Wales vs Ireland - Six Nations

First topic message reminder :

Date - Saturday 2nd February 2013, KO 13:30
Venue - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Wales

Coverage - Watch live on BBC One NI, BBC One HD
Internet - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/
Radio - BBC Radio Ulster
Replay the Game - BBC iPlayer

Wales Team

15 L Halfpenny
14 A Cuthbert
13 J Davies
12 J Roberts
11 G North
10 D Biggar
09 M Phillips
01 G Jenkins
02 M Rees
03 A Jones
04 A Coombs
05 I Evans
06 A Shingler
08 T Faletau
07 S Warburton (capt)

Replacements

16 K Owens
17 C Mitchell
18 P James
19 O Kohn
20 J Tipuric
21 L Williams
22 S Williams
23 J Hook


Ireland Team

01 Cian Healy
02 Rory Best
03 Mike Ross
03 Donnacha Ryan
05 Mike McCarthy
06 Peter O'Mahony
07 Sean O'Brien
08 Jamie Heaslip (c)
09 Conor Murray
10 Jonathan Sexton
11 Simon Zebo
12 Gordon Darcy
13 Brian O'Driscoll
14 Craig Gilroy
15 Rob Kearney

Replacements

16 Sean Cronin
17 Dave Kilcoyne
18 Declan Fitzpatrick
19 Donnacha O'Callaghan
20 Chris Henry
21 Eoin Reddan
22 Ronan O'Gara
23 Keith Earls



TOURNAMENT RECORD

MATCH FACTS

HEAD-TO-HEAD
These two nations have clashed on 118 occasions since 1882. Wales have 65 wins; Ireland 47.

Wales have won their last three Tests against Ireland; two in the Six Nations, one at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Since 1985 Ireland have won 10 and drawn one in Cardiff, with Wales picking up just two wins.

Legendary Irish fly-half Ronan O'Gara has scored 100 points in 14 appearances against Wales. O'Gara and centre Brian
O'Driscoll are the record caps holders for Ireland against Wales.

WALES

Have lost their last seven games, their worst run since 2003 (when they lost 10 on the spin).
Should Ireland win this fixture, Wales would have lost five consecutive home games for the first time in their history (they lost four at home during that 10-defeat run back in 2003).
Have scored just seven tries in their last seven matches.
The Wales pack retained possession at 96% of their own put-ins during last season's Six Nations. However, they did win just 22 scrums across the whole tournament - fewer than any other side.
Alex Cuthbert made seven clean breaks in last season's Six Nations, more than any other player.

IRELAND

Prior to the win over Argentina in their final match of 2012 Ireland had lost five straight Tests, scoring just two tries in the process (this excludes XV versus Fiji). It was their worst run since 1998.
Ireland were top points scorers in last year's Six Nations, racking up 121 in total (an average of over 24 per match). This included 13 tries, the most they had scored in the competition since 2007.


Games played between Ireland and Wales: 118 18.13%
Games won by Wales: 65 55.08%
Games lost by Wales: 47 39.83%
Games drawn: 6 5.08%

Most wins in a row for Wales over Ireland: 5

Most wins in a row for Ireland over Wales: 5

Average Pts Per Game 13

Heaviest Defeat 3rd of Feb 2002 Ireland 54 - 10 Wales

Recent Record between Ireland and Wales

2012 - Ireland 21-23 Wales
2011 - Ireland 10-22 Wales (RWC)
2011 - Wales 19-13 Ireland
2010 - Ireland 27-12 Wales
2009 - Wales 15-17 Ireland
2008 - Ireland 12-16 Wales

Do Ireland really have an advantage up front?

Despite our obvious injuriy worries there is still likely to be 5 first choice pack players possibly 6.

I think the Wales pack will walk them off the park similar to what England did last year - it ended up being a non-contest - Here's the welsh front 5

1 - Adam
2 - Hibbard
3 - Gethin
4 - Kohn
5 - Evans

6 - Ryan
7 - Warbuton
8 - Toby

What's that coming over the Hill is it a MONSTER
There's so much beef to overwhelm them potatoes

Ruby,

You got your props the wrong way around and James should and hopefully will be first choice L/Head.

RubyGuby wrote:I think the Wales pack will walk them off the park similar to what England did last year - it ended up being a non-contest - Here's the welsh front 5

1 - Adam
2 - Hibbard
3 - Gethin
4 - Kohn
5 - Evans

6 - Ryan
7 - Warbuton
8 - Toby

What's that coming over the Hill is it a MONSTER
There's so much beef to overwhelm them potatoes

Traitor! ......

I think you are right though.....

bedfordwelsh wrote:Ruby,

You got your props the wrong way around and James should and hopefully will be first choice L/Head.

What's in a fecking number eh - I'm a blxxdy full back mun! Agree on James as first choice but last time I did that some welsh fella told me off for putting 2 tight heads in or something

rodders wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:I think the Wales pack will walk them off the park similar to what England did last year - it ended up being a non-contest - Here's the welsh front 5

1 - Adam
2 - Hibbard
3 - Gethin
4 - Kohn
5 - Evans

6 - Ryan
7 - Warbuton
8 - Toby

What's that coming over the Hill is it a MONSTER
There's so much beef to overwhelm them potatoes

Traitor! ......

I think you are right though.....

We are applying the Munster principle here Rodders

Isn't that an oxymoron

Hopefully Wales pick Kohn and maybe Evasn and get some real power in the scrum, that will tire out Healy and Best and then hopefully give the Welsh forwards the edge in the last 20 - especially is we can bring a workforce front row off the bench - Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees and perhaps Craig Mitchell. Hopefully the welsh boys have been keeping their fitness levels high and will sneak it at the end.

It is vital that is Tip/Warbs/Faletau are in the backrow (which I expect although I would play Jones) that we have monster second row to counter.

If Coombs start as someone said, we are all doomed.

And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

RubyGuby wrote:And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

Hope so. Would rather face Hook than Biggar.

ive voted for a welsh win. results have gone against us recently but this is a new tournament and a fresh start for these talented welsh players. i have a feeling ireland will look a bit stale and will struggle to perform.
wales by 10

RubyGuby wrote:And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

Advantage Ireland! ....

bedfordwelsh wrote:Taff,

I am like you in that if we don't get a win (of any sorts) this weekend then we will be battling for spoon and as we would then have our (likely) two main competitiors away I fear for us.

Bedford,with a loss this weekend I agree that this will be a grim tournie for us.
The fact that some are pinning our hopes on a second row forward of whom very few had heard merely highlights the predicament that we are in.All I know is that he is a big unit and England did not want him.Hardly a glowing CV.If he plays I hope he is outstanding.
To give context,I am a pessimist by nature,always expect the worst but secretly hoping to be totally wrong.I suppose this comes from following Wales for nearly 50 years!!!

Rodders it could get worse for you guys as we may put

King Kohn as the 2nd row pairing - I can just see BOD and GILROY in their hands screaming at the top of the Millenium Towers Mania is setting in nicely as per usual for the 6 nations

rodders wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

Advantage Ireland! ....

Nah, that would just cancel out the Henry blooper...

RubyGuby wrote:And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

It really should be Biggars chance.

Hook has been playing well apparently, so perhaps I won't be too despairing.

But, after Biggar's exclusion from the summer tour it will be another big X next to Howley's name if he isn't given a 6N chance after being the form 10 in Wales for 2 years AND the injury of our first choice 10.

So the rumours so far,

Coombes to start in a position he has rarely played, in his first international, after playing for an unsuccessful side (as opposed to Kohn or Ryan Jones)

Warburton selected out of position, with potential no Ryan Jones in the 15, Wales' most experienced player and an outstanding 6.

Hook to start over Biggar despite almost everyone on this forum saying that Biggar deserves the shirt.


Howley please prove me wrong and be a decent selector. I could well be very depressed tommorow afternoon.

What's the bet Hibbard doesn't even make the 23, Gethin starts over James and Byrne doesn't make the 23?

He has already messed up by not calling up Gill.

RubyGuby wrote:Rodders it could get worse for you guys as we may put King Kohn as the 2nd row pairing

With Fay Wray at scrum half!

"Oh, you said ping pong balls..."


Is this thread a race to the bottom? Last year's best two teams wallowing in depression? Come on now, last years match was a GS decider. This will be a classic whatever happens. I have a boner in my fields...

Very interesting that two third of voters think that Ireland will get an away win.

George Carlin wrote:Very interesting that two third of voters think that Ireland will get an away win.

I think thats the Welsh boys playing mind tricks .....

Would we

I reckon the game will be a cracker as usual,roof or no roof.
Regards Hook,I am not sure what position he could start.He is sadly the dreaded "utility" back and hence consigned to the bench.
On a lighter note it would not surprise me if Gavin Henson pops up from underneath the pitch during the game as he has spent so long off the radar I reckon he has been tunnelling from Oxford!

Why are people mentioning Kohn like he made the squad?

And Ryan and Evans will be half fit at best!!!

How is Gethin a monster?

How is Warbs and Toby going to contribute to monstering over POM and SOB???

When is the team named?

thebluesmancometh wrote:Why are people mentioning Kohn like he made the squad?

And Ryan and Evans will be half fit at best!!!

How is Gethin a monster?

How is Warbs and Toby going to contribute to monstering over POM and SOB???

When is the team named?

Because Kohn was called up

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21198750

Blues, Guby IS A PSYCHOLOGIST...

George Carlin wrote:Very interesting that two third of voters think that Ireland will get an away win.

I didnt vote because I couldnt call it. Both teams are evenly matched but both very inconsistent. One week Ireland will play very well and get a draw in Paris or hammer Argentina for example then the next week get slaughtered by England (last years 6N) or NZ (3rd test). Same with Wales. This would be a match that seasoned gamblers will steer clear of Id say.

GunsGerms wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Very interesting that two third of voters think that Ireland will get an away win.

I didnt vote because I couldnt call it. Both teams are evenly matched but both very inconsistent. One week Ireland will play very well and get a draw in Paris or hammer Argentina for example then the next week get slaughtered by England (last years 6N) or NZ (3rd test). Same with Wales. This would be a match that seasoned gamblers will steer clear of Id say.

Would it be fair to say that both sides can beat anyone on their day? .......

There's not a struck match between them on some days...

I guess it will depend on which team(s) turn up on the day.

Wales have made a speciality of playing well enough to deserve to win but ending up as gallant losers.Getting a bit tiresome now.

rodders wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Very interesting that two third of voters think that Ireland will get an away win.

I didnt vote because I couldnt call it. Both teams are evenly matched but both very inconsistent. One week Ireland will play very well and get a draw in Paris or hammer Argentina for example then the next week get slaughtered by England (last years 6N) or NZ (3rd test). Same with Wales. This would be a match that seasoned gamblers will steer clear of Id say.

Would it be fair to say that both sides can beat anyone on their day? .......

No not really because Wales cant seem to beat Australia nor NZ and Ireland clearly cant beat NZ and usually cant beat France but both teams certainly could beat anyone else on their day. No doubt about that.

GunsGerms wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Very interesting that two third of voters think that Ireland will get an away win.

I didnt vote because I couldnt call it. Both teams are evenly matched but both very inconsistent. One week Ireland will play very well and get a draw in Paris or hammer Argentina for example then the next week get slaughtered by England (last years 6N) or NZ (3rd test). Same with Wales. This would be a match that seasoned gamblers will steer clear of Id say.

I am not surprised, I thought more would go with Ireland. Wales have had a bad run, Internationally and regionally this season.

Reading what most welsh posters have written on various threads most rate us very poorly because of injury, Howley being in charge, form and the WRU vs Regional debate.

The team selection on Thursday will be key. We can only guess that Howley will be his presumed conservative self and that our game plan will be narrow, simple and un-adventurous on previous form.

I think many people look at the Welsh squad on paper, even with injury taken in to account and think we have the players to do well. But I have not heard a single man say that we are likely to retain the Six nations trophy this year.

As ever it is all on the first game, let confidence build if it goes well and maybe that can help give us an advantage in tough challenges ahead.

I was at the Italy vs Australia match in the Autumn, they are a good team, much better than last year. Scotland with Dean Ryan as forwards coach will be a much tougher challenge. France Ireland and England are all good sides on their day.

Expectation for Wales to do well is very low and I don't expect it to rise unless we have three or four wins under our belt. That said i do believe the margins between the six teams is narrower than many over confidently predict and it will only take confidence and belief after a few good performances to allow one team an advantage over the others.

GunsGerms wrote:

rodders wrote:Would it be fair to say that both sides can beat anyone on their day? .......

No not really because Wales cant seem to beat Australia nor NZ and Ireland clearly cant beat NZ and usually cant beat France but both teams certainly could beat anyone else on their day. No doubt about that.

When was Kohn called up??? WTF?!?!?!

What is Howley thinking, a guy who declares his eligibility the day before the naming of the squad, while in his 30's and looking for the slight chance of an int cap before signing off???

If Kohn starts I will all but give up on Welsh rugby!

You don't read much do you.

"It's a really proud moment for me and a great opportunity to show what I can do."

That quote says it all!!

thebluesmancometh wrote:

If Kohn starts I will all but give up on Welsh rugby!

Why?

You seem constantly prone to massive over reaction.

I do hope it's not Hook, mister interception. Add a lightweight 2nd row (Coombs) and I wouldn't give us much chance.

There seems to be a bit of delusion here on both sides.

Wales are reigning GS champions and haven't lost to a European rival since a narrow loss to France in the RWC.

By contrast Ireland haven't beaten any of the 6N bar Scotland and Italy since March 2011.

The confidence in Ireland seems to stem from one performance over Argentina. Even the provinces haven't gone well this season, bar Ulster where only 2 players have made the starting line up.

thebluesmancometh wrote:When was Kohn called up??? WTF?!?!?!

What is Howley thinking, a guy who declares his eligibility the day before the naming of the squad, while in his 30's and looking for the slight chance of an int cap before signing off???

If Kohn starts I will all but give up on Welsh rugby!

Finger firmly on the pulse Bluesman.

Who's over reacting, it's taken me 10 years to get as down trodden as I am right now, and thats coming from someone who is from the only safe region and the only region with any modicom of success in europe.

If I were a Warriors or Dragons fan I wouldve left welsh rugby years ago (as a lot have)

Kohn is in no way Welsh, has never declared to be Welsh, is a Bristolian who has seen an opportunity for a payday and a cheap cap at the expense of 2 young prospects who have learnt their trade in Wales. Coombs and King will be overlooked for Kohn and a semi fit Jones/Evans at any opportunity! Instead of blooding what may be the next wave of talent we'll be giving a cap to an English stalwart, who offers nothing but short term bulk and potential disruption to the squad.

These cheap caps are a humiliation on the shirt!

rodders wrote:There seems to be a bit of delusion here on both sides.

Wales are reigning GS champions and haven't lost to a European rival since a narrow loss to France in the RWC.

By contrast Ireland haven't beaten any of the 6N bar Scotland and Italy since March 2011.

The confidence in Ireland seems to stem from one performance over Argentina. Even the provinces haven't gone well this season, bar Ulster where only 2 players have made the starting line up.

You're talking far too much sense now, Rodders.

I do hope it's not Hook, mister interception.

Don't worry our interception specialist (Trimble) wasn't included in the squad.

Advantage still Wales!

We may both be pants but you have more first choice players available which must make Ireland favourites.

thebluesmancometh wrote:Who's over reacting, it's taken me 10 years to get as down trodden as I am right now, and thats coming from someone who is from the only safe region and the only region with any modicom of success in europe.

If I were a Warriors or Dragons fan I wouldve left welsh rugby years ago (as a lot have)

Kohn is in no way Welsh, has never declared to be Welsh, is a Bristolian who has seen an opportunity for a payday and a cheap cap at the expense of 2 young prospects who have learnt their trade in Wales. Coombs and King will be overlooked for Kohn and a semi fit Jones/Evans at any opportunity! Instead of blooding what may be the next wave of talent we'll be giving a cap to an English stalwart, who offers nothing but short term bulk and potential disruption to the squad.

These cheap caps are a humiliation on the shirt!

I agree.

Thing is, we cheated back in the late 90's with Grannygate. We then behaved ourselves for over a decade picking far more welsh bred players than other nations were doing. Particularly in recent years where our opposition would field more pacific Islanders, Kiwis and South Africans than the Pacific Island, Kiwi and SA nations did in their own teams.

We have a huge number of lads out in one position that is really pushing our strength and depth. It would do the same to any nation.

I want to see Coombes and King get games. I don't think either will let us down. I do think the addition of Kohn might slow the progress of blooding good youngsters like King, Peers and Kelly.

On the other hand I have little belief in Lou Reeds ability above regional level and would rather see Kohn than him no matter how disappointed I am that we have to resort to a player who has wanted to play for a rival nation all his life.

In an ideal world I would be happy, considering our limited resources at lock, to see Evans and King form a partnership, with Coombes on the bench.

In reality I see the coaches selecting Kohn until AWJ is fit. If Kohn is a good player for Wales he may even stick around.

Still hard to stomache though, and being only a lowly teen in the late 90's I was way too innocent to know what was going on!!!

As you are I'm a little unsure about Reed too, but at this minute he is all we have, well except for Kohn.

RubyGuby wrote:And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

Hope them sources are wrong Ruby Biggar has to start for me and if doesn't it would he a huge kick in the teeth for him.

The coaches bang on about players staying in Wales then they ignore the form Welsh No10 for someone playing outside Wales.

BlueNote wrote:I do hope it's not Hook, mister interception. Add a lightweight 2nd row (Coombs) and I wouldn't give us much chance.

Monsieur Interception?

Thing I never understood, was why Wales tried to play differently when Hook started (or came on) at 10. Under the current gameplan all the 10 does is pop up passes to Roberts/North/Cuthbert and hoof it down the pitch/up in the air. Hook has a monster boot and is excellent at the pop pass.

Unless, of course, he was going against team orders when he did the big loop pass and running round in circles stuff. In which case he probably deserved to to be dropped.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

Hope them sources are wrong Ruby Biggar has to start for me and if doesn't it would he a huge kick in the teeth for him.

The coaches bang on about players staying in Wales then they ignore the form Welsh No10 for someone playing outside Wales.

Beds you really have to watch some ESPN and Top 14. Hook is in great shape, better than Biggar, it would be harsh on Wales not to play him.

wales606 wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:And by the way Bedford my sources tell me Hook might be given the 10 jersey

It really should be Biggars chance.

Hook has been playing well apparently, so perhaps I won't be too despairing.

But, after Biggar's exclusion from the summer tour it will be another big X next to Howley's name if he isn't given a 6N chance after being the form 10 in Wales for 2 years AND the injury of our first choice 10.

So the rumours so far,

Coombes to start in a position he has rarely played, in his first international, after playing for an unsuccessful side (as opposed to Kohn or Ryan Jones)

Warburton selected out of position, with potential no Ryan Jones in the 15, Wales' most experienced player and an outstanding 6.

Hook to start over Biggar despite almost everyone on this forum saying that Biggar deserves the shirt.


Howley please prove me wrong and be a decent selector. I could well be very depressed tommorow afternoon.

What's the bet Hibbard doesn't even make the 23, Gethin starts over James and Byrne doesn't make the 23?

He has already messed up by not calling up Gill.

606,

Unfortunately I have very little faith in Howley as a coach and even less in his ability to select the right team that it wouldn't surprise me if those predictions came true.

It they do then even God couldn't help us and we will get a right tonking, but never mind because Howley can bang on about how the players looked good in training FFS.

thebluesmancometh wrote:If Kohn starts I will all but give up on Welsh rugby!

You better start putting that daffodil costume in storage then.