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

Sin é wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

JmD wrote:I see Peter O'Mahony just signed a central contract before he was selected ahead of Ireland's best backrow. How convenient.

I agree. Dont understand the POM inclusion. Is it quota based inclusion? He isnt a physical as Henry, he isnt as good in the loose as Henry and gives away lots of penalties.

Strange.

Apparently Henry tops the "give away penalties" list in the Heineken Cup this season."

Apparently so, according to here:

http://www.rugbyworld.com/news/blogs/moneyball-the-heineken-cups-most-effective-players/

But he also leads all players in tackles and is third in turnovers.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

JmD wrote:I see Peter O'Mahony just signed a central contract before he was selected ahead of Ireland's best backrow. How convenient.

I agree. Dont understand the POM inclusion. Is it quota based inclusion? He isnt a physical as Henry, he isnt as good in the loose as Henry and gives away lots of penalties.

Strange.

I entirely disagree with both of those two points, as POM has been immensely physical this season. That may be due to putting on a stone in weight this season. He is also a fantastic ball carrier, and very clever with ball in hand also. However, not including Henry is ridiculous. He has been exceptional. I am not sure Kidney has actually taken provincial form into consideration at all.

+1

Maybe Henry should have started instead of SOB or Heaslip?

Permian1988 wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

If so then it is fundamental that Kohn and Phillips (he will start) start for Wales. Do you think Faletau fits in well with that back-row though?

JUst to chip in morg. I would like a real heavy front 5 with kohn and evans 2nd row. James , hibbard and jones starting.

WE could hammer the ireland scrum.

That would be an abrasive front 5.

1. James
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. Kohn
5. Evans
6. Warburton
7. Tipuric
8. Jones

That would be my choice in the pack, dynamic backrow, will win a lot of ball on the floor - and a powerful front 5. We would have decent carriers with Hibbard and Kohn too, though Warbs and Evans will need to hep out.

Plus, we can bring Faletau off the bench to give some power in the last 20

[quote="Rory_Gallagher"]

GunsGerms wrote:

JmD wrote:I see Peter O'Mahony just signed a central contract before he was selected ahead of Ireland's best backrow. How convenient.

I agree. Dont understand the POM inclusion. Is it quota based inclusion? He isnt a physical as Henry, he isnt as good in the loose as Henry and gives away lots of penalties.

Strange.

I entirely disagree with both of those two points, as POM has been immensely physical this season. That may be due to putting on a stone in weight this season. He is also a fantastic ball carrier, and very clever with ball in hand also. However, not including Henry is ridiculous. He has been exceptional. I am not sure Kidney has actually taken provincial form into consideration at all.[/quote]

Are Howley and Kidney twins?....hang on......best wait until thursday.

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

Ireland have O'Brien at 7. Fit and in form he's an absolute wrecking ball of a player - has even given Lydiate a hard time in the past and could just run right over the top of Tipuric. Warburton has handled O'Brien well in previous match ups.

Warburton/Faletau/Tipuric looks very lightweight. I'd stick someone heavy (Ryan) in there at 6 or 8.

wales606 wrote:

Permian1988 wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

If so then it is fundamental that Kohn and Phillips (he will start) start for Wales. Do you think Faletau fits in well with that back-row though?

JUst to chip in morg. I would like a real heavy front 5 with kohn and evans 2nd row. James , hibbard and jones starting.

WE could hammer the ireland scrum.

That would be an abrasive front 5.

1. James
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. Kohn
5. Evans
6. Warburton
7. Tipuric
8. Jones

That would be my choice in the pack, dynamic backrow, will win a lot of ball on the floor - and a powerful front 5. We would have decent carriers with Hibbard and Kohn too, though Warbs and Evans will need to hep out.

Plus, we can bring Faletau off the bench to give some power in the last 20

I wonder if Pretorius is a dark horse for place in the 23. If Ryan Jones isnt fit we can assume he will be on the bench and Faletau will start.
I find faletau a frustrating player. I'd like to see him running in the wide channels, using his power and offloading ability to release backs.

He was excellent in the World cup and world cup warm up games at that!!!

I dont want to see Reed in the squad. I dont think he offers a great deal. I would like to see young James king and shingler get a bench place.

Permian1988 wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

If so then it is fundamental that Kohn and Phillips (he will start) start for Wales. Do you think Faletau fits in well with that back-row though?

JUst to chip in morg. I would like a real heavy front 5 with kohn and evans 2nd row. James , hibbard and jones starting.

WE could hammer the ireland scrum.

That would be my front 5 too. I'd like Ryan Jones to start at 6. He should be able to cope with that thumb, it's Ian Evans' injury that concerns me the most. Surely by now, Howley and Gats (or whoever is picking the team) know that James, Hibbard and Jones HAS to be our starting front row.

I guess Reed or Shingler will be involved somewhere too.

Casartelli wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

Ireland have O'Brien at 7. Fit and in form he's an absolute wrecking ball of a player - has even given Lydiate a hard time in the past and could just run right over the top of Tipuric. Warburton has handled O'Brien well in previous match ups.

Warburton/Faletau/Tipuric looks very lightweight. I'd stick someone heavy (Ryan) in there at 6 or 8.

Obrien has really struggled with injuries. I think warbs and faletau can handle him. He hasnt really stepped up at international level yet. Warbs and Faletau have.

Morgannwg wrote:

Permian1988 wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

If so then it is fundamental that Kohn and Phillips (he will start) start for Wales. Do you think Faletau fits in well with that back-row though?

JUst to chip in morg. I would like a real heavy front 5 with kohn and evans 2nd row. James , hibbard and jones starting.

WE could hammer the ireland scrum.

That would be my front 5 too. I'd like Ryan Jones to start at 6. He should be able to cope with that thumb, it's Ian Evans' injury that concerns me the most. Surely by now, Howley and Gats (or whoever is picking the team) know that James, Hibbard and Jones HAS to be our starting front row.

I guess Reed or Shingler will be involved somewhere too.

Please shingler and not reed

Permian1988 wrote:

Casartelli wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

Ireland have O'Brien at 7. Fit and in form he's an absolute wrecking ball of a player - has even given Lydiate a hard time in the past and could just run right over the top of Tipuric. Warburton has handled O'Brien well in previous match ups.

Warburton/Faletau/Tipuric looks very lightweight. I'd stick someone heavy (Ryan) in there at 6 or 8.

Obrien has really struggled with injuries. I think warbs and faletau can handle him. He hasnt really stepped up at international level yet. Warbs and Faletau have.

SOB has been fantastic since his return from injury. He is looking like the player he was in 2011 again. He played the whole of last season with an injury

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Permian1988 wrote:

Casartelli wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

Ireland have O'Brien at 7. Fit and in form he's an absolute wrecking ball of a player - has even given Lydiate a hard time in the past and could just run right over the top of Tipuric. Warburton has handled O'Brien well in previous match ups.

Warburton/Faletau/Tipuric looks very lightweight. I'd stick someone heavy (Ryan) in there at 6 or 8.

Obrien has really struggled with injuries. I think warbs and faletau can handle him. He hasnt really stepped up at international level yet. Warbs and Faletau have.

SOB has been fantastic since his return from injury. He is looking like the player he was in 2011 again. He played the whole of last season with an injury

Leinster.... dont get me wrong. I think O'Brien has been fantastic in the blue of leinster. I just question his ability to do that at international level. For me...he has never really shown up anywhere near as well as Ferris & Heaslip. Just an opinion.

any chance of eli walker breaking into the Wales team lads?

He has looked far better than North in the games i have seen over the last few months. A bit of contrast is always good aswell given you do tend field a backline of enormous freaks

Your backs are big strong and fast and have worn us down the last few times we have met no issues there. However i put a lot of it down to our absurd insistance on kicking the ball aimlessly to you and being far too content to defend for phase after phase.

if ireland get over 45% possession i think we will win.

Heaslip and SOB have been doing just fine the last few months and have played well. My only concern is putting two lads who are better at blindside against two opensides

dublin_dave wrote:any chance of eli walker breaking into the Wales team lads?

He has looked far better than North in the games i have seen over the last few months. A bit of contrast is always good aswell given you do tend field a backline of enormous freaks

Your backs are big strong and fast and have worn us down the last few times we have met no issues there. However i put a lot of it down to our absurd insistance on kicking the ball aimlessly to you and being far too content to defend for phase after phase.

if ireland get over 45% possession i think we will win.

Heaslip and SOB have been doing just fine the last few months and have played well. My only concern is putting two lads who are better at blindside against two opensides

Dublin....Walker looks to be really struggling for fitness as ive just read on bbc sport. I agree, north really needs a big game soon. He isnt scoring tries or ripping sides apart with running and power. He also isnt creatong tries for others. I have said that to quite a few on here that north seems to be hiding on the wing. He needs to go looking for the ball like walker & cuthbert are doing.

wales606 wrote:

Permian1988 wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

If so then it is fundamental that Kohn and Phillips (he will start) start for Wales. Do you think Faletau fits in well with that back-row though?

JUst to chip in morg. I would like a real heavy front 5 with kohn and evans 2nd row. James , hibbard and jones starting.

WE could hammer the ireland scrum.

That would be an abrasive front 5.

1. James
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. Kohn
5. Evans
6. Warburton
7. Tipuric
8. Jones

That would be my choice in the pack, dynamic backrow, will win a lot of ball on the floor - and a powerful front 5. We would have decent carriers with Hibbard and Kohn too, though Warbs and Evans will need to hep out.

Plus, we can bring Faletau off the bench to give some power in the last 20

Probably the most logical pick right there. Sam can do his fair share of 'chopping' as we've seen before. I get the feeling further injury woes or management stupidity will go against us instead.

theslosty wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

JmD wrote:I see Peter O'Mahony just signed a central contract before he was selected ahead of Ireland's best backrow. How convenient.

I agree. Dont understand the POM inclusion. Is it quota based inclusion? He isnt a physical as Henry, he isnt as good in the loose as Henry and gives away lots of penalties.

Strange.

For the record I think Henry should start but I disagree with those statements.

IMO players don't come any more physical than POM - he is the definition of abrasiveness.
Much quicker than Henry and more of a ball-carrying threat, so I'd say he's better in the loose, although Henry makes more tackles.
They're both back-row forwards, of course they'll give away penalties.

Henry and POM are more in form than SOB and Heaslip, not that the latter two haven't played well for Leinster, but Henry and POM have been stand-outs in the HEC for me, and I've watched a good bit of Ulster and Munster this year.

I would have picked Henry but in fairness it was a close decision and if we're going to slate Deccie, we may as well do it after we prove him wrong. POM is younger and is probably the next captain, and he may be part of a strategy to attack Wales' lineout.

Either way I think this back row will be more effective than the rather one-dimensional trio of Ferris, O'Brien and Heaslip.

POM might be physical in the sense that he is very committed and will put his body on the line. No question about that. However, for a backrow player he doesnt have much of a physical presence and gets pushed around too easy for my money.

In all fairness if Henry isnt more physical nor better in the loose than POM then why pick him over POM? I would pick Henry or McLaughlin ahead of POM. Both better players IMO.

Permian1988 wrote:

Casartelli wrote:

wales606 wrote:Warburton to start at 6, Tips 7 according to some Blues people

Ireland have O'Brien at 7. Fit and in form he's an absolute wrecking ball of a player - has even given Lydiate a hard time in the past and could just run right over the top of Tipuric. Warburton has handled O'Brien well in previous match ups.

Warburton/Faletau/Tipuric looks very lightweight. I'd stick someone heavy (Ryan) in there at 6 or 8.

Obrien has really struggled with injuries. I think warbs and faletau can handle him. He hasnt really stepped up at international level yet. Warbs and Faletau have.

In the 2011 6 nations he was probably the most effective ball carrier I have ever seen, and that is saying something. He made it look easy, and made certain players look like boys. He hasn't hit those heights since then though, 2 years ago now. Hopefully he will get there again soon. Don't forget that he outplayed (arguably) McCaw in the summer and the NZ press seemed to rate him highly, and he wasn't even fully fit. They mentioned O'Brien and Healy as two players that could challenge for NZ places.

Fair cop Rory, but as you say the form of two years ago was two years ago. Im hoping he doesn't reach those heights against wales.

Guns - Henry offers something different to the likes of POM and O'Brien. POM has been one of the best ball carriers in the heneiken cup this season, and he has just looked monstrous. He is not pushed around, he is much bigger now and breaks a lot of tackles and knocks people about himself.

Henry on the other hand is a complete nuisance, bothering teams all day and slowing down ball constantly. He is there to disrupt. He isn't nearly as effective in attack but his defence is outstanding.

In some ways POM is a better player than Henry, maybe not on form, but I digress, Henry is a much better choice to balance the back row.

I sincerely hope Deccie has his reasons...

I think that on paper Ireland look stronger overall from 1 to 10, which would normally give you confidence. But our centres won't create much against the Welsh defence and our wingers might be exposed by the Welsh attack.

I think the welsh defence might be exposed by Gilroy and Zebo. If there is a coherent attack for a change, that is.

POM offers a high workrate, is a ball carrier, has very good hands, plays consistently at a high level, has good decision making skills and is a lineout option. He is has good breakdown skills and at 23 is getting better all the time. He was made Munster captain at 22 and captained Irish teams all the way through different age grades.

...and is the most over rated player in the Northern Hemisphere. Ireland's Eddy Butler.

I think I see what Deccies aiming for, Ryan, POM are better ball carrying options than the likes of DOC/Henry, but IMHO this is a mistake. Ball carrying options are all well and good if you dominate ball, and I think Deccie might have fallen into the trap of seeing a depleted 2nd row, no Lydiate and possible two 7's in the back row and thought to himself we will dominate ball.

If Deccies plan backfires and the welsh are able control posession, there is far less breakdown nous in that Irish pack than if older heads had been chosen, and the welsh backline needs only half a platform to strike (normally)

Also Darcy and BOD in the centre wreaks of desperation and no real competition for the centre shirts, IMHO this is Irelands weak spot, and numerous runners on the inside and outside of the centres shoulder will prove too much for 2 very smart but physically depleted players.

Zebo and Gilroy can be electric going forward also but Kearney is going to feel mighty lonely if the welsh backs get going, with 2 inexperienced wings and no pace inside them.

But alas, I am looking at this with rosey glasses on, and no matter how outmatched I may beleive the Irish backline is it will mean jot if Deccie has it right and Ireland dominate posession and territory.

1st job for wales - Spoil spoil and spoil
2nd - Allow SOB, Heaslip, Healy, POM nothing in terms of ground, hold up or chop!
3rd - Counter attack with width from the off, 2 passes as a minimum standard from the point of turnover (I know everyone says it but it very rarely needs to go that wide) attack BOD's outside shoulder, commit the nervous Gilroy/Zebo and exploit.

Oh and please lord help us out

Rory_Gallagher wrote:I think the welsh defence might be exposed by Gilroy and Zebo. If there is a coherent attack for a change, that is.

Sexton should be kicking in behind our wings for those two to chase. Neither North nor Cuthbert are the best when it comes to defensive positioning. Another reason to have Halfpenny on one of the wings and Byrne at fullback.

Whohoo 6 nations already upon us once more!
I'm naively hoping for a very open and high scoring tournament - as if!!!

Now while I'm not a Kidney fan I like the general look of the ireland team - a nice blend of youth and experience, pace and power. My worries are the 'rustiness' of BOD/Darcy and whether Connor Murray will be able to play to the level needed. Minor worries are lack of a workhorse in second row - both are fine athletes in mitigation.

A lot of negativity towards POM but like Henry he's had some superb games for Munster recently, and SOB's ball carrying must have just edged him ahead of Henry - He will get game time during the 6 nations.

If you look at all the players injured for Wales I'm giving Ireland the edge and a win by 8-10 points!

Casartelli wrote:This may be simplistic, but then rugby is a simple game - it will be won or lost at 7 & 8.

If Heaslip and O'Brien carry and 'make yards' then it's Ireland's game. If Warburton and Faletau (presumably) contain them then unless Wales fall apart (which is very possible, we're still Wales) they should have enough power in the backs to grind out the win.

Very happy O'Brien is at 7 and not 6.

So true.
Howley will be happier too. Deccie feiced up there. Again. It had to be SOB, Henry, Heaslip. Had to be. That combo rocks. We find another proper 7 (Jennings being the only other one) at last. And that after he was excellent v Argentina. And Kidney drops him. And plays SOB at his weakest backrow position, disabling him from doing what he's best at. And tempting Wales to do that same voodoo as in the last 3 games they won against us. Grand. Just phhookin grand.

Cork coaches don' t like proper 7´s. They singularly hate them. On the plus side, that Irish backline is well sexshy. So much Devil-may-care, skill, speed, vision and danger there. So much hope for the future - if its not coached out of the 2 insanely talented whizz-kids on the wings. And fed by a 27 year old WC FB. Oh yes. Good man on that score Deccie. Love it. Now unleash it, ya bollix. Tell Sexton and Kearney only to kick as a last or tactical resort. Not by default.

Even with an unbalanced backrow, and a gobshoite of a coach, I still believe we will beat Wales this time. Its time. And its Drico´s last 6-N. I bet he will be immense and nail the Lions Captaincy. Hes had a wee rest. He's timed it beautifully. As per.

I want us to win every game, but I really don't want Kidney to stay on. It looks like Lady Luck... and timing, may save his sorry arse, yet again. Bhugger.

I get the feeling the injury list looks worse than it actually is for Wales...

AWJ
Jones
Evans
Davies
Charteris

Are all squad players, but only 2 would start. The fact that Wales might have 2 kids at lock is painfull but workable. All they have to do in general is give Jones and James enough to stay solid in the scrum (both props have the edge on their Irish counterparts) and keep up the abysmal record of the Welsh lineout (of which a few U14's from Ponty could better) aside from that make your tackles and don't make any glaring mistakes ala Lawes last year!

Lydiate is the big miss, and if Warbs plays blind I think he can cover the 6 position adequately enough to limit Lydiates exclusion to minimal.

The one thing Wales have in their favour is previous records, events seem to go against the Irish in the last 3 games or so, and they will be well aware of the start of a monkey climbing on their backs.

I think thats why Deccies gone for a more youthfull look

I think this is one of the most interesting matches of the upcoming 6 Nations. Extremely hared to call, but the injuries to Wales, especially in the second row could be the difference.

Wales are defending champions. Ireland ended last 6 Nations in a bad way.
Irish teams in the Heineken Cup and Pro12 are doing very well. Welsh regions are not.

Wales clearly have a physical mismatch in their favour in the backs. Ireland have the mismatch in the forwards.

Since I generally favour teams with the better pack, I will go with Ireland in this one. But is really a hard one to call.

By the by, I was at Thomond Park for the Racing Metro match, I was impressed by Connor Murray. Good, annoying, and pesty kind of scrum half. I think he has a lot of potential and the team can certainly with with him.

thebluesmancometh wrote:I get the feeling the injury list looks worse than it actually is for Wales...

AWJ
Jones
Evans
Davies
Charteris

Are all squad players, but only 2 would start. The fact that Wales might have 2 kids at lock is painfull but workable. All they have to do in general is give Jones and James enough to stay solid in the scrum (both props have the edge on their Irish counterparts) (Hmmm. Cian Healy. Nailed-on Lion starter... Hmmm) and keep up the abysmal record of the Welsh lineout (of which a few U14's from Ponty could better) aside from that make your tackles and don't make any glaring mistakes ala Lawes last year!

Lydiate is the big miss, and if Warbs plays blind I think he can cover the 6 position adequately enough to limit Lydiates exclusion to minimal.

The one thing Wales have in their favour is previous records, events seem to go against the Irish in the last 3 games or so, and they will be well aware of the start of a monkey climbing on their backs.

I think thats why Deccies gone for a more youthfull look

Nah Bluesman, he is busy trying to save his arse, having put it off for 4 years now and failing miserably in the process. He is trying hard to redeem himself. Far too late for me.


On the rest of your post, Lydiate is a huge loss man. Sam needs to play 7. Lydiate reminds me of Richard Hill and that's saying something. Warbs is a sublime 7. A born leader, a complete gentleman, and a complete basterd at the breakdown. I rate them both so highly, individually. And both belong - in position, in the best possible Welsh backrow unit. Without them together, it has been weakened, imho. So, as it also unbalances your backrow... That coupled with the 2nd-row drop in experience...

Yeah, we will win this one. I reckon. I think. Maybe.

Its the 6-N. Who feicin knows?

But. Whatever happens...

Elmer Fudge must Go!

We all know Sam will start its just case of at 6 or 7.

A lot will depend on thefitness of Evans and Jones and who Howler decides to play in the secodn row.

If he sticks bothnthe above innthe second row then I think we will see Warburton and Tips start.

If he decides to go with Evans and a youngster then I reckon Jones will be at 6

[quote="Permian1988"]

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

JmD wrote:I see Peter O'Mahony just signed a central contract before he was selected ahead of Ireland's best backrow. How convenient.

I agree. Dont understand the POM inclusion. Is it quota based inclusion? He isnt a physical as Henry, he isnt as good in the loose as Henry and gives away lots of penalties.

Strange.

I entirely disagree with both of those two points, as POM has been immensely physical this season. That may be due to putting on a stone in weight this season. He is also a fantastic ball carrier, and very clever with ball in hand also. However, not including Henry is ridiculous. He has been exceptional. I am not sure Kidney has actually taken provincial form into consideration at all.[/quote]

Are Howley and Kidney twins?....hang on......best wait until thursday.

Not twins bro, birds of a feather. Both shoite International coaches, both with teams who deserve far better.

bedfordwelsh wrote:We all know Sam will start its just case of at 6 or 7.

A lot will depend on thefitness of Evans and Jones and who Howler decides to play in the secodn row.

If he sticks bothnthe above innthe second row then I think we will see Warburton and Tips start.

If he decides to go with Evans and a youngster then I reckon Jones will be at 6

Possibly an out of position captain and an unproven (at test level) finesse openside, against Heaslip and O'Brien?

Big call.

Dan Biggar will start at 10

A coombes in the second row.

Ireland's record against Wales in the Six Nations is still fairly healthy - 8 wins to 5 in the championship.

The last couple of games were close affairs with both being settled by a contentious decision. There's not a lot between the sides really.

To re-quote someone from a few posts up: "I think most should wait until the Wales team is announced before predicting an Ireland win. "

That might equally apply to Welsh predictions too.

I think we'll start with Warburton and have Tips on the bench. Even with our injuries we have a few that can play blindside flanker other than having Warburton there. Maybe Jones if the second row is inexperienced, or Jones in the second row for a bit of grunt with Shingler at 6.
We'll need Tips to come on fresh after Warburton goes off injured anyway

We'll need Tips to come on fresh after Warburton goes off injured anyway

Before half time then.

Scrumdown wrote:

Dan Biggar will start at 10

A coombes in the second row.

Coombes? Now that would be a shock, a huge shock

I'll just be happy if Warburton can make an average of 3 games in the 6N.
He seems a bit injury prone so Tips will have his chances to shine without resorting to playing two opensides against Ireland.

Okay maybe being Scottish I'm easily impressed! But that is one damn tasty looking Irish backline. Can't wait till this game, should be the perfect warm up for the main event..!

Is it just me? Or do you call him Justin TwoPricks over there too.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Is it just me? Or do you call him Justin TwoPricks over there too.

I thought every geezer had 2 pricks. One for pishin with...

No?

Gibson wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Is it just me? Or do you call him Justin TwoPricks over there too.

I thought every geezer had 2 pricks. One for pishin with...

No?

Just you and him mate. Just you and him

My Da always used the phrase "as happy as a dog with two mickeys"

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Gibson wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Is it just me? Or do you call him Justin TwoPricks over there too.

I thought every geezer had 2 pricks. One for pishin with...

No?

Just you and him mate. Just you and him

My Da always used the phrase "as happy as a dog with two mickeys"

Tidy. Lush. Your Da sounds like a man I´d be happy having a pint with Jen.

I' m extremely selective like that. The rest of ye, can go feic yerselves. Send ye, ye who don't quite make the Kingdom Of Leinster squad, to Munster, Ulster, Connacht and beyond. Possibly Coventry even. Who cares?

We are Leinster.

You sound as pi$$ed as I feel......And it's only Tuesday

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:You sound as pi$$ed as I feel......And it's only Tuesday

Only Tuesday? D4 dude, you worry me sometimes.

Goede nacht
Slaap Lekker.

Je ook, mo chara. Its way past your bedtime.

Me? I shall dream of ROG in the HC SF in 2006. Always gets me goin that one.

Slaap lekker.

Ospreydragon wrote:"Henry is blatantly the form 7 in Europe" -- Has he played better than Tipuric? I don't think so.

On form the Lions shirt should be between them. Tipuric more a link man and Henry a groundhog though both good allrounders. If they both get game time it will be interesting match up

Warburton is the Lions 7. Backed up by a 6.5 in SOB. Dem 2 babies, wont even be considered or make the trip. Get a large phhokin grip lads.

Tupuric (is that a Welsh/Indian spice?) may make it.