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.

flynnnio wrote:sexton and rog new thread anyone? yawwwnnnnn.

Flyn,
Are you on drugs or wot bud? We are talking about benefit-robbing sheep. From our respective country's, scrounging sheep population point of view. This is vital. Merkel and Sarkozy are involved.
Keep up man!

Ireland by 25.

Sexton to show the World his stuff. His Da was a Ram from Kerry. And Kerry sheep take no prisioners. Ask them a question and they give you a better question. They just ask lots of questions.

So love hows de arse?

Why would ya be askin that now?

Anyway Gibbo, Leinster are an aweful side always living in the shadow of their big brother Munster. What you would'nt have given to have had ROG as a leinster man

just been on a welsh forum for a wee look and they have a poll on sundays result. ireland to win 73% ... With most going on about Irish players all playing superb for clubs and wales losing last 3 games. maybe i should ask some of them to come on here

NICE....

maestegmafia wrote:

Cari wrote:If Welshmen like sheep so much, then why aren't the wimmin all virgins?

Exactly Cari...

I think Mrs Thatcher took all the money for sheep out of Wales.


We have an incredibly high teenage pregnancy rates in Europe. The youngsters are up to something and it certainly doesn't involve sheep.

I don't know, a couple of those babies look on the woolly side to me. Wouldn't put it past a couple of my female acquaintances to get it on with anything that doesn't know what protection is either.

Still get the odd facebook status informing me that so-and-so has decided to become a mother/father just like that. Who needs a job and their own place nowadays anyway?

Ladies and Gentleman please...!

As OP, I would like to call the house to order and plead that if there is any chance we can all mature a little bit and get back to discussing this fantastic rugby match that will kick off on Sunday, could we please do so forth with...???

Flynn, what people are failing to realise is that half the stuff the irish arw writing about Wales is banter.

Gibson wrote:

flynnnio wrote:sexton and rog new thread anyone? yawwwnnnnn.

Flyn,
Are you on drugs or wot bud? We are talking about benefit-robbing sheep. From our respective country's sheep population point of view. This is vital. Merkel and Sarkozy are involved.
Keep up man!

YA GIBBO I THINK YOU HAVING BEEN IN TO MANY COFFEE SHOPS IN THE DAM TODAY

Thomond wrote:Flynn, what people are failing to realise is that half the stuff the irish arw writing about Wales is banter.

Banter is all well and good and flows toe and forth both ways mate...!

But we are all better than the way this thread is heading.

I see no problems Mafia, nobody has been offended really and sure we all know whatever Gibbo says is distorted. He lives in Amsterdam so you don't know what he owuld be doing.

eirebilly wrote:Anyway Gibbo, Leinster are an aweful side always living in the shadow of their big brother Munster. What you would'nt have given to have had ROG as a leinster man

Bill,

That hurt to be honest and it wasnt called for.

Answer = 4 x HC's. Ya bollix ya.

Truth hurts.

WHAT TIME IS IRISH TEAM BEEN NAMED TOMORROW?

Gibson wrote:

eirebilly wrote:Anyway Gibbo, Leinster are an aweful side always living in the shadow of their big brother Munster. What you would'nt have given to have had ROG as a leinster man

Bill,

That hurt to be honest and it wasnt called for.

Answer = 4 x HC's. Ya bollix ya.

Truth hurts.

Ahh Gibbo man, you know i luv ya and just messin mate

maestegmafia wrote:

Thomond wrote:Flynn, what people are failing to realise is that half the stuff the irish arw writing about Wales is banter.

Banter is all well and good and flows toe and forth both ways mate...!

But we are all better than the way this thread is heading.

Sometimes we just get exhausted being serious and all business-like. I know I do. A little light humour and we're then back on track for another dollop of Warburton, Halfpenny and Philips and the things they might do to you when on form.

Or the things Phillips will do to you outside a McDonalds.

Thomond wrote:I see no problems Mafia, nobody has been offended really and sure we all know whatever Gibbo says is distorted. He lives in Amsterdam so you don't know what he owuld be doing.

No no one is offended yet, lets keep it that way...

Im running out of salt though mate...!

Whats wrong with the banter maest? Its all good fun, a bit of banter actually stops tempers flaring i thought?

Thomond wrote:Or the things Phillips will do to you outside a McDonalds.

According to one sparky Welshman, can't remember his name - the things Phillips might run away from outside a McDonalds. He regaled a few of once about a night he and a friend chased Phillips down a street. Phillips had a few girls in tow who were also chased. Think he was giving lip to a little guy and our Welsh hero ran into the phone booth, pulled on his superhero pants and chased Phillips off.

flynnnio wrote:just been on a welsh forum for a wee look and they have a poll on sundays result. ireland to win 73% ... With most going on about Irish players all playing superb for clubs and wales losing last 3 games. maybe i should ask some of them to come on here

NICE....

Several times you have mentioned that Wales have lost the last three games,Do not forget that you also lost the last match you played in and you lost it against the side you are playing Sunday.
A poll does not win a game it's the players on the field that win matches, I'm sure you can find a poll on how accurate people think polls are.

flynnnio wrote:

Gibson wrote:

flynnnio wrote:sexton and rog new thread anyone? yawwwnnnnn.

Flyn,
Are you on drugs or wot bud? We are talking about benefit-robbing sheep. From our respective country's sheep population point of view. This is vital. Merkel and Sarkozy are involved.
Keep up man!

YA GIBBO I THINK YOU HAVING BEEN IN TO MANY COFFEE SHOPS IN THE DAM TODAY

No mate, the tragedy of the whole ting is Flyn, I am like this normally

Could do with a spliff mind. Gave it up years ago. Moved on to de aul Smack since. Better buzz for shagging Welsh sheep. Sexton loves it.

Apparently.

Sex and rugby go so well together, doncha tink?

Anyway, invite yer Welsh mates over from the other thread and we can hypnotise them too.

SecretFly wrote:

Thomond wrote:Or the things Phillips will do to you outside a McDonalds.

According to one sparky Welshman, can't remember his name - the things Phillips might run away from outside a McDonalds. He regaled a few of once about a night he and a friend chased Phillips down a street. Phillips had a few girls in tow who were also chased. Think he was giving lip to a little guy and our Welsh hero ran into the phone booth, pulled on his superhero pants and chased Phillips off.

Gatland called Phillips the cockiest player and prbably person taht he had ever encountered on sunday, Tangling with bouncers in Queen Street isnt just cocky its a tad dumb too.

Cymroglan wrote:

flynnnio wrote:just been on a welsh forum for a wee look and they have a poll on sundays result. ireland to win 73% ... With most going on about Irish players all playing superb for clubs and wales losing last 3 games. maybe i should ask some of them to come on here

NICE....

Several times you have mentioned that Wales have lost the last three games,Do not forget that you also lost the last match you played in and you lost it against the side you are playing Sunday.
A poll does not win a game it's the players on the field that win matches, I'm sure you can find a poll on how accurate people think polls are.

Fair enough but point trying to make is that its a welsh forum with no irish on it so maybe they been a tad more honest with there posts to???

just going on some of the stuff written here earlier today by ty osprey etc on how slow our backrow are and how we can't kick long from our backs??? was amusing even if it did start a strange keyboard war

which forum?

SecretFly wrote:

leinsterbaby wrote:
A little harsh though when it comes to Ireland he has come across as putting himself before the team on more than one occasion possibly even more so than any other Irish player in memory.

He does have plenty of good qualities though.
He

He...............................................?

Gibbo's death grip must have him by the throat. Release. Release Gibbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Typo.

Cari wrote:If Welshmen like sheep so much, then why aren't the wimmin all virgins?

Cause they like sheep too?

Sin é wrote:

Thomond wrote:Anyone who thinks ROG should start for Ireland is as their meabhair. It's Sexto time for Ireland with a good bit of Chilli,Earlsy and Bowe thrown in.

Anyone who thinks that Sexton starting is the answer to Ireland's attack are living in cloud cocuckoo land. This is Sexton's chance and if he screws up this time*, I don't know what we'll do. You can forget Bowe bagging a few tries, Sexton can't pass off his right side.

*highly likely since he hasn't played for a couple of weeks with an anklke injury and probably will need someone else to do his kicking for him because he won't have been practising (not even getting to his mental capabilities when kicking under pressure).

Oh stop it! Im near pissing meself laffing now Sin. Yer such a cad.

I remember DOD saying the same thing about passing from his left.
Ye Munster boys. I love a trier. But, at least be consistent seeing as ye are both one and the same person. Bless.

So funny. Best OH in Europe. And soon - The World.

Want some vids to prove it dahling? Sorry I meant dahlings? No ESPN stats. Just reality. And medals. Might be scary mind.

At least ROG has learned to pass since and has upped his game. Sexton made a more complete player out of him. All good.

P.S. Have de Welsh gone home yet? Has it worked?

They are sooo phhoked on Sunday, but lets be nice yeah? They are happy in their virtual-nappy had a nice day out in NZ and are full of it. Break them gently.

They will be happy as long as they beat the English. In fairness. Im bored with that now. I want the French.

Not the Gwladd forum or the new scrum v both have the game down as a fifty fifty and are riddled with irishman as well as welsh.

which one was it? interested to read the comments.

Cari wrote:I don't know about anyone else, but I love the 606 Annual Irish International Rugby Team Row. It's highly entertaining.

We do like a good feud.

Okay... so what would make the Welsh happier? Sizzling start out of the blocks, no holds barred, razor sharp stuff or seeing your side live with a valiant early attempt by the Irish to do likewise?

When do you want to start winning? Might sound obvious - 'as soon as possible???' but sometimes it ain't so. You do all your best work in the first half and you have to worry about second half revivals by the opposition and having to torturously try to keep them out for 40.

For my part - and because this Welsh side won't bloody well lie down and take a beating, like the English might do if caught on the hop - I wouldn't be comfortable with us chasing out of the blocks and trying to do everything in the first fifteen. I think we actually tried that deal in New Zealand. I'd like a gradual buildup in intensity so that everyone is warmed up and on the same page!

I cant see it being a sizzling first 40, I expect both sides to be finding their feet early on. I expect an airial contest at first. The Irish are certain to test Byrne or Halfpenny with a few bombs early on whilst Wales will kick long and try and either force them to run from deep or kick posession to touch. As Ive said even if Flynnio doesnt grasp it; the long kicking game is a major part of our gameplan so I expect a but of ping pong at the start. Wales will be hoping that Irish discipline is weak and they can ping them through halfpennys boot from distance. Itll take a while for both sides to settle and find their rythym.

If Ireland are winning come the 60th minute I imagine they will close us out, so i would have to say we need to get on the score board early on and keep it ticking over forcing ireland to play rugby to win.

Not any of the regions forums either flynnio could you link it please?

flynnnio wrote:just been on a welsh forum for a wee look and they have a poll on sundays result. ireland to win 73% ... With most going on about Irish players all playing superb for clubs and wales losing last 3 games. maybe i should ask some of them to come on here

NICE....

THAT forum Flyn. Are they Experienced? If not, bring them in. If they are... they wont come in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg2segLZoeA&feature=related

Its only a game lads.

Ireland by 27.

maestegmafia wrote:If Ireland are winning come the 60th minute I imagine they will close us out, so i would have to say we need to get on the score board early on and keep it ticking over forcing ireland to play rugby to win.

Dunno Maes, We play a high tempo game we may be relying on that to stretch them in the last twenty. Gwyn JOnes said sommat similar on sunday night and hes a pretty good analyst.

Nah I thought we were our strongest in the last 20mins? superior fitness and all that.

If we're within 5-10 points with 20 mins to go, I reckon we could nick the win. Hopefully we'll be closer then that/ahead by then!

O'Gara, has that ability to close teams out if they have the lead in the last quarter... We hope our fitness levels are at the same level as the RWC. THe guys were only in poland for a week, not two like the pre RWC warm ups.

SecretFly wrote:

Thomond wrote:Or the things Phillips will do to you outside a McDonalds.

According to one sparky Welshman, can't remember his name - the things Phillips might run away from outside a McDonalds. He regaled a few of once about a night he and a friend chased Phillips down a street. Phillips had a few girls in tow who were also chased. Think he was giving lip to a little guy and our Welsh hero ran into the phone booth, pulled on his superhero pants and chased Phillips off.

It's one of those things that, given the chance, will spiral out of proportion with the rumours. Like how we were eventually exposed to the revelation that Ruddock had actually chatted up all the players' wives, hence why nobody would follow his instructions.

I heard that Phillips was not at all to blame, that a group of idiots started on him and when the authorities arrived and saw Mike in the middle of something they automatically assumed, given his rep, that he'd started it. I'm not saying that's the truth but still.

Knowsit17 wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

Thomond wrote:Or the things Phillips will do to you outside a McDonalds.

According to one sparky Welshman, can't remember his name - the things Phillips might run away from outside a McDonalds. He regaled a few of once about a night he and a friend chased Phillips down a street. Phillips had a few girls in tow who were also chased. Think he was giving lip to a little guy and our Welsh hero ran into the phone booth, pulled on his superhero pants and chased Phillips off.

It's one of those things that, given the chance, will spiral out of proportion with the rumours. Like how we were eventually exposed to the revelation that Ruddock had actually chatted up all the players' wives, hence why nobody would follow his instructions.

I heard that Phillips was not at all to blame, that a group of idiots started on him and when the authorities arrived and saw Mike in the middle of something they automatically assumed, given his rep, that he'd started it. I'm not saying that's the truth but still.

All of the teams wives? wasnt it just Parkers wife and a bit more than chatting up alledgedly of course.

leinsterbaby wrote:

Gibson wrote:

DOD wrote:Gibson have you taken up tabloid journalism reading something into what ROG said which is clearly untrue.

asls - facts are facts...but then again you and reality are clearly divorced. You dont seem to have learned your lesson in terms of having poorly thought out opinions and then getting whooped each time when the facts are put to you. A sorry case...but keep it up and if you do feel that you got one over on me then "well done you". It is still the case that Marshall wont get in and the reason is because of the NIQ (and four other SHs).

Never lost one yet Deaglain. Caught a few on the way though.

But ROG is a self-serving anti-team player - when his position is challenged. Its a baby. Real men fight and get on with it. ROG whines. Only for Munster does he shine. Was never great for Ireland. Or the Lions, where real men stand up to be counted and others... well.... They are found out. His style of play and they way we played around him - has held us back for years.

The whole Rugby World knows that. I am not alone in my tabloid-journo opinions.

A little harsh though when it comes to Ireland he has come across as putting himself before the team on more than one occasion possibly even more so than any other Irish player in memory.

He does have plenty of good qualities though.
He

He What? Average international player, lucked-out behind a strong Munster pack to protect him. Once that was disassembled, at International level - he was lost. It was graphically illustrated with the Lions. LOST.

He's like Kidney. Happy in Munster. Lost outside of it. He was a liability in the SLAM year. Dreadful in every game. He was carried. The only reason he played every game is because Paddy feicin Wallace was his backup. Ergo... we stuck with him. NO choice. BOD and Paulie won us that SLAM - on their very own backs. ROG will be remembered for ONE kick. It saved his arse. But for the 2009 6-N - he was dire. Let's remember that when Sexton has a bad day. ROG had more bad days for Ireland - than good ones. Far more than Sexton will ever have. Why? Because he is more complete player.

Bring on the French! Wales, Italy Scotland, England - done that. Been there. We need the French to give us a real test. Then, for the AB's

I heard it was a good few of them, that when the wives encountered him sly Ruddock would give them a generous open-palmed congratulatory pat on the lower back for having such a skilled husband

The Irish see this game in the same light as we see the French match but the only difference is that the Wales v France game will be the six nations decider.
If you like to believe that Ireland underestimated Wales in the world cup so be it but being soundly beaten by a better team would be nearer the truth.

Knowsit17 wrote:I heard it was a good few of them, that when the wives encountered him sly Ruddock would give them a generous open-palmed congratulatory pat on the lower back for having such a skilled husband

Ireland better keep him with the U21s then - or maybe we should be locking up the kid's mothers

Phillips & ROG have a bit of banter on twitter - seem to be fairly pally.

Gibson wrote:Bring on the French! Wales, Italy Scotland, England - done that. Been there. We need the French to give us a real test. Then, for the AB's

True. It's good to have some fun with the Welsh as they usually are too busy having their yearly barbwire dance with their English amigos - and I'm sure that just immediately after the Irish game, that will kick into top gear.

But so too do I agree with Gibbo. I laugh and joke but if we lose to Wales it won't be funny. It won't be funny because the French will be laughing again and getting ready their platitudes about being worried.

France is our most serious game - that's how it has turned out to be on too many occasions in the last decade; and too many of those occasions we turned up on the wrong end. We want to go to France and win - not play great, not 'test out a few things', not 'so there you go, we lost, that's rugby'. We want to go and win and we want to do it on the back of the French being genuine when they say they are worried.

We've had our 3 years of doldrums since the GS - time to consolidate or drop... coaches or players, take you pick and time will tell which.

Sin é
Most of the players are friends or at least have respect for each other it's the fans that find this difficult to grasp.

Knowsit17 wrote:I heard it was a good few of them, that when the wives encountered him sly Ruddock would give them a generous open-palmed congratulatory pat on the lower back for having such a skilled husband

I guess we will never know the full truth unless Alfie gets a film deal and spills the beans. Amazing really because welsh rugby doesnt do secrets very well normally.

A lot of noise coming from the Irish camp, senior players talking big and revenge.

Ireland look like they are worried Wales have got the measure of them.

Maybe they could cap some of them SouthAfrican or Kiwis or even the South Sea Islander boys making their provinces look good.

Sin é wrote:

Knowsit17 wrote:I heard it was a good few of them, that when the wives encountered him sly Ruddock would give them a generous open-palmed congratulatory pat on the lower back for having such a skilled husband

Ireland better keep him with the U21s then - or maybe we should be locking up the kid's mothers

Phillips & ROG have a bit of banter on twitter - seem to be fairly pally.

Sin I believe Mrs R has him on a very short leash according to some of his old drinking buddies in Mumbles, she wanted him out of Wales and back in Ireland

SecretFly wrote:France is our most serious game

I think we should concentrate on the Welsh first. I think we got to used to beating them in the 00's and we started to take them for granted. They're better now. Much more dangerous. And if we aren't on top of our game they'll hand us our arses on a plate. Like they showed us in the RWC.

viewtothegym wrote:A lot of noise coming from the Irish camp, senior players talking big and revenge.

Ireland look like they are worried Wales have got the measure of them.

Maybe they could cap some of them SouthAfrican or Kiwis or even the South Sea Islander boys making their provinces look good.

The Irish boys were taking online lessons in how to do all that bluster from you, View??? A nice earner indeed - watch the taxman.

Nope nothing to do with me, i don't do business with gypsies or the ginger.

don't be bashful, we all know how skilled you are..