on a real high with three of their provinces – Munster, Leinster and Ulster – having qualified for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

And veteran outside-half O’Gara lit the touch paper on Sunday’s showdown at the Aviva Stadium by expressing a determination to replicate that success on the Six Nations stage.

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/01/31/confident-ronan-o-gara-warns-wales-irish-are-targeting-six-nations-grand-slam-91466-30230137/#ixzz1l2IR4GOj

by geoff998rugby Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:07 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:
luckless_pedestrian wrote:
TycroesOsprey wrote:Ireland were a good side, they have been in terminal decline since the slam in 2009.

Terminal decline? Looks like it'll be a Five Nations championship again soon, then.

Unless Kidney actually starts to evolve the team that won the slam they are going to be also rans. we faced a similar issue after 2008 when our teams senior players were unable to compete at the same level again. We didnt rely upon then to suddenly rediscover the form of 08 and 09 Gatland was shrewd enough to know it wasnt going to happen. So the team went through a major transformation in 2010-2011. we suffered for it in results. Kidney is hoping the same style of play and basically the same players can get back to their 2009 form despite them getting progressively worse year on year.

There is nothing new or different there. I mean ROG in the press today saying its the first step to their grand slam is about as deluded as you can get.

Sorry but that is blinkered it doesn't deserve a reply - as I say a Wind Up raspberry

by Smirnoffpriest Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:09 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:
luckless_pedestrian wrote:
TycroesOsprey wrote:Ireland were a good side, they have been in terminal decline since the slam in 2009.

Terminal decline? Looks like it'll be a Five Nations championship again soon, then.

Unless Kidney actually starts to evolve the team that won the slam they are going to be also rans. we faced a similar issue after 2008 when our teams senior players were unable to compete at the same level again. We didnt rely upon then to suddenly rediscover the form of 08 and 09 Gatland was shrewd enough to know it wasnt going to happen. So the team went through a major transformation in 2010-2011. we suffered for it in results. Kidney is hoping the same style of play and basically the same players can get back to their 2009 form despite them getting progressively worse year on year.

There is nothing new or different there. I mean ROG in the press today saying its the first step to their grand slam is about as deluded as you can get.

You mean Gatland was shrewd enough to realise that our players weren't going to rediscover the form of 2008 by err... ummm... picking the same players for 2 whole years despite the horrendous form players like JT, R Jones, Powell, Bennett and Byrne to name a few. Gatland only gave the youngsters like Lydiate, Priestland, Faletau a chance when he had no other options available - and in Lydiate and Faletau's case when they'd been putting their hand up for at least a season before hand (During which time Gatland had been continually picking the woeful Powell and JT, and an out of form Ryan Jones)

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:09 pm

luckless_pedestrian wrote:Ireland have known for a good while they'd be without O'Driscoll and have been able to plan accordingly; we're in the week leading up to the match and we don't know who our outside half's going to be. That doesn't help our preparation.

Thats not really the case, we dont know if our outside half will be fit and if we will need to rely on his replacement but we know who are best players and backups are.

by flynnnio Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:09 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:Ireland were a good side, they have been in terminal decline since the slam in 2009. Where have they evolved as a team? They are considerably weaker in the midfield. Neither ROG or Sexton have a long kicking game from hand. Neither have the range of Halfpenny from place. Their backrow is powerful but slow. The lineout should be dominant but anyone thinking without Charteris Wales will be weakened clearly hasnt been watching Evans this season. What do Ireland bring to the table that is different and better than last year? Of their probable team only 3 maybe four would get into the welsh side.

Kidney has not developed the side? Lets be brutally honest 2011 was dire for Ireland. Kidney managed to paper over the cracks with good wins against England and Oz but fundementally his team failed consistently to hit the levels of performance in 2009. poor in the six nations, poor in the warmups, poor in every game except the oz match in the RWC.

so what exactly can the bring to the party that is different and better than they did in October?

Mate can you not give it a rest please. nobody is reacting to your repetative wumming about Ireland here. your taking up valuable space on this forum so can u just stop Smile

wales should have lost in cardiff to ireland and yes ye beat them in world cup but ye also have lost 3 games at world cup and one since. not hugely impressive so chill. i personally would take all irish forwards to be better than welsh ones playing sunday. adam jones equal to young healy tho. irish midfield might be where wales prosper but nowhere else can i see wales dominating. if cronin had not dropped ball in last min against france on the try line and phillips try against ireland dissallowed ireland would have won grand slam.

interesting eh???

by **rodders** Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:13 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:If you are relying on our injuries to win then honestly your clutching at straws.

I'm not relying on them. I think we are good enough to win anyway but they tip things in our favour so the expectation needs to be higher than just a scrappy win from an Ireland point of view.

Why wouldn't be ROG talking about this as the first leg of a GS? Thats exactly what it is. We have one of the strongest squads in the competition so having expectations of anything other than winning the tournament is not good enough and ROG knows this.

Kidney has far superior players and resources than he had in 2009 so its time to deliver.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:15 pm

Smirnoffpriest wrote:
TycroesOsprey wrote:
luckless_pedestrian wrote:
TycroesOsprey wrote:Ireland were a good side, they have been in terminal decline since the slam in 2009.

Terminal decline? Looks like it'll be a Five Nations championship again soon, then.

Unless Kidney actually starts to evolve the team that won the slam they are going to be also rans. we faced a similar issue after 2008 when our teams senior players were unable to compete at the same level again. We didnt rely upon then to suddenly rediscover the form of 08 and 09 Gatland was shrewd enough to know it wasnt going to happen. So the team went through a major transformation in 2010-2011. we suffered for it in results. Kidney is hoping the same style of play and basically the same players can get back to their 2009 form despite them getting progressively worse year on year.

There is nothing new or different there. I mean ROG in the press today saying its the first step to their grand slam is about as deluded as you can get.

You mean Gatland was shrewd enough to realise that our players weren't going to rediscover the form of 2008 by err... ummm... picking the same players for 2 whole years despite the horrendous form players like JT, R Jones, Powell, Bennett and Byrne to name a few. Gatland only gave the youngsters like Lydiate, Priestland, Faletau a chance when he had no other options available - and in Lydiate and Faletau's case when they'd been putting their hand up for at least a season before hand (During which time Gatland had been continually picking the woeful Powell and JT, and an out of form Ryan Jones)

Powell, Bennet, Byrne and Ryan are still in the squad and I dont hear many complaints. He evolved the team from the defeat to Ireland in Cardiff to the match in the RWC considerably. Or are you one of those who think it was a Hansenesque lucky break? look at how our team changed from 2010 to the game in the RWC. We all hammerred him over Bennett yet look at the RWC he was outstanding. He dropped Ryan as captain when weaker coaches would have persevered and it led to Ryan rediscovering his best form.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:17 pm

roddersm wrote:
TycroesOsprey wrote:If you are relying on our injuries to win then honestly your clutching at straws.

I'm not relying on them. I think we are good enough to win anyway but they tip things in our favour so the expectation needs to be higher than just a scrappy win from an Ireland point of view.

Why wouldn't be ROG talking about this as the first leg of a GS? Thats exactly what it is. We have one of the strongest squads in the competition so having expectations of anything other than winning the tournament is not good enough and ROG knows this.

Kidney has far superior players and resources than he had in 2009 so its time to deliver.

ok Rodders where are these superior players? Ive asked a few times but not a single Irish fan seems to want to answer what are Ireland going to do that is different to last year? what have they got that is new and better?

by **rodders** Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:19 pm

Tyro have a look at the squad mate. If you think it hasn't changed then read it again.

Enjoy the game pal guinness

.

by RubyGuby Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:22 pm

Look lads it's nice to see the fans of both nations having confidence in their teams - It's been a while in a 6 nations match that both these teams have had this going into a game. Ireland were favourites in the RWC and came off a well beaten side. There are changes in both teams which will have an impact on proceedings but lets rejoice in having confidence and belief in our teams before a match instead of bickering about who's got the biggest todger! Hug

Come on Walessssssssssssssssssssssssssss!

by flynnnio Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:25 pm

tycroes since you love typing why not tell us each player you think is better than his irish counterpart? lets just start with key positions

out half sexton -9 priestland 7

you agree?
next Smile

ps i hope you are on here sunday night as i will be throwing all ur wums up on this page.

by maestegmafia Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:28 pm

Healey 1. Paul James Ire
Best 2. Matthew Rees Wal
Ross 3. Adam Jones Wal
Ryan 4. Bradley Davies Ire
POC 5. Ian Evans Ire
Ferris 6. Ryan Jones (Dan Lydiate) Ire
SOB 7. Sam Warburton Wal
Heaslip 8. Toby Faletau Ire
Murray 9. Mike Phillips Wal
Sexton 10. James Hook (Rhys Preistland) Ire
Trimble 11. George North Wal
Darcy 12. Jamie Roberts Wal
Earls 13. Jonathon Davies Wal
Bowe 14. Leigh Halfpenny Wal
Kearney 15. Lee Byrne Ire

I think it all pretty even on paper to be honest. Home crowd will be massive, tickets sold out within an hour and a half.

by BlueNote Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:29 pm

As far as the injuries go, for me, with Geth, Lydiate, Priestland and Jamie Roberts intact, I'd have had it as 55/45 an Ireland win - if those guys aren't there, it is more like 70/30. Also, if the guys take the field having just got well enough on the Friday morning, that is of limited value, they need to have been training as a team all week and be genuinely fit and well.

Tycroes, I think you're underestimating the Irish players as individuals, but anyway rugby is a team sport; our (Wales') problems have often been as much about organisation as individual ability.

by GunsGerms Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:30 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:Ireland were a good side, they have been in terminal decline since the slam in 2009. Where have they evolved as a team? They are considerably weaker in the midfield. Neither ROG or Sexton have a long kicking game from hand. Neither have the range of Halfpenny from place. Their backrow is powerful but slow. The lineout should be dominant but anyone thinking without Charteris Wales will be weakened clearly hasnt been watching Evans this season. What do Ireland bring to the table that is different and better than last year? Of their probable team only 3 maybe four would get into the welsh side.

Kidney has not developed the side? Lets be brutally honest 2011 was dire for Ireland. Kidney managed to paper over the cracks with good wins against England and Oz but fundementally his team failed consistently to hit the levels of performance in 2009. poor in the six nations, poor in the warmups, poor in every game except the oz match in the RWC.

so what exactly can the bring to the party that is different and better than they did in October?

Terminal decline. That's pretty funny. Exaggerating a little? Can't be that bad if you are good enough to pummel both the tri nations and six nations champions.

You could argue France are rubbish too cause they lost to tonga and Italy or Wales because they came 4th in the 6 nations and have lost their last three matches but they aren't. The only team Wales managed to beat in 2011 that is ranked above them is Ireland hence the confidence. However, this ones in Dublin.

Ireland by 10. OGara to start, Sexton to come on and provide the magic.

by maestegmafia Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:32 pm

BlueNote wrote:As far as the injuries go, for me, with Geth, Lydiate, Priestland and Jamie Roberts intact, I'd have had it as 55/45 an Ireland win - if those guys aren't there, it is more like 70/30. Also, if the guys take the field having just got well enough on the Friday morning, that is of limited value, they need to have been training as a team all week and be genuinely fit and well.

Tycroes, I think you're underestimating the Irish players as individuals, but anyway rugby is a team sport; our (Wales') problems have often been as much about organisation as individual ability.

Roberts, Lydiate, Priestland and Ryan Jones have all been training in Poland. Watch the great videos of the squad on the WRU website.

by flynnnio Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:34 pm

tycroes has left the building. egg

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:41 pm

Flynnio there you go imo of course

Healey 1. Paul James Ire
Best 2. Matthew Rees Wal
Ross 3. Adam Jones Wal
Ryan 4. Bradley Davies Ire
POC 5. Ian Evans Ire would have Evans over Ryan though
Ferris 6. Ryan Jones (Dan Lydiate) Wal
SOB 7. Sam Warburton Wal
Heaslip 8. Toby Faletau Wal
Murray 9. Mike Phillips Wal
Sexton 10. Rhys Preistland Wal
Trimble 11. George North Wal
Darcy 12. Jamie Roberts Wal
Earls 13. Jonathon Davies Wal
Bowe 14. Leigh Halfpenny Wal
Kearney 15. Lee Byrne Ire Byrne on form is better, his poor form however is worse than Kearneys. apparently he is on form.

As for your sides development Rodders. 8 of your team played in the 2009 six nations against us. BOD would have made it 9. YOur front row has changed and improved but not enough.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:42 pm

you should really have a biut more patience it takes time to answer a few questions in one post thumbsup

by RubyGuby Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:42 pm

Leinster - we also beat England in 2011 as a point of information - There's very litlte between these teams with perhaps home advantage playing a part. If Wales keep them quiet for the first 30 minutes then the pressure will build on Ireland. October wasn't a mirage or a false dawn by the way as the tests against SA, Samoa and France showed and Wales comfortably beat Ireland. Let's hope for a good match thumbsup

And from memory I think Sexton V Priestland occurred in that match - So make that evens as Priestland came away from that tournament as one of the best 10's thumbsup

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:48 pm

Now Ive answered your questions Ireland fans. Will one of you please explain what Ireland have that is new and different to the last 2 games that is going to beat Wales. As yet all I have had is ooh were in great form oooh we have three teams in the HEC. You were apparently in great form before last years six nations and you had two in the HEC with Leinster winning it. That didnt stop you being poor in every game other than against Engalnd and Oz last year.

by BlueNote Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:49 pm

Maesteg, I had the impression Dr Bob was going to be okay, but that if Priestland and Lydiate play, it'll be very touch and go.

by **rodders** Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:50 pm

2009 teams:

Kearney; Bowe, B O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, Fitzgerald; O'Gara, O'Leary; Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Ferris, D Wallace, Heaslip

I count potentially 6 starters from that side, maybe 7 if ROG gets the nod.

Byrne; M Jones, Shanklin, Henson, S Williams; S Jones, Phillips; Jenkins, Rees, A. Jones, Gough, A Jones, D Jones, M Williams, R Jones (capt).

For Wales there could be between 6 and 8 starters from that side depending if Henson and Jones get the nod.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:54 pm

flynnnio wrote:tycroes since you love typing why not tell us each player you think is better than his irish counterpart? lets just start with key positions

out half sexton -9 priestland 7

you agree?
next

ps i hope you are on here sunday night as i will be throwing all ur wums up on this page.

Just as a point, Im not wumming here. I think most long standing members would confirm that I tend not to wind people up and if I do its generally the English and I have confined that to the bickering thread this year. I have been brutal in my assessment of Ireland but I have also been brutal about Wales when they deserved it. I have no problems with you disagreeing with me but I would like to hear what is new what is different that means I should change my assessment of where this Irish team is at the moment?

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:57 pm

Henson isnt going to start or get a bench place. Priestland has been taking part in training so has Lydiate so thats actually 4 players rodders.

by **rodders** Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:00 pm

Fair enough Ospreys so thats about 4 for Wales v 6/7 for Ireland.

Considering Wales have had several retire like Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Shane Williams and Martyn Williams then thats not a lot of difference for a 15 man game.

by flynnnio Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:02 pm

tyroid u numpty u were meant to name the palyers and say where u think wales are better? Smile

and to ur question mate about last yr. ireland should have won in cardiff but were robbed. we outscored france 3 tries to one and cronin dropped the ball on the line against them in last min. we could seriously have won the slam. small marings mate. this is a quality team and many would argue we were better in the world cup until we lost to ye in quarters. hence why we were favs that day. welsh fans love dismissing HC form but you say we always do well in HC and we do and we with france have won most games since 6 nations began. nearly always bloody 2nd but its better than 4th.

lets be serious this irish squad is on fire right now as individuals and i not a leinster fan but seriously have you seen how brilliant they have beeen. all i saying is ireland are capable of demolishing ANYONE.

btw sexton is playin way better than priestland especially lately. rog started against ye in world cup to Wink

ferris heaslip and o brien have all been in phenomenel for of late to especially ferris. CANT WAIT

by BlueNote Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:02 pm

I wonder what Ireland are going to do to get around the way we stopped their ball carriers in the W/C match? I guess one route would be some way of stopping the tackler getting to them. What more legit solutions are there?

by wales606 Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:03 pm

roddersm wrote:2009 teams:

Kearney; Bowe, B O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, Fitzgerald; O'Gara, O'Leary; Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Ferris, D Wallace, Heaslip

I count potentially 6 starters from that side, maybe 7 if ROG gets the nod.

Byrne; M Jones, Shanklin, Henson, S Williams; S Jones, Phillips; Jenkins, Rees, A. Jones, Gough, A Jones, D Jones, M Williams, R Jones (capt).

For Wales there could be between 6 and 8 starters from that side depending if Henson and Jones get the nod.

Henson wont play, Roberts will.
Byrne might play, but Cuthbert could get the nod
R.Jones wont start if Lydiate is fit
Jones wont start, Hook or Preistland will.

So potentially, thats 3 players remaining.

by Smirnoffpriest Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:06 pm

Tycroes even I am getting tired of your wumming and I'm Welsh - but I will say thay ur not usually like this.

As such I'm leaving this thread because it's boring me and has gone away from a realistic discussion of the teams playing styles and chances.

by **rodders** Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:07 pm

Yeah I'm out to. Enjoy the game everyone guinness

by SecretFly Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:07 pm

Ruby is right. Let's agree that neither side is going to be raising a white flag until the 81st minute. Do we expect Welsh people to say Ireland have it in the bag? I'd be disappointed in them if they did. And neither will we take a step back and say we're scared. We're not. We might get that way during the game - but for now, it isn't there.

But...just to add my ten cents to the 'terminal decline' barb by Tycroes

He keeps mentioning 2009. 2009 - the day poor Ireland of the oft-underperforming sloggers, went and got something meaningful for a change. And of course as everyone expected, we then nose dived into terminal decline, happy with our little day in the sun for this century.

And yet I think 11 of the 22 Irish players that were there in 2009 won't be there this time. And 7 of the starting 15 that day aren't in the present squad. Three years down the line? I think that's a moving train. We get impatient at the speed of it over here but it is moving. On average half the starting side and half the overall squad have changed in 3 years.

But Wales were more pro-active after 2008 and they got things right by 2011? Sorry, but I see a three year clock there too.

Meanwhile Ireland were second in 6N in 2010 and 3rd in 2011 and beat the eventual 3rd placed side at last year's WC - consistently competitive through a rebuilding phase rather than a decline. Tycroes are you really going to say that Wales were so good at the last WC that they even beat a sadly declining aging Irish side doing a shoddy job of rebuilding?? Is that really the image you want to sell to us? Many of your countrymen will shun it like a bad disease.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:10 pm

1. Its Tycroes not Tyroid? if your going to insult sombody at least try and get the spelling of the name correct. I will ignore the rest of the poor punctuation, grammar and spelling.

2. I did name the players and where wales are better maybe you should read the post above.

3. Your midfield defence is weak whoever you pick, your backrow is slow and powerful but will not win enough turnovers. Your lineout is dominant but Wales' is not as weak as people think. Your halfbacks are not as good as Phillips or Priestland although I do rate Sexton. Neither o Gara or Sexton have a long kicking game from hand. Nobody in the irish team posesses the distance from place that halfpenny does. Your scrum is weak ours is most definitely not. Your midfield lacks both creativity and pace. YOur best back is on the wing.

by RubyGuby Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:13 pm

And while your at it tell them about their economy Tycroes Yahoo

by ME-109 Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:18 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:1. Its Tycroes not Tyroid? if your going to insult sombody at least try and get the spelling of the name correct. I will ignore the rest of the poor punctuation, grammar and spelling.

2. I did name the players and where wales are better maybe you should read the post above.

3. Your midfield defence is weak whoever you pick, your backrow is slow and powerful but will not win enough turnovers. Your lineout is dominant but Wales' is not as weak as people think. Your halfbacks are not as good as Phillips or Priestland although I do rate Sexton. Neither o Gara or Sexton have a long kicking game from hand. Nobody in the irish team posesses the distance from place that halfpenny does. Your scrum is weak ours is most definitely not. Your midfield lacks both creativity and pace. YOur best back is on the wing.

You are completely right Tyrecrows...Wales will win by 20.

by SecretFly Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:19 pm

Bad mistake Ruby. It's not our economy anymore Wink

Let Tycroes send a missile off to the IMF, they read those things for us now.

by TycroesOsprey Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:20 pm

Actually fly Gatland persisted with the 08 team until the summer tour in 09. What I am saying is Ireland have not developed as a side. the results you quote emphasize that 1st, 2nd, 3rd in successive season show a clear downward curve. Now I will ask again what is new and different?

Its not me Wumming its just assessing where Kidney has taken this team. Leinster are in fantastic form yes I totally agree, they were also in great form last year.

Wales were good at the RWC but we still lost our last three games and failed to beat any of the big boys. Thats the challenge for this welsh team they must kick on from their success or it will be another false dawn.

As for the Irish team at the world cup Everyone talks about the Oz game where you were outstanding but not many people want to remember the US game or even the russia game where they werent; or the fact that they lost all four warm ups or the fact that other than in the six nations match against England they were poor in that championship. two good games last year.

by flynnnio Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:26 pm

sorry tycroes my friend but you were a little obsurd with your nonsense tbf. as for my grammar i apologise i am on my i phone under my desk at work Wink

you have a few mistakes to i have noted.

out of curiousity what do you mean long kicking game from hand? you saying kearney cant kick it long? random point i think your trying to make.

sexton is the best outhalf about on form and nobody would honsetly disagree.

i love the wales games but the banter does get bit tediously immature. your opinion and mine differs on so many levels its not funny. but anyway good luck sunday. now chill

by flynnnio Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:27 pm

sorry tycroes my friend but you were a little obsurd with your nonsense tbf. as for my grammar i apologise i am on my i phone under my desk at work Wink

you have a few mistakes to i have noted.

out of curiousity what do you mean long kicking game from hand? you saying kearney cant kick it long? random point i think your trying to make. Our backrow is slow?????????????????

sexton is the best outhalf about on form and nobody would honsetly disagree.

i love the wales games but the banter does get bit tediously immature. your opinion and mine differs on so many levels its not funny. but anyway good luck sunday. now chill

by **rodders** Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:28 pm

TycroesOsprey wrote:As for the Irish team at the world cup Everyone talks about the Oz game

No one other than you has mentioned that game.

That is the difference, I am gauging Irelands chances on last months performances, you are basing Wales on last years.

The RWC and last 6N are of little relevence now. I'm not convinced that the Welsh players have kicked on from last season.

We will find out on Saturday.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:28 pm

Ireland will start as favourites however you want to spin it, Tycroes.

I haven't looked to see exactly what our record in Dublin is like over the last twenty years, but that's because I know it doesn't make good reading for a Welshman.

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