Wales team vs Ireland

First topic message reminder :

Team announced

WALES SQUAD TO PLAY IRELAND: Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North (Northampton Saints), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Sam Warburton (CAPT – Cardiff Blues), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

Gibson wrote:Truth is, Schmidt has Gats number. Far better coach. Far more inventive on the fly, which is key. Gats is one-dimensional. Schmidt is his intellectual Master. No one is talking about this match-up lads. The biggest one of all. Its a Tist Match for canny Keewiis.

My money is all on Joe. You heard it here...

I think you might be right but Gatland is no ordinary coach either. He has been the stand out in the 6 nations since he took over the Wales job. Schmidt has also proven himself with Leinster to be a master tactician.

Have 2 spare tickets for this game. PM me if interested!

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley says Mike Phillips must avoid a "duel" with Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray in Dublin on Saturday.

Why is this?

Is it because he'll be made to look a fool and show him up for the flanker (stuck in a No9 shirt) he really is.

Scrumpy wrote:Wales assistant coach Rob Howley says Mike Phillips must avoid a "duel" with Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray in Dublin on Saturday.

Why is this?

Is it because he'll be made to look a fool and show him up for the flanker (stuck in a No9 shirt) he really is.

yeh.

probably because when MP sees red, his brain stops functioning and he becomes even more predictable...charge at Murray...big handoff to Murray...charge at Murray...ruck Murray aggressively...charge at Murray again.

will completely hinder Wales ability to unleash any attacking play from 12-14

Scrumpy wrote:Wales assistant coach Rob Howley says Mike Phillips must avoid a "duel" with Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray in Dublin on Saturday.

It must because Murray can count to ten, brush his hair and take 3 steps sideways before passing quicker than Phillips these days.

I make a cup of tea when Phillips is deciding to pass or run with the ball.

Wasn't that the reason he got chucked out of McDonalds in Cardiff as he took too long to decide if he wanted to eat in or take away?

Wasn't that the reason he got chucked out of McDonalds in Cardiff as he took too long to decide if he wanted to eat in or take away?

No he dropped his money on the floor and it landed by some ones feet which looked similar to a ruck situation. His rugby instincts took over and he bent over to pick his money up after five minutes of screaming he finally got it, but then started taking steps in the wrong direction away from the counter. The staff thought he was trying to get away with a free meal so a fat bouncer sat on him!

quinsforever wrote:probably because when MP sees red, his brain stops functioning and he becomes even more predictable...charge at Murray...big handoff to Murray...charge at Murray...ruck Murray aggressively...charge at Murray again.

will completely hinder Wales ability to unleash any attacking play from 12-14

Just like when he was caught up with Quade Cooper in the autumn, I remember at one point he was driven back by the aussies after smashing Cooper, but he didn't care because he had done what he wanted.

Besides, I think Howley knows who the better scrum half is considering he himself was one of the better ones.

Love it, people with Danny 'I pish where I want' Care on their team throwing stones.

Scrumpy wrote:I make a cup of tea when Phillips is deciding to pass or run with the ball.

That's nothing I ate a whole pack of digestives one time waiting for Murray decide what to do.

In the end it was a box kick.

munkian wrote:Love it, people with Danny 'I pish where I want' Care on their team throwing stones.

Stay on topic old chap.

rodders wrote:

SecretFly wrote:It's more than experience...its a horse for a course.  

Donkey for a stallion more like.  

Okay..so he's a mule. He'll be glad it's a home game then...wouldn't want any airport hassles.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Speaking of animals that carry people, is anyone willing to wager that North 'carries' an Irish player on the weekend? Obviously not a circuit of the field and charging him 5 euros for his trouble but similar to the Lions carry.

He'll be too busy getting up off his bum. That's the plan...keep his bum on the ground so that his tree-trunk thighs are out of action for most of the game. Add the bum padding North.

rodders wrote:

Scrumpy wrote:I make a cup of tea when Phillips is deciding to pass or run with the ball.

That's nothing I ate a whole pack of digestives one time waiting for Murray decide what to do.

In the end it was a box kick.

Hope that isn't at every ruck, otherwise you must be one heavy sonovagun.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

rodders wrote:

Scrumpy wrote:I make a cup of tea when Phillips is deciding to pass or run with the ball.

That's nothing I ate a whole pack of digestives one time waiting for Murray decide what to do.

In the end it was a box kick.

Hope that isn't at every ruck, otherwise you must be one heavy sonovagun.

Its ok the next ruck I went for 5 mile jog.

Just made it back for the box kick.

http://www.therugbyblog.com/six-nations-key-clash-preview-ireland-v-wales

Impossible Standards wrote:

Wasn't that the reason he got chucked out of McDonalds in Cardiff as he took too long to decide if he wanted to eat in or take away?

No he dropped his money on the floor and it landed by some ones feet which looked similar to a ruck situation. His rugby instincts took over and he bent over to pick his money up after five minutes of screaming he finally got it, but then started taking steps in the wrong direction away from the counter. The staff thought he was trying to get away with a free meal so a fat bouncer sat on him!

  Brilliant.

I know.   

Watched Scrum V last night showing the 2008 game it was interesting how many of the Irish boys are still playing on Sat. Great game it had everything just hope the game this Sat is as good and the same result.

glamorganalun wrote:Watched Scrum V last night showing the 2008 game it was interesting how many of the Irish boys are still playing on Sat. Great game it had everything just hope the game this Sat is as good and the same result.

I remember a oh so young fly-boy named Shane Williams once sneer at the fact that the Irish team were a bunch of old men. He's gone now but I think it's still true that some (one or two) of the old men he was refering to are still there. Yep, we do a whiskey job on our players sure enough -mature them in oak for long life.

glamorganalun wrote:Watched Scrum V last night showing the 2008 game it was interesting how many of the Irish boys are still playing on Sat. Great game it had everything just hope the game this Sat is as good and the same result.

Do you know where I can watch recordings of ScrumV or stream it live?

It may be on BBCiplayer under regions. Ryan Jones the then captain was the lead on the programme.

Scrumpy wrote:Wales assistant coach Rob Howley says Mike Phillips must avoid a "duel" with Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray in Dublin on Saturday.

Why is this?

Is it because he'll be made to look a fool and show him up for the flanker (stuck in a No9 shirt) he really is.

Don't fall into your usual headline reading only trap, as Howley actually explains why in any article you might care to read. Suppose that doesn't suit your agenda though.

Risca Rev wrote:

Scrumpy wrote:Wales assistant coach Rob Howley says Mike Phillips must avoid a "duel" with Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray in Dublin on Saturday.

Why is this?

Is it because he'll be made to look a fool and show him up for the flanker (stuck in a No9 shirt) he really is.

Don't fall into your usual headline reading only trap, as Howley actually explains why in any article you might care to read. Suppose that doesn't suit your agenda though.

Which is Rev?

They see him trollin', they're hatin', maybe cos he's white n nerdy

I'd love to see Phillips do the Brian Moore challenge the Beeb used to do

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49931000/jpg/_49931066_moore_poster_bbc.jpg

But then again he might take a while to do it.

Did D'arcy win that one year?

SecretFly wrote:Did D'arcy win that one year?

Maybe, it wouldn't have been Phillips would it!

Phillips wouldn't throw the ball.  He'd rush the Moore Mouth, attack it, beat the living schit out of it, have a few post game drinks with it, sleep with it on a street corner and probably eventually marry it.

I like Phillips..he's a madman - and all I ever ask of any of my players is "Never take your eyes off him".  Just when you think he's given up, he pulls a trick out of his 'faster' toolbox and he's creating a scoring opportunity.

Nope, Phillips is no fool.  Mad - yes.  Fool - no.

I pity the Fool Tool.   

SecretFly wrote:Phillips wouldn't throw the ball.  He'd rush the Moore Mouth, attack it, beat the living schit out of it, have a few post game drinks with it, sleep with it on a street corner and probably eventually marry it.

I like Phillips..he's a madman - and all I ever ask of any of my players is "Never take your eyes off him".  Just when you think he's given up, he pulls a trick out of his 'faster' toolbox and he's creating a scoring opportunity.

Nope, Phillips is no fool.  Mad - yes.  Fool - no.

His NFL style try against you guys was pretty awesome   

glamorganalun wrote:It may be on BBCiplayer under regions. Ryan Jones the then captain was the lead on the programme.

Thanks. Will probably need an ip blocker to view it.

GunsGerms wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:It may be on BBCiplayer under regions. Ryan Jones the then captain was the lead on the programme.

Thanks. Will probably need an ip blocker to view it.

 
Link removed due to possible legal issues.

Foxy Proxy is the ultimate answer. I have an IP address in Ireland  and one in the YUK. Gives me all the channels in B & I. Cant miss Easties, Love / Hate, Holby or Come On Me Dancing.   A man has to get his culture from somewhere. I mean... 50 eura a year each. Well worth it.

If the forwards can at least gain parity Wales are in with a shot. If the forwards can gain the upper hand it'll be a very good shot. The Irish backline has had a tough time dealing with the physicality and pace of this current batch of Welsh backs, even last year once the insanity of the first half had subsided. McFadden still has Vietnam flashbacks of North running at him full pelt  

It's all about setting the platform. Welsh wins over Ireland have prominently involved the pack hitting the breakdown with intent, pilfering Irish ball and generally disrupting the Irish forwards as a unit. We managed to successfully pull this off, at least to an extent, in 2011/12. Last year we failed to do so and lost. Anyone see a pattern?

If ever there was a time for Warbs and co to silence the doubters and remind us all what they're capable of, it's now  

Gibson wrote:Foxy Proxy is the ultimate answer. I have an IP address in Ireland  and one in the YUK. Gives me all the channels in B & I. Cant miss Easties, Love / Hate, Holby or Come On Me Dancing.   A man has to get his culture from somewhere. I mean... 50 eura a year each. Well worth it.

thanks Gibbo. You da man.

I can see North drifting into the centre a fair bit too. Whoever wins there are going to be some painful bodies out there.

munkian wrote:I can see North drifting into the centre a fair bit too. Whoever wins there are going to be some painful bodies out there.

This, this is what worries me the most about this game. Its going to be so intense and physical that I cant help but see many injuries during the game for both sides. I hope I am wrong though.

Why would this game be any more painful than any other rugby game these guys play?

Some of you are talking this up too much.   

Yes it will be physical but what rugby game isn't these days!

munkian wrote:I can see North drifting into the centre a fair bit too. Whoever wins there are going to be some painful bodies out there.

On that painful bodies thing.... Ireland then have to play away to England the following week.  Wales get to stay at home with France.  If it's a meat grinder game (blood and injuries everywhere) then I hope the result makes the trip to England that little bit less omenous.  If Ireland lose a meat grinder game against Wales ...minds and bodies will be pretty damn low.  Hello another thrashing by England.... and bye bye Ireland's meaningful role in this year's 6N

So sorry Wales (it's always a hot and heavy game v Wales) so the physicality is a given.  Therefore, it just has to be a win for Ireland at any cost.  We really really need to attack the hell out of you in order to give ourselves a mental chance against England the week after.

SecretFly wrote:

munkian wrote:I can see North drifting into the centre a fair bit too. Whoever wins there are going to be some painful bodies out there.

On that painful bodies thing.... Ireland then have to play away to England the following week.  Wales get to stay at home with France.  If it's a meat grinder game (blood and injuries everywhere) then I hope the result makes the trip to England that little bit less omenous.  If Ireland lose a meat grinder game against Wales ...minds and bodies will be pretty damn low.  Hello another thrashing by England.... and bye bye Ireland's meaningful role in this year's 6N

So sorry Wales (it's always a hot and heavy game v Wales) so the physicality is a given.  Therefore, it just has to be a win for Ireland at any cost.  We really really need to attack the hell out of you in order to give ourselves a mental chance against England the week after.

We have 2 weeks before the England game,it'll give the team a chance to heal up any little niggles thankfully.

Scrumpy wrote:Why would this game be any more painful than any other rugby game these guys play?

Some of you are talking this up too much.   

Yes it will be physical but what rugby game isn't these days!

Scrumpy.  Let's wait for the talk up about Wales v England. Now we all know where that's going to go, don't we?!  Yes, past Neptune on the way to the closest star.  It'll be billed as the grudge match of the century.  Let the rest of us view our games likewise.  The big game for Ireland and the irish this year - is the one coming at us at the weekend.  Bones will crunch to win it - England will eat the left overs two weeks later

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

munkian wrote:I can see North drifting into the centre a fair bit too. Whoever wins there are going to be some painful bodies out there.

On that painful bodies thing.... Ireland then have to play away to England the following week.  Wales get to stay at home with France.  If it's a meat grinder game (blood and injuries everywhere) then I hope the result makes the trip to England that little bit less omenous.  If Ireland lose a meat grinder game against Wales ...minds and bodies will be pretty damn low.  Hello another thrashing by England.... and bye bye Ireland's meaningful role in this year's 6N

So sorry Wales (it's always a hot and heavy game v Wales) so the physicality is a given.  Therefore, it just has to be a win for Ireland at any cost.  We really really need to attack the hell out of you in order to give ourselves a mental chance against England the week after.

We have 2 weeks before the England game,it'll give the team a chance to heal up any little niggles thankfully.

Oh yeah..2 weeks...but still... 6N ending injuries might be the result of the efforts needed at the weekend.

I'm not exactly sure why he's accusing people of 'bigging up this game' but continuing to 'contribute' to it himself...

Latest weather update...on meteireann

Showers will be widespread tomorrow, many of them heavy and merging to longer spells of rain at times. Southwesterly winds will be very blustery across Munster and south Leinster, but it will be less windy elsewhere

Possible that we might miss the worst of it (hopefully)...

Actually has the making of an epic if the weather joins in and makes a storm of it. Yeah, it might be a mess in 'artistry' terms but sometimes weather adds character to the history of a show-down.

good win by the Welsh under 20s last night in bad conditions . so just hope the seniors can pull it off too . good luck both teams

Just to add spice I have a wager with Ladbrokes that Adam Jones will add to his tally of International tries.28/1.Money in the bank!Would be the icing on the cake if Adam sprinted over from a yard out.  

Taffineastbourne wrote:Just to add spice I have a wager with Ladbrokes that Adam Jones will add to his tally of International tries.28/1.Money in the bank!Would be the icing on the cake if Adam sprinted over from a yard out.  

I would say money in the bank for the bookie myself.

Is Adam Jones going to last the full eighty minutes this week? He did look very tired last week.