Wales v Ireland Match Thread

[Luckless Pedestrian]

First topic message reminder :

Seeing as there isn't one yet, and the teams have been named:

Six Nations 2021: Wales v Ireland

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Sunday, 7 February Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Jonathan Davies, Hallam Amos; Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rhodri Jones, Leon Brown, Will Rowlands, Josh Navidi, Gareth Davies, Callum Sheedy, Nick Tompkins.

Ireland: Keenan, Earls, Ringrose; Henshaw, Lowe; Sexton, Murray; Healy, Herring, Porter, Beirne, Ryan, O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Stander.

Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Furlong, Henderson, Connors, Gibson Park, Burns, Larmour.

[tigertattie]

Draw?

[tigertattie]

Well that’s just unforgivable

Sexton still needed by Ireland

[No 7&1/2]

Ow.

[hugehandoff]

what an unfortunate way to end a great match.....Burns a real numpty

[mikey_dragon]

Well credit to Ireland for the way the played for the full 80. I think Wales were very poor, and dread to think what could happen in England and France if we’re playing like that.

[Collapse2005]

Id probably drop Burns after that too.

[eirebilly]

Sadly Collapse, you have again shown your true colours, i will not be responding to you again.

[RiscaGame]

What the hell?!  Gareth Davies, one of the best break runners around, grabbers it when it looked like he had a run through.

Very strange that. Tried our hardest to throw that away.

[TightHEAD]

Billy burns brain fart.

Repeat.

[mikey_dragon]

Well credit to Ireland for the way the played for the full 80. I think Wales were very poor, and dread to think what could happen in England and France if we’re playing like that.

I say this, but I can’t see us doing well against Scotland either.

[Guest]

Terrible game from Wales. Although we won I feel the congratulations needs to go to Ireland.

[hugehandoff]

Such a good match to watch after England's dire effort yesterday. Well done both sides for trying to play some rugby.

[king_carlos]

Ouch Billy Burns. Got to feel for an individual error like that. The sort of thing that never gets lived down.

[Collapse2005]

Sadly Collapse, you have again shown your true colours, i will not be responding to you again.

Truth obviously hurts

[westisbest]

To many mistakes from Ireland today.
Burns. That is not good enough there. Should be finding touch.

Disappointing second half.

[Shifty]

Gareth Davies... honestly, why?
Now he's given the ball away, and Wales had had to defend for 4 extra minutes.  

It's better to win than lose, but honestly Wales and Ireland are a 1 out of 10 at the moment, possibly a 2... truly shocking.
Lineouts for both teams are awful.
We need to look at replacing Biggar, he was good for Warren ball but we're not doing that now.
Gareth Davies... jesus what possessed him to kick like that and give the ball to Ireland with 10 weconds to go? Why do we insist on playing this error ridden disater season after season, aimless box kicks, and general poor decisions around the field

[eirebilly]

A massive effort from Ireland after POM made a complete tit of himself and deservedly got a Red Card.

Wales, well, that was not that impressive to be fair. Discipline and game management was very poor for large periods of the game.

[TightHEAD]

Hope Sexton is ok. Bashed about again.

[doctor_grey]

Gareth Davies = Billy Burns
Shame for both. Good tight match.

[eirebilly]

Ouch Billy Burns. Got to feel for an individual error like that. The sort of thing that never gets lived down.

It will, he is a class player. Sexton also missed a crucial kick to touch, it happens. He will shrug it off tomorrow and move on.

[Heaf]

Well credit to Ireland for the way the played for the full 80. I think Wales were very poor, and dread to think what could happen in England and France if we’re playing like that.

I wouldn't worry too much Mikey if England play like they did yesterday ...

[eirebilly]

The loss of Lydiate early really affected the Welsh defensive line. Hope he has not done too much damage, he has been in some form this year.

George North looked very good as an attacking 13, made Lowe look like an amateur in defense.

[Mr Bounce]

I actually felt sorry for Ireland in that match. They were pretty much a match for Wales without O'Mahoney, and came very close to beating Wales. I think Wales need to do a lot to improve, but a win is a win. Ireland will be a handful for the other teams they face.

FAR more exciting to watch than England's poor attempt at playing rugby yesterday. What price a Scotland Triple Crown??

[LeinsterFan4life]

Ouch Billy Burns. Got to feel for an individual error like that. The sort of thing that never gets lived down.

It will, he is a class player. Sexton also missed a crucial kick to touch, it happens. He will shrug it off tomorrow and move on.

I would seriously debate that he is a "class player". Ross Byrne would have been crucified for that. In fact he's been vilified the whole year for a lot less.

[TightHEAD]

Paddy Jackson is playing well.

[majesticimperialman]

Well played Wales a good win against a 14 man Ireland team. did not see the last 15 or so minutes of the game. But a wiin is a win so well played.

[Pete330v2]

Sadly that game was ruined from an Irish perspective by one ridiculous act by O'Mahoney but there's more of that to come with the squad unfortunately. The same old story from stale old players. If Wales had been better in the first half it'd have spared Burns the scorn he'll receive for the final act. France, England and Scotland won't be worried by what they've seen today.

[eirebilly]

Ouch Billy Burns. Got to feel for an individual error like that. The sort of thing that never gets lived down.

It will, he is a class player. Sexton also missed a crucial kick to touch, it happens. He will shrug it off tomorrow and move on.

I would seriously debate that he is a "class player". Ross Byrne would have been crucified for that. In fact he's been vilified the whole year for a lot less.

I think he is a class player and will get better and better. The kick was a gamble that he had to take to give Ireland a chance of a draw or possible win. What did Ross Byrne do to get vilified? I think he is a very good player as well.

[asoreleftshoulder]

Great to see our maul back looking strong.PoC looks to have been an inspired addition if thst kind of improvement continues.

[eirebilly]

Sadly that game was ruined from an Irish perspective by one ridiculous act by O'Mahoney but there's more of that to come with the squad unfortunately. The same old story from stale old players. If Wales had been better in the first half it'd have spared Burns the scorn he'll receive for the final act. France, England and Scotland won't be worried by what they've seen today.

Based on what POM did today, I would leave him out of the squad for the remainder of the 6N. There is no excuse for that and he should be made an example. Harsh but that's the way I would approach it.

[Duty281]

The end of a very poor weekend for NH rugby.

[Pete330v2]

Paddy Jackson is playing well.

Jackson's playing brilliantly but unfortunately the IRFU is run by cowards who fear the hashtag army.
I don't see many protests at London Irish.

[TightHEAD]

The end of a very poor weekend for NH rugby.

Yep, dreadful all round. Teams are afraid to play.

I want to be entertained.

[asoreleftshoulder]

Sadly that game was ruined from an Irish perspective by one ridiculous act by O'Mahoney but there's more of that to come with the squad unfortunately. The same old story from stale old players. If Wales had been better in the first half it'd have spared Burns the scorn he'll receive for the final act. France, England and Scotland won't be worried by what they've seen today.

Totally disagree, if we keep 15 on the pitch and play like that consistently then we'll win 4 from 4. Could do with a bit of luck with refereeing decisions too.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Ouch Billy Burns. Got to feel for an individual error like that. The sort of thing that never gets lived down.

It will, he is a class player. Sexton also missed a crucial kick to touch, it happens. He will shrug it off tomorrow and move on.

I would seriously debate that he is a "class player". Ross Byrne would have been crucified for that. In fact he's been vilified the whole year for a lot less.

I think he is a class player and will get better and better. The kick was a gamble that he had to take to give Ireland a chance of a draw or possible win. What did Ross Byrne do to get vilified? I think he is a very good player as well.

I disagree but fair enough you're more than entitled to your opinion. In terms or Byrne he's received no end of abuse from fan online for his performances against England x2 which so happens to be the only starts he's received for Ireland

[eirebilly]

Paddy Jackson is playing well.

Jackson's playing brilliantly but unfortunately the IRFU is run by cowards who fear the hashtag army.
I don't see many protests at London Irish.

True but at 29, PJ is getting on and not really the future anymore.

[Pete330v2]

Sadly that game was ruined from an Irish perspective by one ridiculous act by O'Mahoney but there's more of that to come with the squad unfortunately. The same old story from stale old players. If Wales had been better in the first half it'd have spared Burns the scorn he'll receive for the final act. France, England and Scotland won't be worried by what they've seen today.

Based on what POM did today, I would leave him out of the squad for the remainder of the 6N. There is no excuse for that and he should be made an example. Harsh but that's the way I would approach it.

I'd agree, I'd prefer to see the likes of Ruddock or young Coombes be given a chance in view of what he did.

[BigGee]

Well done Wales, got over the line eventually with a bit of help from Mr O'Mahoney, whoes luck finally ran out.

The first game, the win is all that matters and you can go up to Scotland now in the unusual position of not being the favourite.

[eirebilly]

Sadly that game was ruined from an Irish perspective by one ridiculous act by O'Mahoney but there's more of that to come with the squad unfortunately. The same old story from stale old players. If Wales had been better in the first half it'd have spared Burns the scorn he'll receive for the final act. France, England and Scotland won't be worried by what they've seen today.

Based on what POM did today, I would leave him out of the squad for the remainder of the 6N. There is no excuse for that and he should be made an example. Harsh but that's the way I would approach it.

I'd agree, I'd prefer to see the likes of Ruddock or young Coombes  be given a chance in view of what he did.

Coombes is a player i rate very highly but it may just be a little early for him. Next year or the the year after will see him come on.

What grated me about POM today was that it was so clear he lined him up and he is supposed to be an on field leader, what else did he expect. No place for that these days and he should be punished by Farrell by being dropped. Not sure if Farrell will do that though.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Sadly that game was ruined from an Irish perspective by one ridiculous act by O'Mahoney but there's more of that to come with the squad unfortunately. The same old story from stale old players. If Wales had been better in the first half it'd have spared Burns the scorn he'll receive for the final act. France, England and Scotland won't be worried by what they've seen today.

Based on what POM did today, I would leave him out of the squad for the remainder of the 6N. There is no excuse for that and he should be made an example. Harsh but that's the way I would approach it.

I'd agree, I'd prefer to see the likes of Ruddock or young Coombes  be given a chance in view of what he did.

Coombes is a player i rate very highly but it may just be a little early for him. Next year or the the year after will see him come on.

What grated me about POM today was that it was so clear he lined him up and he is supposed to be an on field leader, what else did he expect. No place for that these days and he should be punished by Farrell by being dropped. Not sure if Farrell will do that though.

We all know how hard it is to be dropped by Ireland. I too would like to see Combes given a chance.

[Collapse2005]

http://www.balls.ie/rugby/player-ratings-14-man-ireland-fall-to-wales-in-cardiff-460736

Ireland player ratings on balls.ie, Earls and Pom easily the worst players.

Henshaw and Beirne the best, spot on IMO.

[BigGee]

What grated me about POM today was that it was so clear he lined him up and he is supposed to be an on field leader, what else did he expect. No place for that these days and he should be punished by Farrell by being dropped. Not sure if Farrell will do that though.

I reckon he will get at least 3 weeks for that. so will likely miss the next two rounds in any case.

Has POM ever been sent off before, he has been living on the edge for years, so it would be amazing if this was a first offence!

[doctor_grey]

I think it was pretty impressive how Ireland not only stayed in the match, but was in position to possibly win.  Gutty and tough.  I think both Ireland and Wales will show better as the tournament moves on.  
Looking forward to next weekend:
Ireland-France will tell us exactly how each stand
Wales-Scotland will be a great spectacle
Italy-England will be, um, err, Rugby?

[eirebilly]

What grated me about POM today was that it was so clear he lined him up and he is supposed to be an on field leader, what else did he expect. No place for that these days and he should be punished by Farrell by being dropped. Not sure if Farrell will do that though.

I reckon he will get at least 3 weeks for that. so will likely miss the next two rounds in any case.

Has POM ever been sent off before, he has been living on the edge for years, so it would be amazing if this was a first offence!

Not his first offence and yes he has been sent off before. He has a history of this. Such a great player and an absolute beast at the line out and breakdown but is becoming more and more a risky selection.

Regardless of the ban he will receive, I would like to see Farrell make an example of him and drop him.

[doctor_grey]

What grated me about POM today was that it was so clear he lined him up and he is supposed to be an on field leader, what else did he expect. No place for that these days and he should be punished by Farrell by being dropped. Not sure if Farrell will do that though.

I reckon he will get at least 3 weeks for that. so will likely miss the next two rounds in any case.

Has POM ever been sent off before, he has been living on the edge for years, so it would be amazing if this was a first offence!

Not his first offence and yes he has been sent off before. He has a history of this. Such a great player and an absolute beast at the line out and breakdown but is becoming more and more a risky selection.

Regardless of the ban he will receive, I would like to see Farrell make an example of him and drop him.

I'd be happy if Farrell cops a ban. Do we have to wait until Ireland play England?

[TightHEAD]

Paddy Jackson is playing well.

Jackson's playing brilliantly but unfortunately the IRFU is run by cowards who fear the hashtag army.
I don't see many protests at London Irish.

True but at 29, PJ is getting on and not really the future anymore.

Here and now is what counts.

[Engine#4]

George North looked very good as an attacking 13, made Lowe look like an amateur in defense.

Looked like Henderson hung him out to dry for the North try. Not easy to defend 2 players.

[eirebilly]

George North looked very good as an attacking 13, made Lowe look like an amateur in defense.

Looked like Henderson hung him out to dry for the North try. Not easy to defend 2 players.

How did Henderson hang Lowe out to dry? It was Beirne that had to scramble back and showed great pace to get to North after Lowe did not go in to tackle.

[Collapse2005]

Think Billy just wants to see what he wants to see.

[profitius]

Well done Wales. Just saw the first half so can't really comment but it was the usual Ireland type performance. Wales looked to have more of a cutting edge when both teams had 15 men.

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