Ireland vs Wales - WELSH TEAM ANNOUNCED AT 11:50 THIS MORNING...!

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Ireland Six Nations 2012 Squad

15 -Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 - Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 - Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) Captain
6 - Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 - Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 -Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17 - Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
19 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 - Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)



WALES SQUAD

BACKS

Scrumhalf
Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE)
Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES)
Rhys WEBB (OSPREYS)

Flyhalf
Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS)
James HOOK (PERPIGNAN)

Centre 3/4s
Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES)
Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS)
Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS)
Gavin HENSON (CARDIFF BLUES)
Ashley BECK (OSPREYS – Uncapped)

Wing 3/4s
George NORTH (SCARLETS)
Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES)
Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES)
Harry ROBINSON (CARDIFF BLUES)

Fullbacks
Liam WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Uncapped)
Lee BYRNE (ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE)

FORWARDS

Tightheads
Craig MITCHELL (EXETER CHIEFS)
Adam JONES (OSPREYS)

Looseheads
Ryan BEVINGTON (OSPREYS)
Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES)
Rhys GILL (SARACENS)

Adaptable to both sides of the Scrum
Paul JAMES (OSPREYS)
Rhodri JONES (SCARLETS – Uncapped)

Hookers
Matthew REES (SCARLETS)
Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS)
Ken OWENS (SCARLETS)

Locks
Bradley DAVIES (BLUES)
Ian EVANS (OSPREYS)
Lou REED (SCARLETS – Uncapped)

Back Five Option
Ryan JONES (OSPREYS)

Blindside Flank Forward
Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS)

Openside Flank Forward
Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN)
Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS)

Number 8s
Toby FALETAU (Dragons)
Andy POWELL (Sale)


Its a month away, just 31 days to the opening game for Wales and Ireland. The excitement of the start of the tournament is as thrilling as it has ever been. I think we are hoping that both sides will show some of the new talent on display in the HEC given their chances at International level. A mix of experience blended in well to temper the exuberance of youth when it is needed.


How do the teams match up historically?

First ever Ireland vs Wales was at Lansdowne Road, Dublin on the 28th of January 1882.

Ireland nil – 2G, 4T Wales
Try: Evans
Bridie
Clapp
Baker Jones

Con: Lewis (2)


The winning result for Wales was their first ever victory in International Rugby. Since then the two Nations have played for the following results.

117 Played 117
47 Wins 64
64 Losses 47
6 Draws 6
164 Tries 201
85 Conversions 98
131 Penalties 126
21 Drop Goals 33
1227 Points 1353
39.66% Success Rate 54.31%

Last meeting was in the Quarter Finals of the RWC 2011. Wales were victorious in a classic encounter. Both nations fielded exceptionally good teams that had done well in their previous pool matches.

The game previous was in the 2011 Six Nations with another win for Wales, controversial due to the try that should not have been allowed scored by Mike Phillips.

maestegmafia wrote:I really don't mind, I am just glad we have the options to use either.

I think the battle will be far more upfront for us though.

Maes,

Scrummaging wise I honestly don't think we will lose much if James plays but we will miss Jenkins in the loose.

Admittedly the loss of AWJ and Charteris will be huge blow.

Lydiate will be another big loss but Jones had been playing well off the bench and who knows Shignler might get nod and shine.

Bedford - Wales are going to take this game to Ireland much as they did in the RWC - No more sitting back and waiting to get mullered - Ireland are more wary of Wales than anyone is letting on and we have a midfield and North that can score trys and break defences. The first 20 will be huge - If we can manage to nullify the obvious vortex that comes in that period I think we will be fine - If we are 1 score away with 20 to go I think we will win. The 2nd row pairing is a huge loss but an opportunity for Bradley and Ian Evans to really step up - Likewise Dan would be a loss but Shingler really excites me - he reminds me of Croft for England only more of a psychopath - Fast and fears no one. Lets not forget, the last time that great Irish back row played against us - once again they are being touted up - We will respect but we will not fear - Let the battle commence.

RubyGuby wrote:Lets not forget, the last time that great Irish back row played against us - once again they are being touted up - We will respect but we will not fear - Let the battle commence.

That was on neutral ground, Ruby. Home advantage is such an important factor in this one.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I really don't mind, I am just glad we have the options to use either.

I think the battle will be far more upfront for us though.

Maes,

Scrummaging wise I honestly don't think we will lose much if James plays but we will miss Jenkins in the loose.

Admittedly the loss of AWJ and Charteris will be huge blow.

Lydiate will be another big loss but Jones had been playing well off the bench and who knows Shignler might get nod and shine.

Agreed mate, i think we are all aware of that.

My huge worry is the fantastic Lineout the irish have. If they put us in the corners, they will try to win one off us set up a Maule and drive over...

I wouldnt be surprised if the pick O'Gara over Sexton for that very reason.

So what you're saying is that on neutral ground such a much vaunted back row didn't show up - Try telling the Australians that

The welsh on here never get any credit so we don't need to shoot ourselves as well. When Ireland nailed Australia it was their fearsom back row - when Ireland were blown away by Wales it was because of a neutral ground. Come on Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

maestegmafia wrote:
My huge worry is the fantastic Lineout the irish have. If they put us in the corners, they will try to win one off us set up a Maule and drive over...

Otherwise known as a Gareth.

Not sure what to make of that 32-man training squad announced by Ireland. I'd be shocked if any of the guys called up make the 22 for this game.

Does anyone know when the teams will be announced? It's normally early enough in the week is it?

Speaking of the called up guys:

IRFU wrote:
There are call ups for O2 Ireland Wolfhound players Denis Hurley, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry and Rhys Ruddock, all of whom have been capped previously for Ireland.

David Kearney, Eoin O'Malley, Peter O'Mahony, Simon Zebo, and Brett Wilkinson are the uncapped players who make the step to join up with the senior Ireland squad this week.

Wales announce Friday

MMC wrote:Speaking of the called up guys:

IRFU wrote:
There are call ups for O2 Ireland Wolfhound players Denis Hurley, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry and Rhys Ruddock, all of whom have been capped previously for Ireland.

David Kearney, Eoin O'Malley, Peter O'Mahony, Simon Zebo, and Brett Wilkinson are the uncapped players who make the step to join up with the senior Ireland squad this week.

Some very talented players there... Ruddock, O'Malley, Zebo and Kearney all looked like first team players on Saturday.

RubyGuby wrote:So what you're saying is that on neutral ground such a much vaunted back row didn't show up - Try telling the Australians that

The welsh on here never get any credit so we don't need to shoot ourselves as well. When Ireland nailed Australia it was their fearsom back row - when Ireland were blown away by Wales it was because of a neutral ground. Come on Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd prefer it if you didn't put words in my mouth. Or anything else, for that matter.

maestegmafia wrote:

MMC wrote:Speaking of the called up guys:

IRFU wrote:
There are call ups for O2 Ireland Wolfhound players Denis Hurley, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry and Rhys Ruddock, all of whom have been capped previously for Ireland.

David Kearney, Eoin O'Malley, Peter O'Mahony, Simon Zebo, and Brett Wilkinson are the uncapped players who make the step to join up with the senior Ireland squad this week.

Some very talented players there... Ruddock, O'Malley, Zebo and Kearney all looked like first team players on Saturday.

Talented, yes. But out of those four I'd say only Kearney beag is anywhere remotely near being ready for this level. Ruddock and O'Malley looked too lightweight for me and Zebo didn't seem to have a clue of what was going on around him. Don't get me wrong though, I think all 4 have a future at International level.

Of the 5 uncapped guys (besides David Kearney as mentioned above), I think POM is another who is close to being ready to make the step up. He's been one of the best backrowers in the country so far this season IMO.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:So what you're saying is that on neutral ground such a much vaunted back row didn't show up - Try telling the Australians that

The welsh on here never get any credit so we don't need to shoot ourselves as well. When Ireland nailed Australia it was their fearsom back row - when Ireland were blown away by Wales it was because of a neutral ground. Come on Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd prefer it if you didn't put words in my mouth. Or anything else, for that matter.

Stop flirting you too...!

MMC wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

MMC wrote:Speaking of the called up guys:

IRFU wrote:
There are call ups for O2 Ireland Wolfhound players Denis Hurley, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry and Rhys Ruddock, all of whom have been capped previously for Ireland.

David Kearney, Eoin O'Malley, Peter O'Mahony, Simon Zebo, and Brett Wilkinson are the uncapped players who make the step to join up with the senior Ireland squad this week.

Some very talented players there... Ruddock, O'Malley, Zebo and Kearney all looked like first team players on Saturday.

Talented, yes. But out of those four I'd say only Kearney beag is anywhere remotely near being ready for this level. Ruddock and O'Malley looked too lightweight for me and Zebo didn't seem to have a clue of what was going on around him. Don't get me wrong though, I think all 4 have a future at International level.

Of the 5 uncapped guys (besides David Kearney as mentioned above), I think POM is another who is close to being ready to make the step up. He's been one of the best backrowers in the country so far this season IMO.

After the last few games for Leinster and the Wolfhounds I would be very tempted to give O'Malley the 13 shirt for the Tournament. Though would rather you didn't in the first match.

EOM shouldn't touch the 13 shirt yet - he has been exposed in defence before, and although he did very well defensively for the Wolfhounds, I would be afraid to play him against the huge Welsh centres. It would be a baptism of fire!

Also MMC, I agree with everything you said there about those players.

The Welsh are a cocky kind of people all the same. Two victories over Ireland and they're full of themselves!!

maestegmafia wrote:Wales announce Friday

I have it on good authority that God invented that day already! It's been with us for a while. We all know about it.

SecretFly wrote:The Welsh are a cocky kind of people all the same. Two victories over Ireland and they're full of themselves!!

We beat Namibia too mate... Don't forget it.

maestegmafia wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I really don't mind, I am just glad we have the options to use either.

I think the battle will be far more upfront for us though.

Maes,

Scrummaging wise I honestly don't think we will lose much if James plays but we will miss Jenkins in the loose.

Admittedly the loss of AWJ and Charteris will be huge blow.

Lydiate will be another big loss but Jones had been playing well off the bench and who knows Shignler might get nod and shine.

Agreed mate, i think we are all aware of that.

My huge worry is the fantastic Lineout the irish have. If they put us in the corners, they will try to win one off us set up a Maule and drive over...

I wouldnt be surprised if the pick O'Gara over Sexton for that very reason.

If Ireland start O' Gara, it will just be a repeat of the RWC game. If Kidney does that, I'm supporting Wales.

He wont. Sexton is on fire.

maestegmafia wrote:

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:So what you're saying is that on neutral ground such a much vaunted back row didn't show up - Try telling the Australians that

The welsh on here never get any credit so we don't need to shoot ourselves as well. When Ireland nailed Australia it was their fearsom back row - when Ireland were blown away by Wales it was because of a neutral ground. Come on Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd prefer it if you didn't put words in my mouth. Or anything else, for that matter.

Stop flirting you too...!

I'm not flirting FFS - Now if I was on neutral territory I might think about flirting

Gibson wrote:If Ireland starts O' Gara, it will just be a repeat of the RWC game.

I'll be disappointed if Sexton doesn't start to be honest (not to the point of supporting the other team, mind ). I think O'Gara is the best in the business at closing out games (or changing them) and should start from the bench, and I feel that Sexton offers more from the get-go, not to mention the fact that he's not as much of an impact sub as O'Gara is.

Sexton offers more space to the centres too given his running threat.

On a side note, an interesting one that I've noticed in recent weeks is how defences have completely failed to adapt to Keatley when he's replaced O'Gara towards the end of games. The opposition have completely stood off him (as they would have with O'Gara for the pervious 75 minutes), giving him acres of space. The difference between him and O'Gara is that he can take advantage of that. Mind you, O'Gara is far superior to him in every other facet of play. [/tangent]

Anyway, the fact we have an inexperienced player starting at 13 means that the last thing we want is for the oppo defence to be right up in his face the second he gets the ball. Sexton is the man that can deliver that.

Ruby,

I am ever the optimiat and think we can win on Sunday but our line out does worry me and it would even if Charteris and AWJ were there.

In Evans I feel we have a real 'enforcer' type guy we have sorely been missing for years so if he can get his game going avoid any silly penalties and more importantly stay fit then I think we will be ok.

MMC - you have it spot on - Kearney is an elusive runner and always seems to break the gain line with ease - Ruddock et al are 2 rungs below international standard IMO with Rhys in particular being a bit hyped up - he was found wanting against the Saxons

bedfordwelsh wrote:Ruby,

I am ever the optimiat and think we can win on Sunday but our line out does worry me and it would even if Charteris and AWJ were there.

In Evans I feel we have a real 'enforcer' type guy we have sorely been missing for years so if he can get his game going avoid any silly penalties and more importantly stay fit then I think we will be ok.

I true am an optimiat - keep the faith

Ruby,

I am ever the optimist and think we can win on Sunday but our line out does worry me and it would even if Charteris and AWJ were there.

In Evans I feel we have a real 'enforcer' type guy we have sorely been missing for years so if he can get his game going avoid any silly penalties and more importantly stay fit then I think we will be ok.

I heard you first time - Up the optimiats eh

Well I thought Ruddock shown some good glimpses of what he can offer, and did some powerful runs, but at the same time he shown a lack of physicality at times, and just doesn't seem very consistent. He isn't hyped up by anyone I don't think, nobody has really rated him all that highly this season. He needs to gain some bulk and improve in general. The guy is only 21 so he has plenty of time.

I'm a pessimiat.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:I'm a pessimiat.

That's Newport for you mate

O'Malley, Ruddock and Zebo are not ready for the 22 - yet.
There is no justification for picking
Ruddock over Henry
O'Malley over McFadden
Zebo over Earls, Trimble, Bowe

Dave Kearney, Zebo and O'Malley. Glad they are there - thanks for picking them, Declan. And yes, in my opinion they are ready for the 22.

If they're old enough to bleed - Blood them. Its only Wales forfeicsake.

It will be Darcy & Earls. Mcfadden on the bench. Kearney is so ready. Maybe v Italy?

Gibson wrote:If they're old enough to bleed - Blood them. Its only Wales forfeicsake.

It will be Darcy & Earls. Mcfadden on the bench.

I'd like to see Whitehead play alongside Mcfadden - And they won't bleed against Wales; we have a tendency to run around them not through them

I'm worried if Lydiate doesn't make it and we've got both Evans and Shingler in the pack how many pens will we give away? Lineout is another potential problem as (off the top of my head) we don't have a lineout captain in the (likely) team.

But hopefully we can really take it to the Irish from the off and all our main players can play to their best

Big talk lads...!

Zebo has the speed and the HEC hat trick. Kearney Jr. has the awareness that Zebo lacks. Both are good prospects.

Wouldn't disagree with that but as my mate Neil Francis says, Trimble is the in form winger in Irleand and Bowe has the experience. They should start at 11 and 14.

Zebo is clearly an outstanding prospect but lets be clear he made some serious errors of judgement in the Wolfhounds game.

Ireland are lucky to have a number of good prospects in the back three, you can add Earls to that too as he is a handy winger.

Not many out and out Fullbacks though should Rob Kearney get injured...! Duffy certainly didnt look the part in Exeter

Neil Francis...quoted by an Ulsterman????

It must be the aurora effect. Don't worry Geoff, it'll pass when the sunspots die away.

I agree Earls should be added I just think he will start at 13. If not he too is infront of Zebo.

SecretFly we are still recovering from the shock that Francis actually praised us !

Really, Zebo? Earls? what about your midfield defence? If you dont stop Roberts and JD in the midfield then its curtains.

If you don't stop Zebo and Earls then its curtains for you.....

Ah but Fly our midfield defence is fine. one of our strengths in fact so stopping Zebo or Earls is not going to be a problem. Personally I would be more worried about seeing Bowe line up at 13.

Whoever wins in Dublin and Edinburgh could get the momentum necessary for a great campaign (except Scotland). France under an Anglophile will be interesting. Can they get more consistent without losing their joie de vivre?

TycroesOsprey wrote:Ah but Fly our midfield defence is fine. one of our strengths in fact so stopping Zebo or Earls is not going to be a problem. Personally I would be more worried about seeing Bowe line up at 13.

Nope Tycroes ... your midfield defence was fine against a side that attacked like Ireland have been attacking for a few years now. You could predict every move and it wasn't so much homework for Gatland and his boys.

But we had Gaffney as backs coach then. He's gone. Even we Irish don't know what to expect from them in attack this year but we know that they know it's their major weakness. Assumptions is it's the major focus for improvement.

So Welsh coaches will hardly be any wiser as to what to expect. It might be a return of the hopeless form of seesaw attack across the face of your solid defence, or it could be a much more advanced 'Leinster' style assault. We'll see. But if it's the latter, you'll have trouble on your hands. You know it, Gatland knows it.

Is that a trademark by the way now ? 'leinster assault ? Like D4tress Sextons on Fire roish roish, real deadly loike

I refer you to the world cup where our midfield defence worked against every team not just the Irish. we conceded only 7 tries in our 7 games. I cant see Irelands attack being more potent than the Aussies or Saffas. It managed to hold out the French. If you are going to beat the welsh midfield defence you need the ball to be moved quickly to your wingers or you need someone in the midfield to take the hit and recycle the ball quickly. Has Earls got the hands to lay off to his wingers or the strength to take the hit. Pace is all very well if there is space to exploit, The whole point of the welsh rush is to cut that down so you have to go around it or through it. I dont think Earls or Zebo is capable of doing either.

"you have to go around it or through it."

Actually Tycroes in recent Irish victorys against Wales they have opted to go over it with great success - Gatland be warned!

Its been two years since you beat Wales? hardly recent in ruugby terms and if you look at how the welsh team has changed since 2010(there is a good thread on it) you might realise why.

2 years since YOU beat Wales - who you talking to butt

TycroesOsprey wrote:Its been two years since you beat Wales? hardly recent in ruugby terms and if you look at how the welsh team has changed since 2010(there is a good thread on it) you might realise why.

yeah they dont have Shane Williams anymore