WELSH TEAM ANNOUNCED - Ireland vs Wales

First topic message reminder :

ROBERTS AND PRIESTLAND WIN WALES RACE

R hys Priestland and Jamie Roberts will both start for Wales in the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday (kick-off 3.00pm)

Scarlets fly half Priestland and Blues centre Roberts have recovered from knee injuries in time to take their places in a starting line-up which shows six changes to that which faced Australia at the Millennium Stadium in December and just five from that which defeated Ireland in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals six weeks earlier.

Osprey Huw Bennett is set to win his 50 th Wales cap, making him only the second hooker to do so (Garin Jenkins has 58 caps), in a squad which features no debutants in its ranks but has three players who will make their second appearance for their country.

Saracens loosehead prop Rhys Gill comes into the side for the injured Gethin Jenkins (knee), after winning his other cap two years ago - appearing from the bench against Ireland at Croke Park in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.

Blues wing Alex Cuthbert, who made his debut against Australia before Christmas, makes his first start profiting from the retirement of Shane Williams, with Scarlets wing George North (who played in all 7 RWC matches last year) switching flanks to take the No11 jersey synonymous with Wales’ top try scorer.

The third player with a single cap to his name is Scarlets hooker Ken Owens, who starts on the bench after making his debut at the RWC in the Pool D clash with Namibia.

Elsewhere in the starting XV Scarlet Jonathan Davies (7 RWC 2011 appearances) is reunited with Roberts (6 RWC 2011 appearances) and Bayonne scrum half Mike Phillips (6 RWC 2011 appearances) also returns.

Davies replaces his Regional colleague Scott Williams and Phillips replaces Blues half back Lloyd Williams, with both departing players providing cover from the bench.

Ospreys and British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones returns to the front row alongside Gill and half centurion Bennett.

The final change from the Australia match sees another Osprey Ryan Jones come into the back row for injured Dragon Dan Lydiate (ankle).

The second row duo of Ian Evans (Ospreys) and Bradley Davies (Blues) is retained, with this pairing giving the side a different look as neither figured in the RWC showdown with Ireland.

Blues full back Leigh Halfpenny, Roberts, North, Priestland, Bennett, captain Sam Warburton (Blues) and Dragons No8 Toby Faletau (the other player alongside North and Davies to play in all 7 RWC 2011 matches) are all retained from last time out in Cardiff and all figured in that historic match at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

“We have been able to retain continuity in some key areas, we have been working hard and we feel we are approaching this match with the right attitude and with some good preparation work done,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are two sides who know each other well, Ireland will not have enjoyed losing to us in New Zealand, they will want to redress the balance in Dublin this weekend, but they will find us in just as determined mood.”

On the bench James Hook (Perpignan) joins the Williamses in providing cover for the backs and could win his 60 th cap. Osprey Paul James joins Owens to provide front row cover and Sale Sharks No8 Andy Powell and Osprey Justin Tipuric complete the list of replacements. Dan Lydiate (ankle), Matthew Rees (calf) and Gethin Jenkins (knee) were unavailable for selection due to injury.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Rhys Gill, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Andy Powell, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
International record: 27 caps (W 12, L 15; 75 pts – 9T, 10PG)

14 Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,089)
DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
International record: 21 caps (W 11, L 10; 25 pts – 5T)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 39 caps (W 18, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

11 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 16 caps (W 6, L 9, D 1; 45 pts – 9T)

10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4; 50 pts – 1T, 12C, 7PG)

9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 60 caps (W 28, L 29, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

1 Rhys GILL (SARACENS – Cap No 1,073)
DoB: 30.10.86. 5’11” / 1.80m. 17st 2lbs / 109kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
International record: 49 caps (W 23, L 25, D 1)

3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
International record: 75 caps (W 35, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

4 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 32 caps (W 14, L 17, D 1)

5 Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)
DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 6, L 10, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

6 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 58 caps (W 28, L 28, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,070)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
International record: 24 caps (W 12, L 12; 10 pts - 2T)

8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 11 caps (W 5, L 6; 10 pts – 2T)

REPLACEMENTS:

16 Ken OWENS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,088)
DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1” / 1.86m. 17st 8lbs / 112kgs
International record: 1 cap (W 1)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
International record: 31 caps (W 12, L 18, D 1)

18 Andy POWELL (SALE SHARKS – Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4” / 1.94m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 22 caps (W 12, L 10; 5 pts – 1T)

19 Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,086)
DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 10lbs / 100kgs
International record: 2 caps (W 1, L 1)

20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,087)
DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 5 caps (W 3, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 59 caps (W 25, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 4, L 4; 20 pts – 4T)

We'll have to see how Cuthbert goes. Most of us probably thought that North and Halfpenny were going to struggle under the high ball on their debuts but they came through. I hope Cuthbert can do the same.
Hopefully Halfpenny will take the kicks. Priestland isn't an international kicker imo.

MarcusHalberstram wrote:It's a monstrous set of backs Wales are putting out. Halfpenny aside, that has to be about the biggest Wales back line ever assembled. How fit are Jamie and Priestland though? :-/

Anyone know much about Gill - unknown to me pretty much...

Ive been worried how fit Roberts and Priestland are, havn't played a lot before this game. I've watched Gill a couple of times this season, he's been playing well

Sensible decision to put 1/2p @ fullback. I haven't been convinced by Byrnes form despite some reports to the contrary.

Still think it is Ireland's game to lose.

Its not just a case of fitness but match sharpness.

I guess it shows just how important Gatland feels these to are, manty coaches wouldve been tenmpted to ease them in off the bench.

Huge plus for Wales to have them in, and no doubt unsettling for Ireland who will have doen much of their preperation assuming they werent ready.

Can't see D'arcy or Earls causing Roberts any problems.
Ireland's backrow might target Priestland's injury though

Just remember what Earls did in 2010, but then we did have Hook at 13 and his defence in that position is non existent.

Also 2 of the 3 Irish tries that day were when Byrne was sin binned.

Henson and Byrne have had their day. Time for PROFESSIONAL reliable youngsters to take the helm.

Wouldn't surprise me if Henson was in the training squad just to boost morale for the younger ones.

How much good would that do for Scott Williams confidence being selected ahead of Gavin Henson on the bench?

Grand, we may get a decent game now. Im glad. Otherwise V2 would have been full of excuses on Sunday night. Its a decent Welsh side. Specially the backs.

Ireland by 15. Final call.

gowales wrote:Can't see D'arcy or Earls causing Roberts any problems.
Ireland's backrow might target Priestland's injury though

Target a man's injury? As in try to injure him more? Should never be the case no matter how badly they want the win.

I'm feeling more positive about this game now... That start of the 6N confidence/hope/excitement thing is kicking in! Will be dreaming of Earls and Darcy being steamrollered tonight

Come on Wales!!! Ymlaen Cymru!

Halfpenny will look very small in comparison...Perhaps the Irish wont see him.

Gibson wrote:Grand, we may get a decent game now. Im glad. Otherwise V2 would have been full of excuses on Sunday night. Its a decent Welsh side. Specially the backs.

Ireland by 15. Final call.

Why on earth would Ireland win by 15 when you look at the last match between the two sides?

Ireland won by 15 in 2010 and that was one of the worst welsh performances in recent years. The Welsh team is much improved and the Irish team doesn't have bod and behind them a string of diabolical results (world cup warm ups and scraping past italy to mention a few)

Ireland will not win by 15. If they do win it will be via an O'gara drop goal.

Henson and Byrne still have their place in the squad. The youngsters can learn a lot from them. If Stephen Jones has been playing until now at 34 i cant see why Henson can't do the same.
Hopefully Byrne has taught Liam Williams how to kick a ball!

3 big lads at 11 13 14... gonna be some solid contact for the irish defenders out wide. Cant see their being so much quick feet magic as with williams but you wouldnt want that trio getting a head of steam on

not really happy with that bench, Lloyd Williams and Sc Williams over Webb/Beck? Not so sure on that, must be the familiarity with the set-up etc.

Tiperic perhaps, he has been playing well but might be a little underpowered against the physical irish backrow, Powell to add physicality/keep up the intensity later in the game.

Would have preferred to see a bench containing both Bevington/Mitchell as James isnt a tighthead, lets be honest, both also have a very good work rate in the loose. i would have sacrificed Tiperic for that.

talk sport announced irfu av press conference at half 12. jackman on air says he heard earsl is out????????????

We must have some strength in depth when Ryan Jones can replace someone at 6. Bearing in mind this is Ryan Jones's natural position at international level.

Jones has had his dips in form, but he has been fantastic lately and this may even be a blessing in disguise.

Ian Evans has been unlucky with injury over the years and might be another blessing in disguise.

Rhys Gill's call is warranted, Huw Bennett deserves to retain his place after the world cup regardless of Matthew Rees being injured or fit and then we have Adam Jones.

In my opinion the pack is very strong and we have a good bench. Wales outclassed Ireland in the back row last time round and we can definitely do it again.

Nah if Matthew Rees is fit he starts ahead of Huw Benett every time.
Agree with everything else though.

Damn - Earls out??!! Wales will be gutted!

I agree with you on the bench, Comfort.

That's a gigantic backline and overall a huge XV barring one or two. Let the bashings begin

This is a pretty radical change from the Wales of not so long ago.

What happened to the old wales? Average age around 30, drink like a fish, extremely unfit and no players who were mean, big or aggressive.

My how things have changed!!

What we must remember is how young this squad is.

Our most fierce monsters are Faletau and North and look how young they are!

to be fair though, considering what we can put out, im happy to only be able to have a little moan about the bench!

big, big strike runners!

gnollbeast wrote:

Gibson wrote:Grand, we may get a decent game now. Im glad. Otherwise V2 would have been full of excuses on Sunday night. Its a decent Welsh side. Specially the backs.

Ireland by 15. Final call.

Why on earth would Ireland win by 15 when you look at the last match between the two sides?

Ireland won by 15 in 2010 and that was one of the worst welsh performances in recent years. The Welsh team is much improved and the Irish team doesn't have bod and behind them a string of diabolical results (world cup warm ups and scraping past italy to mention a few)

Ireland will not win by 15. If they do win it will be via an O'gara drop goal.

We are just a far superior team gnol. Held back by our coach. He's going to have let them roll on Sunday. He has no choice. ROG will only come on (if he does at all) to get some game time for Paris.

Gibson wrote:

gnollbeast wrote:

Gibson wrote:Grand, we may get a decent game now. Im glad. Otherwise V2 would have been full of excuses on Sunday night. Its a decent Welsh side. Specially the backs.

Ireland by 15. Final call.

Why on earth would Ireland win by 15 when you look at the last match between the two sides?

Ireland won by 15 in 2010 and that was one of the worst welsh performances in recent years. The Welsh team is much improved and the Irish team doesn't have bod and behind them a string of diabolical results (world cup warm ups and scraping past italy to mention a few)

Ireland will not win by 15. If they do win it will be via an O'gara drop goal.

We are just a far superior team gnol. Held back by our coach. He's going to have let them roll on Sunday. He has no choice. ROG will only come on (if he does at all) to get some game time for Paris.

I will not rule out the possibility of Ireland winning well as they have so many reasons that they NEED to beat Wales this time.

What worries me is that there may be no plan b if Ireland radically change their tactics.

I can only remember too Well being in the Stade de France in 2009 mega excited about back to back grandslams. Then Lee Byrne gets the first try oh how it's all going to plan. Then France have a rethink and Wales spend the rest of the match backed into one corner in their own 22!!

gnollbeast wrote:We must have some strength in depth when Ryan Jones can replace someone at 6. Bearing in mind this is Ryan Jones's natural position at international level.

Jones has had his dips in form, but he has been fantastic lately and this may even be a blessing in disguise.

Ian Evans has been unlucky with injury over the years and might be another blessing in disguise.

Rhys Gill's call is warranted, Huw Bennett deserves to retain his place after the world cup regardless of Matthew Rees being injured or fit and then we have Adam Jones.

In my opinion the pack is very strong and we have a good bench. Wales outclassed Ireland in the back row last time round and we can definitely do it again.

Jones reminds me of Denis Leamy,very good as an impact sub but not really up to it for a full game any more at intrenational level.

Your pack looks weakish to me and your backrow didn't dominate last time,they defended well but the Irish trio outperformed them in every other aspect of play.The difference was that our backrow were expected to win the game on their own and got no back up whereas the Welsh midfield did great work at making big yardage.

Sexton at 10 will make a huge difference in defence he'll support our midfield in the tackle and his pace means our defensive line will come up much faster,both Sexton and Earls also inject much more pace into our attack.

I don't know if you're so superior.
If you compared a team list of Wales and Ireland at full strength id say they are pretty even.

Okay now Earls is out and McFadden comes in,I think that makes things far more even as I don't think McFadden is strong at 13.

Earls won the game in 2010 on his own.

This is a massive confidence boost for Wales.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:Okay now Earls is out and McFadden comes in,I think that makes things far more even as I don't think McFadden is strong at 13.

Yeah I agree, McFadden isn't great in the 13 channel but I still feel we will be much too strong around the park. I honestly see us hammering Wales.

Even Gatland has been very quiet. He knows he did ourteam talk with his post match comments last time round and knows whats coming his teams way.

Welsh scrum (should) be stronger same for the Irish lineout here's hoping that Bennet emulates his World Cup form.

Back row Ireland have the edge in grunt but no out and out no 7 like Warburton I would imagine a bit of South African type targetting of him might happen.

Welsh centres more settled and Roberts running at Earls could be good , back three nothing in it .

Ireland have home advantage and start as favourites because of this bookmakers spread is 5 points to them but it's all to play for on the day .

"Your pack looks weakish to me and your backrow didn't dominate last time,they defended well but the Irish trio outperformed them in every other aspect of play.The difference was that our backrow were expected to win the game on their own and got no back up whereas the Welsh midfield did great work at making big yardage."

Sorry what? Your backrow played without intelligence, our backrow used their intelligence and picked and fought the right battles, whilst yours were busy running into brick walls.

The scoreline didnt flatter, only the first half was competitive. If you think the irish backrow outplayed the welsh one in all aspects bar defence, you're going to have to take off those green glasses, they're not even tinted, their opaque my friend!

this though, is a totally different game and what happened at the world cup doesnt hold that that much relevance, just like the performances of the regions/provinces.

this is shaping up like the world cup game pre-match!

ireland are favourites but wales havent lost to ireland by more than one score since 2007.

"Your pack looks weakish to me" - I think the Irish pack is overall stronger, how much stronger depends on how well our 2nd rows and Rhys Gill perform. If those three stand up to be counted, I don't think Ireland will be miles stronger.

For me the real worries are the lineout, the fact that Wales' preparation will have been limited with so many injuries, and slight concern about how Cuthbert might be vulnerable to an astute kicker, which Ireland are not short of.

Weird to see such a monster Welsh back division against a smaller, but maybe pacier Irish one.

The Irish backs aren't faster than ours.

Comfort wrote:this is shaping up like the world cup game pre-match!

ireland are favourites but wales havent lost to ireland by more than one score since 2007.

EH???

2010

Ireland 27 - 12 Wales

Comfort wrote:
Sorry what? Your backrow played without intelligence, our backrow used their intelligence and picked and fought the right battles, whilst yours were busy running into brick walls.

The scoreline didnt flatter, only the first half was competitive. If you think the irish backrow outplayed the welsh one in all aspects bar defence, you're going to have to take off those green glasses, they're not even tinted, their opaque my friend!

this though, is a totally different game and what happened at the world cup doesnt hold that that much relevance, just like the performances of the regions/provinces.

No,our backrow played without support,they had little or no options other than to run into brick walls as there was no support from their teammates.

The first half of that game was played largely in the Welsh half and it was a combination of blunt Irish attack and excellent Welsh defence that meant we didn't get the points to reflect our dominance.Wales deserved to win,they were the better team and I never said the scoreline flattered as dominating territory and possession is pointless if you don't make it count on the scoreboard.

The difference I see this time is our backs have more pace and power to cope with Wales and your pack is weaker by a fair margin especially on the bench,I can see our subs making a big impact.

Mcfadden is better equipped than Earls to handle Roberts and Co. Far better defender for sure. And, he has been playing alongside Dorce for a bit now. Dave Kearney is in as well now! Yo! European Champions on the march. We LOVE Lansdowne. Toulouse & ASM taken down. This, could be a blessing in disguise. More cohesion by default.

Gnol, I'm just rippin de pish man. But for some missed kicks by Hook, and the Warburton incident, I believe, we should be playing RW Cup Finalists on Sunday. Without any exaggeration, Love the way ye play the the game. Love it. Respect.

Serious hat on now? It will be a score in it. Just hope its for us man.

Believe.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:The first half of that game was played largely in the Welsh half and it was a combination of blunt Irish attack and excellent Welsh defence that meant we didn't get the points to reflect our dominance.

O'Gara turned down at least three kickable penalties early on, which mystified me then and mystifies me now.

BlueNote wrote:"Your pack looks weakish to me" - I think the Irish pack is overall stronger, how much stronger depends on how well our 2nd rows and Rhys Gill perform. If those three stand up to be counted, I don't think Ireland will be miles stronger.

Yeah looking back on it I misspoke,they are unproven at this level but they may turn out to be very good but it would be unusual for a pack to be missing 4 starters and not drop a level,I think Lydiate being injured is a big blow as I don't think Jones is able for a full 60 or 70 minutes of international rugby.

It was Arrogance

Knew priestland and Roberts would play. Two of Wales' best players. Ireland to win.

Comfort wrote:"Your pack looks weakish to me and your backrow didn't dominate last time,they defended well but the Irish trio outperformed them in every other aspect of play.The difference was that our backrow were expected to win the game on their own and got no back up whereas the Welsh midfield did great work at making big yardage."

Sorry what? Your backrow played without intelligence, our backrow used their intelligence and picked and fought the right battles, whilst yours were busy running into brick walls.

The scoreline didnt flatter, only the first half was competitive. If you think the irish backrow outplayed the welsh one in all aspects bar defence, you're going to have to take off those green glasses, they're not even tinted, their opaque my friend!

this though, is a totally different game and what happened at the world cup doesnt hold that that much relevance, just like the performances of the regions/provinces.

I think it was our entire team that played with no intelligence whatsoever. The game plan: give SOB and Ferris the ball. That was it. All game. Meanwhile Wales have many more big runners than that, and their defence was stellar. However in the first half, Ireland really were dominating up front and Warburton and co were anonymous. It was only in the second half things started to get embarrassing, but many Welsh fans seem to only remember that half!

Still a bit surprised to see Cuthbert starting but otherwise pretty much what I expected givien injuries.

We will miss Lydiate and maybe now people will see how much, that said Jones has played well off the bench if last couple of outings so lets hope he can start well to.

So thats it the teams are announced enough of the bickering get behind the boys

C'MON CYMRU

Well the second half's more recent, Rory.

Ireland got nothing to offer in attack. DK should have been sensible and selected O'Gara to start, Ireland are good at driving maul's and he could have slotted some drop-goals off the back of them. No ROG means no points. Wales have a bigger stronger faster guy in every position on the pitch.

True pedestrian

Ireland will have even less in attack with D'Arcy paired with McFadden I feel. However we need to start Sexton this game. But I don't believe the Welsh back row is faster and bigger than the Irish one by any means.

gowales wrote:It was Arrogance

No, it was called 'thinking you could actually win'. The blighters went for the corner instead of the posts! Well, drat that! That's arogance! Let's show them what we're made of!

And you did - if we go for the corner again, I'll smile. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again.

Morgannwg wrote:Ireland got nothing to offer in attack.

I presume that's a wind-up.

Morgannwg wrote: Wales have a bigger stronger faster guy in every position on the pitch.

Maybe so, maybe so. But we'll wait until after the game before we drop 'better' into that lot too.