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

Glas a du wrote:If your worried about the scrum, Owens is the biggest lump of a hooker we have! He's been knocking spots off Rees at the Scarlets mun!

Yeah that's why he's on the bench and the has been Rees is starting

Ah I see, a double triple reverse poker psychology bluff face.

Coombs v Kohn should be settled by hand to hand combat.

If Coombs beats him he can play.

I just heard Howley has called up Ceri Sweeney and Will Harries as cover for Hook and North

Glas a du wrote:Ah I see, a double triple reverse poker psychology bluff face.

I thouhgt youd like that one

The selection policy since the last 6Ns has been absolutely shocking.

15 Justin Thomas
14 Edmunds
13 Jones Hughes
12 Luscombe
11 A Emyr
10 Stephens
9 Bridges

1 Spencer John
2 Meek
3 Anthony
4 Glyn Llewellyn
5 Paul Anthony
6 Glenn George
8 Butler
7 Martin Morris

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:

Sin é wrote:

Notch wrote:I'd be pretty confident if I was Welsh given what Ireland have served up in the last three meetings. The crucial thing is not much has changed in the Irish gameplan, and the indications are not much is going to change. So it's not like Wales have to re-invent the wheel to do a job on us. They mainly have to do what they've done before.

I guess the massive thing for Wales in this game is how the lineout adapts. Ireland would pride themselves on having a pretty good defensive lineout and you've obviously lost a lot of personnel.

But I seriously worry about our ability to keep the scrum steady for 80 minutes. The selection of Kilcoyne is worrying for me, one of a few selections I groaned about, because it's like they think he can come on and do some damage with his ball carrying in the last 15. He's probably going to have to come on and keep his side of the scrum up, as is Fitzpatrick who has barely played any rugby going into this match. I'd imagine we'll be targeted there and as much as the starting front row is ok, the reserves are less impressive.

And in sacrificing our best groundhog backrower for an extra ball carrier, there would be big worries in my mind that we could lose out at the breakdown too.

In fairness, bar the world cup performance, Wales didn't serve up anything much better. A dodgy try and a dodgy penalty were the difference.

A combo of Court & Fitzpatrick would offer nothing around the pitch (thats if they even made it on in the first place).

Deccie Fitz maybe, but Court has done his fair share of carrying for Ulster this season, and it would allow us to attack their scrum in the last 20 which would really be useful. To be fair Killer is probably going to come on and face Mitchell/Andrews so he can cope with that.

UMIG - anyone who watches Ulster or has watched them will know how much Court contributes around the pitch, as well as in the scrum. Obviously Kidney is prepared to fore-go any chance of scrum dominance in the hope that Kilcoyne will storm through the Welsh defence. Here's hoping the young DK will succeed with the old DK's outmoded tactics.
Kidney has obviously little interest in the scrum as a platform given that he was happy enough to persist with Bent last week even when he was being mashed, so I'd expect Fitzpatrick to maybe get a run on at the same time as ROG to get a cheap cap.

I am genuinely anxious about this - I wait a year for this and we have some decent players irrespective of injuries

Also, where is Lou Reed? He isn't standout, but had a good game against NZ last time out. I would rather see Reed than Coombes.

wales606 wrote:The selection policy since the last 6Ns has been absolutely shocking.

There's a selection policy?

Why didn't someone tell Howler! He's been using the ip dip birds sh** method in the training camp.

wales606 wrote:Also, where is Lou Reed? He isn't standout, but had a good game against NZ last time out. I would rather see Reed than Coombes.

Exactly - what is going on mate, can you tell me

Gatland, Gatland where art though. Say what you like, but he was pretty bang on with selections for the last 6Ns and WC.

wales606 wrote:Also, where is Lou Reed? He isn't standout, but had a good game against NZ last time out. I would rather see Reed than Coombes.

I wouldn't pick Reed in a Welsh jersey after his jog across field in the build up to the Aussie try last match. I know he was tired, but this is international rugby. Beale was also knackered but bust a gut, that is international class.

He was only going 3/4 pace too...

3/4, 1/2 whatever, it was as fast as he could possibly go having carried his team for 80+ minutes...

I just need answers unless this is a sick joke

Do you honestly think the Western Mail would make themselves look stupid deliberately...

Hmm, see your point...

Or that Howley could plot out that sort of mind games, risking upsetting his players...

I'm afraid this is no joke.

Its no joke Mummmmmmmm!!

This one is for Cymru and Ireland. We go back a while.


"The crowd acclaim the score". Man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUniUIi046Q

I'm wondering whether there are things other than on-field performance influencing selection in the camp.

Odd things have happened in the past, e.g. Popham, Delve, Prydie, that defy rational explanation - and more recently Priestland was undroppable, Hook never had a run at 10 post 2008, Henson turned up on that 60ft poster, Knoyle was given a game etc.

Whether it's office politics getting out of hand, or something more sinister, it's weird.

That ones from County Kerry, my own village of Sneem

Casartelli wrote:I'm wondering whether there are things other than on-field performance influencing selection in the camp.

Odd things have happened in the past, e.g. Popham, Delve, Prydie, that defy rational explanation - and more recently Priestland was undroppable, Hook never had a run at 10 post 2008, Henson turned up on that 60ft poster, Knoyle was given a game etc.

Whether it's office politics getting out of hand, or something more sinister, it's weird.

Whoever is behind the scenes would have a great CV for a career in NHS management

"well, Ireland haven't got a strong scrum, so we don't need to pick our strongest scrum."

"They have gone for a tail of the line option though"

"Ah have they, then so must we"

"They have put O'Brien at 7 who is not considered a classic open side"

"OK, we'll ignore the fact we have 1 1/2 fit second rows and Reed and pick the unfit one, a back rower out of position and a lightweight 6...that should do it..."

He's a one, that Glas.

A brudder from anudder Mudder.

RubyGuby wrote:

That ones from County Kerry, my own village of Sneem

Munster. Huh!

At least ye only have to wash once a week. Fair do's bro.

That looks like a godawful Welsh pack. I am happy to be proven wrong but that may be the worst pack I've seen from Wales in years and that's with several options ignored not just injured. I can understand not starting Kohn for a myriad of reasons, but why not King? Tipuric? Why is Jenkins starting?

Makes me feel 10x better about England's 23 mind

And there we have it. Our roll in life. To make troubled others feel good about themselves...

Wales

Havnt checked but I'd have thought that if you took out adam jones and halfpenny the backs average weight is going to be bigger than the forwards...

If that really is the team then once again (though did we need anymore proof) it shows that Howler hasn't got a feckin clue on how to select a team.

Jenkins over James - Come on FFS, James has always been the better technical scrummager and Jenkins has had hardly any game this season and it showed in the AIs.

Rees??? Ok if Hibbard is injured then Rees would have top be involved but he isn't first choice for the Scarlets at the moment.

Coombs - Even as a Dragons fan I was surprised by his selection and he doesn't play there for us regulalry.

I said from the off that I wasn't keen on Kohn being called up but if he's as good as people then say then least he s a specialist 2nd row. Then again if he's as good as people say he is why didn't England select, maybe they know something Howely doesn't (we all know something he doesn't).

I said all along I doubted Howleys ability as coach and selector and if this is the selection then it looks like I will have unfortunately been proven right. Ireland by 10 if we are lucky and a battle for the spoon to follow.

Also I am afraid to watch any interview with Howley today because if he comes out with his usual drivel about how they have performed well in training I fear I may need a new tv.

McCusker and Turnbull performed well in training before the AIs and we all know how that ended up FFS

I'm truly gutted for you guys if that's the case. What a mess!

I picked Ireland by 9 I think... too late to change it to 10 now.

(Wait and see how he goes though. There's always a chance he might contribute something unexpected...)

I don't know why anyone's surprised that Matthew Rees is starting at hooker. He's just signed for the Blues, of course Howley's going to select him.

Roger Lewis "ah Robin come in"

Robert Howley "it's Robert boss"

Lewis "of course it is Robin now, let me tell you why your here. You are the boss Robin, you select the team"

H "yes boss!"

L "but the rules are that there has to be one uncapped, two Dragons and three overseas in the 23"

H "pardon..."

L "don't worry Robin, you'll get used to it, it's a little fantasy league thing I've got going in the Lodge..."

I'm looking forward to the shot of Roger Lewis singing the anthem in the crowd on Saturday. Brings a tear to the eye.

Glas a du wrote:Roger Lewis "ah Robin come in"

Robert Howley "it's Robert boss"

Lewis "of course it is Robin now, let me tell you why your here. You are the boss Robin, you select the team"

H "yes boss!"

L "but the rules are that there has to be one uncapped, two Dragons and three overseas in the 23"

H "pardon..."

L "don't worry Robin, you'll get used to it, it's a little fantasy league thing I've got going in the Lodge..."

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I don't know why anyone's surprised that Matthew Rees is starting at hooker. He's just signed for the Blues, of course Howley's going to select him.

LP,

If I am honest I like Rees and thought he done very good job when captain, if as reports suggest Hibbard is unfit then with the squad selected Rees was obviously going to be included but like said would have started with Owens and Rees on the bench.

Having two out of 3 players who are not first choice with their team/region starting is worrying but not surprising given Howleys selections in the past.

I'd have Ken Owens over Matthew Rees, if Hibbard is really injured. Howler's thinking might be that Owens offers more from the bench, but bullocks to that if he offers more full stop.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/01/31/wales-team-announcement-v-ireland-live-12-50pm-91466-32713480/

Live team announcement online link.

It the team is as per the Western Mail -Jenkins, Rees, Coombs, no Tipuric - I'm going for Ireland by a clear margin. We will likely struggle in the scrum, lineout will be all over the place, we will be generally outmuscled up front, and with a very strong Irish back division to use all the ball they'll have. I'm not quite at the point of selling my ticket, but lost 99% of hope of winning.

Casartelli wrote:

Glas a du wrote:Roger Lewis "ah Robin come in"

Robert Howley "it's Robert boss"

Lewis "of course it is Robin now, let me tell you why your here. You are the boss Robin, you select the team"

H "yes boss!"

L "but the rules are that there has to be one uncapped, two Dragons and three overseas in the 23"

H "pardon..."

L "don't worry Robin, you'll get used to it, it's a little fantasy league thing I've got going in the Lodge..."

(I didn't realise your local Member had a ski lodge in Zermatt)

I wonder what the what the welsh squad announcement would be.

I might have to change my predictions.

Don't worry... we're safe, mate.

Or at least you are!

If we scrape a win with this team it will put us back another 18 months - A defeat to what is a good but nothing special Ireland team and Howley will be gone - Look at the class and power we have behind the scrum - King and Reed aside Kohn is an established Premiership player playing at the top of the game in the HC etc etc at 6 ft 7 and 21 stone he is an absolute powerhouse. Coombs has been playing premiership rugby and recently establsihed himself with the mighty Dragons, he's 6ft 4 and 16 st something - Which one is the no-brainer here.

I can only think that Howley has gone for 4 backrow players to play a fast offloading game - with Adam and Kohn and Ianto i believe we could have destroyed their scrum. The saving grace may be the bench, all of whom may get on after 25 minutes.

If we stay in the game for 60minutes, we can bring our best players off the bench, James, Owens, Kohn and Tips

wales606 wrote:If we stay in the game for 60minutes, we can bring our best players off the bench, James, Owens, Kohn and Tips

RubyGuby wrote:I can only think that Howley has gone for 4 backrow players to play a fast offloading game

That's what I'm thinking, too. I'd love to see us play an open game, but not at the expense of a solid set-piece.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:I can only think that Howley has gone for 4 backrow players to play a fast offloading game

That's what I'm thinking, too. I'd love to see us play an open game, but not at the expense of a solid set-piece.

So we're counting on changing the gameplan to a style that we haven't played since Twickenham 2008, with a makeshift, bantamweight pack and a 10 who's never played a 6N game.

Whatever people say about it - at least Welsh rugby is never boring!

That would be typical, wouldn't it: we decide to play a running game and we select a kicking outside half.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:That would be typical, wouldn't it: we decide to play a running game and we select a kicking outside half.