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).

I've come to enjoy the France vs Italy game over the last few season, not saying the Ireland vs Wales game isn't interesting but I don't like it when a ball boy becomes the main talking point.

As I said I was only wondering what Munk was baseing his claim on, and as far as I can tell its based on nothing!  

Or experience of what other fans have said...

munkian wrote:Or experience of what other fans have said...

Thats all its based on! thats shocking.

I think you need to run a poll GwentBoy.

I'm sweating. C'mon Wales!

Irish people see you tomorrow. Whoop whoop

Under pressure bim bin bin biddy bim bim

Scrumpy wrote:

munkian wrote:Or experience of what other fans have said...

Thats all its based on!  thats shocking.

I think you need to run a poll GwentBoy.

How is that shocking ? I know its strange to you that I base things on actual social interaction but its a brave new world outside of Bath

munkian wrote:
How is that shocking ? I know its strange to you that I base things on actual social interaction but its a brave new world outside of Bath

But how do we know you're not just baseing it on the things that you wanted to hear?

Run the poll Gwent boy and lets find out what the neutrals think, I think you might be surprised.

slartibartfast wrote:I'm sweating. C'mon Wales!

Irish people see you tomorrow. Whoop whoop

Under pressure bim bin bin biddy bim bim

Ain't that Jedward? Maybe you can see them whilst your in Dublin.

Scrumpy wrote:

munkian wrote:
How is that shocking ? I know its strange to you that I base things on actual social interaction but its a brave new world outside of Bath

But how do we know you're not just baseing it on the things that you wanted to hear?

Run the poll Gwent boy and lets find out what the neutrals think, I think you might be surprised.  

This whole 'Gwent boy' thing, as much as I appreciate an intimate pet word from you it doesn't really get my motor running. I'm not sure why it really bothers you so much ? Do a poll, go mad !


Back on topic

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/six-nations-2014-how-ireland-6679840


15 Leigh Halfpenny 9/10 v Rob Kearney 8/10

Kearney used to be the main man at No.15, but Halfpenny has usurped him in the last year and kept him in the shade on the Lions tour. The Irishman will have a point to prove on Saturday.

14 Alex Cuthbert 8 Dave Kearney 7

Cuthbert's rapid emergence in the last two years has seen him become a formidable finisher. Kearney is, with respect, the less talented of the Kearney brothers. Solid, but unspectacular.

13 Scott Williams 7 Brian O'Driscoll 9

Williams' reputation as an centre of genuine international class is developing all the time, but O'Driscoll is the master, the man who has done it all.

12 Jamie Roberts 8 Gordon D'Arcy 7

Both British Lions centres, but D'Arcy is in the twilight of his Test career now and Roberts showed last weekend against Italy what a gain-line menace he still is at the highest level.

11 George North 9 Andrew Trimble 7

North is one of the most blockbusting strike-runners in the world game. Trimble is experienced but not as feared as the Welshman.

10 Rhys Priestland 7 Jonny Sexton 9

Priestland's Test career has yet to take off because his undoubted ability is tempered by him being error-prone. Sexton was Lions first choice and is the premier No.10 in the tournament.

9 Mike Phillips 7 Conor Murray 8

Phillips is the more decorated of the two scrum-halves but has not been at his best for some time. Murray, however, was outstanding for Ireland in their win against the Scots last weekend.

1 Gethin Jenkins 8 Mike Ross 7

Jenkins has had injury problems but remains capable of producing brilliance in the biggest games. Ross is a steadier campaigner without the Welshman's X-Factor.

2 Richard Hibbard 9 Rory Best 7

Hibbard has emerged as the best British and Irish hooker since becoming No.1 for the Lions. The Ospreys has huge bulk and fearlessness. Best has been about a while, but is prone to losing throwing in accuracy.

3 Adam Jones 7 Cian Healy 8

Jones has struggled since the scrummaging laws were changed and must prove he can continue to be the daddy at Test level. Healy is a formidable opponent who was unlucky to get injured with the Lions.

4 Andrew Coombs 7 Devin Toner 7

Toner has the height but didn't really make his presence felt against Scotland. Coombs did well after being helicoptered in last year. Can he build on it though?

5 Alun Wyn Jones 9 Paul O'Connell 9

Jones is the man who has skippered the Lions, the athlete, the workhorse, the inspiration. O'Connell ticks the same boxes. What a match up between two second row titans.

6 Dan Lydiate 7 Peter O'Mahoney 8

Lydiate showed signs he is returning to his best against Italy after a poor autumn, but O'Mahoney, out of the two, is the man in peak form - brilliant last week.

7 Sam Warburton 8 Chris Henry 7

Breakdown merchant Warburton has the reputation but could be rusty after returning from two months out as a sub last week. Henry is a genuine openside, a good pilferer of ball as well.

8 Toby Faletau 9 Jamie Heaslip 8

Another classic match up. Faletau got the nod for the third Lions Test so Heaslip, never short of a quip or two, will have it all to prove.

So going by that Ireland have won.

munkian wrote:
This whole 'Gwent boy' thing, as much as I appreciate an intimate pet word from you it doesn't really get my motor running. I'm not sure why it really bothers you so much ? Do a poll, go mad !

I've told you I don't believe in Dragons and you get upset if I use the word Newport!

I just can't win with you.   

slartibartfast wrote:So going by that Ireland have won.

Great can you tell that to my bookie.

slartibartfast wrote:So going by that Ireland have won.

Nope, they don't gell as well collectively   

I'd have it as:

Halfpenny 9-8 Kearney
Cuthbert 8-7 Kearney
Williams 7-7 BOD
Roberts 8-7 D'arcy
North 9-7 Trimble
Priestland 6-9 Sexton
Phillips 6-8 Murray

Jenkins 7-9 Healy
Hibbard 8-8 Best
A Jones 8-7 Ross
Coombs 7-7 Toner
AWJ 8-9 POC
Lydiate 7-8 POM
Warburton 8-8 Henry
Faletau 9-8 Heaslip

A draw ? Booo

There's no way any right thinking person could think player for player Ireland are on par with Wales. That is delusional.

BOD should still have started that 3rd Lions test though.

Lets get some bloody realistic numbers lads:

Halfpenny 9-7 Kearney
Cuthbert 7-5 Kearney
Williams 5-7 BOD
Roberts 8-5 D'arcy
North 9-6 Trimble
Priestland 4-8 Sexton
Phillips 6-5 Murray

Jenkins 6-9 Healy
Hibbard 8-8 Best
A Jones 6-3 Ross
Coombs 6-6 Toner
AWJ 8-9 POC
Lydiate 7-6 POM
Warburton 9-6 Henry
Faletau 6-7 Heaslip

Dave Kearney the less talented of the two Kearney bothers?

Hmmm............taking into consideration Rob having a few year's head start........

..........for now

Am I the only one thinking Dave Kearney is a complete sad sack ? The less talented and rugged Brother.. poor lad.

And Rodders - 5 for Williams ? He's the in form Welsh centre. Little harsh I think.

And Faletau 6 ? Hes an all round 8   

Faletau still goes missing from time to time imo. I'd go for 7, tops.

He only got 6 because of his form when he's gone missing, otherwise he'd get 5 for turning up.

No where near as much as Healey does IMO

rodders wrote:Lets get some bloody realistic numbers lads:

Halfpenny 9-7 Kearney
Cuthbert 7-5 Kearney
Williams 5-7 BOD
Roberts 8-5 D'arcy
North 9-6 Trimble
Priestland 4-8 Sexton
Phillips 6-5 Murray

Jenkins 6-9 Healy
Hibbard 8-8 Best
A Jones 6-3 Ross
Coombs 6-6 Toner
AWJ 8-9 POC
Lydiate 7-6 POM
Warburton 9-6 Henry
Faletau 6-7 Heaslip

Can't help but feel you're being a bit kind to a couple of names. Lydiate hasn't really had a world class performance for Wales since the France game in 2012. POM was one of the stand-out performers against Scotland and so far has shown a more expansive and dynamic set of skills than just brute tackling a la Lydiate (in my opinion, yours might differ)

In a similar vein Murray has impressed me more than Phillips over the last year. The latter looks on the slide and is offering slower service than ever. This used to be justified to an extent but on recent showings it really isn't.

Whatever about what Murray looks like this year... keeping it to this 6N, he needs to improve quite a bit on the Scotland performance.
The lucky thing is I think he certainly has the ability to improve over the 6N...but the reality is we've already gone beyond the time for 'potential'. Eyes up and back to best form for next encounter Murray.

Lyd was top tackler v Italy.


In other news, Adam Jones has had a training ground collision and is wearing a scrum cap V Ireland to cover the stitches ! Hibbard to be the most beautiful in the front row

munkian wrote:Lyd was top tackler v Italy.


In other news, Adam Jones has had a training ground collision and is wearing a scrum cap V Ireland to cover the stitches ! Hibbard to be the most beautiful in the front row

Every time I see Hibbard, for some reason although he looks bugger all like him, he reminds me of the fat hairdresser off Benidorm.  

  Dowlais - that's funny - Hibbard, AWJ and Lydiate missed the Ireland game last year so Im sure they are looking forward to renewing their acquaintances.

munkian wrote:Lyd was top tackler v Italy.


In other news, Adam Jones has had a training ground collision and is wearing a scrum cap V Ireland to cover the stitches ! Hibbard to be the most beautiful in the front row

Hibbard doesn't have a huge amount of competition on that front from Adam and Geth.

This game is by the far the biggest yet. And maybe, in due course, it will be proved to be the one the won the 6-N. It's big for so many reasons. The prime one being, we are the 2 best rugby-playing teams in it. Now Schmidt has replaced Elmer Fudge that is.  You could see it v NZ and in the 2nd-half last week. Its beginning to gel. Schmidt is  getting them into line. Ominous for the rest.

Another reason its tasty, is we have seen a major shift from the soul joy of us both beating the Auld Enemy. That has diminished for Ireland anyway. We got so used to it.  Its all about us two now. We both expect more.  There is a certain mutual disrespect building up and I love it. It all adds spice to the broth.  

Wales haven't met this Ireland yet. They got a taste of it last year, when we blew them away in the 1st half, only to fall away in the 2nd-half, as is our wont. As we did v NZ. But Wales are nowhere near NZ.

We need to play at the Ireland v NZ  level from start to finish. If we do, Wales wont be able to function. Dampen their one-dimensional power-game and its over.  Hit/tackle/malafuster, the livin schitt out of everything in red that even attempts to focking move. Before it moves. If it manages to move.  Hurt them. Bully the bejaysus out of them up front and allow Sexton and Murray to do their voodoo.   Then, when they are softened up, dance round them Leinster stylee. That's the Plan.

Believe.

All roysh Ruby Baby, mo chara? Good to see the Welsh voice of reason back. Man I love this time of year.  

rodders wrote:Lets get some bloody realistic numbers lads:

Halfpenny 9-7 Kearney
Cuthbert 7-5 Kearney
Williams 5-7 BOD
Roberts 8-5 D'arcy
North 9-6 Trimble
Priestland 4-8 Sexton
Phillips 6-5 Murray

Jenkins 6-9 Healy
Hibbard 8-8 Best
A Jones 6-3 Ross
Coombs 6-6 Toner
AWJ 8-9 POC
Lydiate 7-6 POM
Warburton 9-6 Henry
Faletau 6-7 Heaslip

If 7 is a respectable 6N standard, 5 for Williams and Murray looks harsh as does 3 for Ross. Not sure what games you have been watching to put Warburton at 9. Faletau has been far stronger than Heaslip recently and there's no way Lydiate is outperforming POM and Henry (and Faletau for that matter).

Gibson wrote:We need to play at the Ireland v NZ  level from start to finish. If we do, Wales wont be able to function. Dampen their one-dimensional power-game and its over.  Hit/tackle/malafuster, the livin schitt out of everything in red that even attempts to focking move. Before it moves. If it manages to move.  Hurt them. Bully the bejaysus out of them up front and allow Sexton and Murray to do their voodoo.   Then, when they are softened up, dance round them Leinster stylee. That's the Plan.

The first 20 minutes of the ABs game? By God, yes. Is that realistic for 80 minutes? No, not for any team bar perhaps the ABs themselves. After the opening quarter we lost that game 24-3. A lack of ability to see out a 20 point lead is not what I want to see set as the "benchmark", All Blacks or not.

Ireland are yet to hit the peak and Schmidt still has to deal with the mess Kidney kindly left behind. It'll be a very close game on Saturday and what I think for us is more important than anything else is to re-instill a winning mentality and the belief that we are better than Wales or anyone else for that matter. 

Clearly the BOD-Gatland thing is 99% garbage but I get the feeling there's a bit of a Kiwi needle between Schmidt and Gats. Didn't they barely glance at each other at the pre-tournament press-conference?
Will be interesting to see if it's Schmidt creativity or Gatland's ruthlessness that will win the day.

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...

theslosty wrote:

Gibson wrote:We need to play at the Ireland v NZ  level from start to finish. If we do, Wales wont be able to function. Dampen their one-dimensional power-game and its over.  Hit/tackle/malafuster, the livin schitt out of everything in red that even attempts to focking move. Before it moves. If it manages to move.  Hurt them. Bully the bejaysus out of them up front and allow Sexton and Murray to do their voodoo.   Then, when they are softened up, dance round them Leinster stylee. That's the Plan.

The first 20 minutes of the ABs game? By God, yes. Is that realistic for 80 minutes? No, not for any team bar perhaps the ABs themselves. After the opening quarter we lost that game 24-3. A lack of ability to see out a 20 point lead is not what I want to see set as the "benchmark", All Blacks or not.

Ireland are yet to hit the peak and Schmidt still has to deal with the mess Kidney kindly left behind. It'll be a very close game on Saturday and what I think for us is more important than anything else is to re-instill a winning mentality and the belief that we are better than Wales or anyone else for that matter. 

Like yer posts Losty man.   

But, totally disagree on this one. We are going to rip them a new orsehole. Why wait?

Believe.

It's a Kiwi shuffle sure enough. Galtand feels weird this season, finally not the only kiwi on the 6N scene. It must feel strange.... his mind must be drifting back to home now (Schmidt's too in finally meeting a Gatland team)
They'll be communicating with each other in ways we won't even understand. It'll be a New Zealand thing. And perhaps that silence in the press-conference (first I heard about that tension if I'm honest) was them saying more to each other than anyone at the press conference could understand.

Solid judgement Gibbo. Let's not let our hearts rule our heads...  

Believe...?  

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...

There may or may not be a grain of truth to that. Either way, I'll rest fairly easy until Saturday knowing that Gats has the more gifted group of players at his disposal. They just need to pull their heads from their arses for 80 mins  

It'll be a shame to spoil BOD's retirement party though. In an ideal world he'd be playing for Wales so he could have all the trophies and perfect send-offs he deserves  

Another point raised is will Gatland know the strengths and weaknesses of Heaslip, Sexton, BOD....   etc.?

And vice versa, will Sexton be telling our lads the finer points of Phillips' service, or will Kearney be exploiting the gaping flaws in Halfpenny's game?

So many sub-plots...

Knowsit17 wrote:

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...

There may or may not be a grain of truth to that. Either way, I'll rest fairly easy until Saturday knowing that Gats has the more gifted group of players at his disposal. They just need to pull their heads from their arses for 80 mins  

It'll be a shame to spoil BOD's retirement party though. In an ideal world he'd be playing for Wales so he could have all the trophies and perfect send-offs he deserves  

Like Shane? Shane had one too many last games though. Especially that cruel call up by one Gats to the Lions team. Wales overdo the send-offs somewhat

Knowsit17 wrote:

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...

There may or may not be a grain of truth to that. Either way, I'll rest fairly easy until Saturday knowing that Gats has the more gifted group of players at his disposal. They just need to pull their heads from their arses for 80 mins  

It'll be a shame to spoil BOD's retirement party though. In an ideal world he'd be playing for Wales so he could have all the trophies and perfect send-offs he deserves  

   

Good Ireland team for Saturday.

Surprised to see the D'Arcy for Marshall change. Guess it is experience first and foremost in both coaches minds.

It's more than experience...its a horse for a course.  'Experience' assumes that Marshall is right up there with verything D'arcy can do but lacks the man hours that D'arcy has.
No..it's that D'arcy is right (according to Schmidt  - and a few of us fans too) for this game, in his own right, being the kind of player he is.

He might go ahead and prove both Schmidt and few of us absolutely wrong...but it still wouldn't change the fact that instincts says he's right.

SecretFly wrote:It's more than experience...its a horse for a course.  'Experience' assumes that Marshall is right up there with verything D'arcy can do but lacks the man hours that D'arcy has.
No..it's that D'arcy is right (according to Schmidt  - and a few of us fans too) for this game, in his own right, being the kind of player he is.

He might go ahead and prove both Schmidt and few of us absolutely wrong...but it still wouldn't change the fact that instincts says he's right.

I've seen D'Arcy in great form at the Liberty a few years ago, he is a hell of a player on his day. I guess that he and BOD who must have the longest partnership in international rugby know each others games inside out and create a better defence.

rodders wrote:Lets get some bloody realistic numbers lads:

Halfpenny 9-7 Kearney
Cuthbert 7-5 Kearney
Williams 5-7 BOD
Roberts 8-5 D'arcy
North 9-6 Trimble
Priestland 4-8 Sexton
Phillips 6-5 Murray

Jenkins 6-9 Healy
Hibbard 8-8 Best
A Jones 6-3 Ross
Coombs 6-6 Toner
AWJ 8-9 POC
Lydiate 7-6 POM
Warburton 9-6 Henry
Faletau 6-7 Heaslip

Ok realistically then,
Halfpenny 8-8 Kearney (being a bit nice to Kearney there but when on form)
North 9-6 Kearney
Scott 7-8 BOD
Jamie 8-7 Darcy
Priest 7-9 Sexton
Phillips 6-8 Murray

Gethin 8-8 Healey
Hibbard 9-8 Best
Adam 8-6 Ross
Alyn Wyn 9-8 O'Connell
Lydiate 8-8 O'Mahony
Warburton 7-8 Henry
Falateu 9-9 Heaslip

SecretFly wrote:It's more than experience...its a horse for a course.  'Experience' assumes that Marshall is right up there with verything D'arcy can do but lacks the man hours that D'arcy has.
No..it's that D'arcy is right (according to Schmidt  - and a few of us fans too) for this game, in his own right, being the kind of player he is.

He might go ahead and prove both Schmidt and few of us absolutely wrong...but it still wouldn't change the fact that instincts says he's right.

maestegmafia wrote:I've seen D'Arcy in great form at the Liberty a few years ago, he is a hell of a player on his day. I guess that he and BOD who must have the longest partnership in international rugby know each others games inside out and create a better defence.

I didnt realise D'Arcy had a stomach bug last week, I thought Marshall was picked in preference.

Those damn stomach and chest bugs!!!  They is playing havoc with our team!

Is there none of that going over there Maesteg?  Like I said eralier, I was dropped by a bad chest one...and one of my family members was quite serious with it.

SecretFly wrote:Those damn stomach and chest bugs!!!  They is playing havoc with our team!

Is there none of that going over there Maesteg?  Like I said eralier, I was dropped by a bad chest one...and one of my family members was quite serious with it.

Plenty of it here too, I have had a stinking cold all week.

Luckily none of it in the squad though.

Why don't Wales wear white shorts anymore?

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

Donkey for a stallion more like.

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.

I bet Cian will carry the rest of the Irish team