Selection – Ireland v Wales

by Brendan Cole

This selection is, of course, hard on Paddy Wallace, Peter Stringer and Rory Best.

Paddy WallaceWallace is the only one of the four players ‘rotated’ out of the side for the Scotland game not to regain the jersey while Best could make a strong argument for his performances being more effective overall than Flannery’s. Stringer, named man of the match against Scotland, could also make a very good case for being retained having appeared to visibly speed up and improve the distribution from the base of the ruck.   

Taking them one by one, in my opinion, Best has more contact and game intelligence and his play ties in better with those around him than Flannery’s tends to, though plenty observers will surely disagree with that.

The D’Arcy and O’Leary selections are perhaps best understood by looking at the likely gameplan.

With D’Arcy at 12 and O’Leary at nine, the speed through the hands from 9-10-12 will be slower, but the running strength and tackling stronger.

Strength down the middle key for Ireland

Overall, Ireland’s selection indicates that they will again aim to establish themselves in the game by carrying the ball strongly down the middle of the field through the centres, back-row and Paul O’Connell.

The natural tendency and structure in the centres will be for Ireland to attempt short bursts rather than place the ball in the hands of a back with multiple passing options around him.The potential problem is that the Welsh back row and centres are stronger and better athletically than Scotland and if Ireland are not razor sharp in terms of having their support in place when carrying the ball into contact down the middle, they could find themselves in deep trouble early in the game.

O’Leary’s occasionally suspect decision making from the breakdown – basically, he can sometimes pass at the wrong time, to the wrong side or to the wrong man – is another concern. He is, however, a better insurance policy when tracking the ball across the field and operating as a sweeping defender.

Switching the focus, Wales have plenty of question marks in their team.

Powell selection - a risk for Wales?

Andy PowellThe selection of flagship ball-carrier Andy Powell at number eight is a potential ‘in’ for Ireland as the Cardiff Blues back-rower looks a potential Sebastian Chabal figure. The great Munster phrase ‘hammer the hammer’ comes to mind.Gavin Henson’s selection also throws up issues, not least on the basis that he has breached normal team discipline at least twice so far in this Championship.

Gatland’s continual decision to accommodate him arguably erodes the authority he gained his previous good decision to get rid of the troublemakers in the Welsh set-up.

That said, Gatland’s instinct that Henson is a man worth having around understandable as his capacity to link the team from front to back – to connect the forwards to the back three - is a concern to Ireland and helps to disguise the limitations (passing) of Stephen Jones.

Overall, the team selections hint that if Ireland can get the go-forward going up the middle, and possibly open things out from any higher quality ball that results, they should win this game.

 
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Comments:

I predict a handsome welsh victory on Saturday.......Ireland have not been playing particular sweet rugby during this 6 Nations, Wales are a much better team..too much fire power if they get good line out and scrum performes well it'll be too much for the Irish

Posted by Jonni Welsh on March 17, 2009 at 04:44 PM GMT #

I'm Afraid jonnie that you are assuming a few things there , firstly the clean ball from the line outs, Ireland have be far been the best performing unit in the line outs this championship, Scrums are pretty much even, This game will be won and lost at the breakdown,

Posted by Seanster on March 17, 2009 at 05:10 PM GMT #

I don't think Ireland have anything to fear in this Welsh side, they play them week in week out in the Magners and beat them more often than not, I think Ireland will be too strong up front, our backrow and secondrow are stronger I believe. Andy Powell is over-rated and very one dimensional, Ryan Jones has been pretty anonymous this year and Shane Williams hasn't lived up to the IRB player of the year tag. Im glad its Deccie at the helm for this "cup final", this is our best chance in years and I think we'll do it. Come on Ireland!!!

Posted by Rory Kelly on March 17, 2009 at 05:19 PM GMT #

History Mr Welsh. Back to back victories are not your Forte. Best of luck getting overhauled also on the World rankings. 2000 Wales won 23-19, Lansdowne Road 2001 Ireland won 36-6, Millennium Stadium 2002 Ireland won 54-10, Lansdowne Road 2003 Ireland won 25-24, Millennium Stadium 2004 Ireland won 36-15, Lansdowne Road 2005 Wales won 32-20, Millennium Stadium 2006 Ireland won 31-5, Lansdowne Road 2007 Ireland won 19-9, Millennium Stadium 2008 Wales won 16-12, Croke Park

Posted by James Gill on March 17, 2009 at 05:33 PM GMT #

The decision to play stephen jones plays into irish hands. James Hook is far superior at getting their backline moving and his omission disrupts an Ospreys 9-10-12. O'Gara(on form) has consistently won the battle of 10s over the years and here lies Irelands chief decision maker and potential match-winner. Likewise Andy Powell adds undoubted power but gives the welsh backrow an unbalanced look. (Jonathan Thomas at 6 is less spectacular but a far more complete player.) The Irish 6,7,8 has a look of balanced power, athleticism and dynamism. This battle will be as spectacular as the one at 10 and if Ireland edge these then expect a green slam!

Posted by muph on March 17, 2009 at 06:31 PM GMT #

re Jonni Welsh's initial comment - What planet are you from? Wales have too much firepower behind the scrum?!! Yes, Wales boast a good backline indeed but when it comes to individual ability Ireland without doubt have the upperhand. It's gonna be am Irish victory come Saturday. Why? Because it has to be.

Posted by Emerald_Diablo on March 17, 2009 at 06:38 PM GMT #

Wales were such a great team LAST year because they were fresh and gained momentum after beating a terrible English side. Teams hadn't figured them out last year with the new coaching setup and they took a lot of them by surprise. This year they have been flat and the momentum is going away from them. Defeat in France followed by them mugging Italy in the last 10 minutes are not a great showing. I believe Ireland are the side with momentum and the one with Declan Kidney. Just think about how controlled Munster performances were under him in the Heineken cup finals! For all the Toulouse flair and talent they were dominated by Munster all day long and didn't let them play. I feel that is how this match will go, Wales won't have the ball for long enough to get their "Fire power" going. Ireland to win by 4 or 5 points!

Posted by Phil Harte on March 17, 2009 at 06:54 PM GMT #

the game was deadly

Posted by David Brady on March 17, 2009 at 07:13 PM GMT #

Is Kidney being to cautious ?, this team have the ability to be the best of all teams at this particular point in time and we should just enjoy them smashing their way to the grand slam.

Posted by Glenn Carr on March 17, 2009 at 07:40 PM GMT #

Bad move dropping Strings, don't think O leary will be up to. Heaslip better keep two hands on the ball and stop showboating as well. We have NOTHING yet!

Posted by Alan Hayes on March 17, 2009 at 07:41 PM GMT #

I will be gutted if Ireland lose, which they could. However, player for player, I can only see shane Williams, Dwayne Peel, James Hook and Gethin Genkins making it into the Irish 15. I can't believe people like Ieuen Evens saying that if Wales play to their potential, they "should win" or Lee Byrne saying they can win by 13 points and take the championship. After all, Wales have only beaten Ireland twice in the last 9 or 10 years. Why such confidence? Eire Abu!!

Posted by Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins on March 17, 2009 at 07:50 PM GMT #

am i the only one that thinks that Stringer has brought out the best in us over the games he has played? The slowdown in ball distribution was painfully obvious when o'leary was on the pitch.. i also cant accept any arguments about him being the better defensive option - o'leary has just plain poor thoughout (think his kicking vs france). Strings is obviously highly motivated - have we forgotten also his famous ability to tap tackle?

Posted by Joey on March 17, 2009 at 08:30 PM GMT #

Well, its done. It is a decision and therefore the right one - in deccie we still trust. If this team plays to its full potential from the outset (which will be a first), it should win. If not, it depends how Wales play. Either way, it will be a fascinating match. Two evenly matched sides with a lot of players playing for Lions places.

Posted by zeleneye on March 17, 2009 at 08:55 PM GMT #

Ireland will have alot of power and so much at stake, they will not lose the game. They will not allow themselves to lose the game. They deserve this and more yet they will do this!!

Posted by Paul on March 17, 2009 at 08:58 PM GMT #

If this is the way we are going to take them on, I fear the worst. They will surely out muscle us. We will just roll from ruck to ruck, that isn't going to frighten Wales; we haven't played an offloading game all championship surely their pack will try and turn us over at those rucks. If we move it up the middle, I hope we get it to our back three sooner. This 'hammer the hammer' is such reductive rugby although possibly effective. As for lineout ball, I don't think Wales, for what I have seen, kick much for touch. They just run and run and run.

Posted by Ed, London on March 17, 2009 at 09:25 PM GMT #

jonni welsh why dony worry about gatland and henson. dont forget gatland only took charge of wales because he couldnt get a job in his home country.he might have won a grand slam but so did mike ruddock!!! as for henson i wont get started...

Posted by brendan i on March 17, 2009 at 09:32 PM GMT #

James Gill so in the last 4 games its Wales 2 wins Ireland 2 going back any further is pointless unless you want to get back to the 70's ! Truth be known the players are very evenly matched a fact which most people over here recognise. Wales haven't lost at home in the 6 Nations for over 2 years but lost then yes to Ireland but I remember a host of injuries then and Gareth Jenkins as coach .Ireland for the championship for me but not the Grand Slam but if they do it they will have earned it and I will be as pleased for them as a Welsh man could be in the circumstances.

Posted by 192.168.24.17 on March 17, 2009 at 09:39 PM GMT #

Think starting o leary is a mistake. That step backwards he tkes from the ruck loses us that vital half second. Dont understand stringers substitution last saturday when we only lead by a converted try. Very nervous but think this is our year. C'mon the boys.

Posted by tomás ó póil on March 17, 2009 at 09:58 PM GMT #

Expect Wales to win. They are stronger than both England and France and have home advantage. They are also better than the last two Welsh teams that won the Grand Slam. Ireland are playing poorly and assuming they continue with negative style of rugby will play into the Welsh hands. I reckon Wales a good bet to win championship at 9/2.

Posted by jordan on March 17, 2009 at 10:20 PM GMT #

Im liking those stats!

Posted by Jonny Ireland on March 17, 2009 at 10:23 PM GMT #

O'Leary over Stringer a terrible decision--He is so slow and undecided at the base-leaves the ball there forever!! Wales will beat the spread!!!

Posted by Patrick Maguire on March 17, 2009 at 10:28 PM GMT #

very harsh on Stringer that team selection. O'Leary may have more of a physical presence, but going forward he just seems slower. I think Stringers experience might be useful in there too. I'm sure he'll have a part to play but I wish he was starting. Should be a cracker

Posted by Robbie Graham on March 17, 2009 at 10:38 PM GMT #

Brendan, do you think what Gatland said is true, about the Welsh players despise for the Irish team, or is it just Alex Fergusion stuff.

Posted by john gallagher on March 18, 2009 at 02:59 AM GMT #

I think that Mr. Gatland is allowing his bitterness to give Ireland a boost! The Welsh dislike the Irish more than any other team if you don't mind. Perhaps its the fact that we have hammered Welsh teams annually now since the early days of the Heineken. Their dominance internationally has faltered and has given them a dislike of being beaten by "inferior" countries (pure arrogance imo). I can see BOD, POC and co. relishing the prospect of making them dislike us even more! Tactically its hard to call, Ireland have found the defences very hard to break down but Wales have started and stuttered throughout the competition. If Ireland can breach the line I believe that they can run riot, on the other hand if we play into Gatties hands and don't turn up we could end up with a whitewash. I think Deccie is too shrewd for that and the leaders BOD and POC too professional and so would predict a solid Ireland performance and a narrow win to us!

Posted by John Mulligan on March 18, 2009 at 08:53 AM GMT #

Kidney is being very conservative with this team. Looks like he plans to wear down the Welsh up the middle and negate their attacking potential by denying there back 3 the ball. Hope our back 3 wears wear their thermals as I doubt they will see much ball. I predict a very tight game decided on who conceedes the least number of kickable penalties.

Posted by Kieran on March 18, 2009 at 09:48 AM GMT #

John - re: Gatland's comments, I think it is true to an extent. The Welsh have always had a dislike for the Irish, going back to the 70s when I think they liked to portray the Irish as posh/windy types. Gatland is also desperate to find a bit of motivation and get inside the Irish heads a bit - so it's a mix of insults and suggestions that Ireland will crack under pressure. I think the idea is to insult enough that Irish players hear about the remarks and sneak in the 'Ferguson' stuff alongside.......

Posted by Brendan Cole on March 18, 2009 at 11:22 AM GMT #

I think that Peter Stringers ommission is disgraceful. He had a great game against Scotland,made the try and was voted 'Man of the Match': what more does he have to do ? I think that it is a question of politics: perhaps Stringer is not a 'Yes' man,after all, politics permeates through everything we do, including sport. I hope the selection backfires on Kidney. Ken

Posted by Ken Aust on March 18, 2009 at 11:33 AM GMT #

Expect tomas o leary to have a big game on saturday. He is basically playing for his starting position with munster and Ireland for the next few years.

Posted by Fearghus Riordan on March 18, 2009 at 11:46 AM GMT #

Ken Aust, what is your game? Now is the time for the whole country to back this team not be hoping they lose! Strings has been hard done by, but I have every faith in Deccie as I have done for most of the last 10 years. Strings et al on bench should be ready to step in at any stage. Ireland by 8, and the biggest national hangover in 61 years come Sunday morning!

Posted by John Mehegan on March 18, 2009 at 12:01 PM GMT #

Stringer may have got Man of the Match on Saturday but that doesn't mean he was Man of the Match. There were at least 4 Irish players on that pitch that desrved it more. Drico, Big Paul, Kearney and David Wallace all played outstanding. In terms of this selection I agree with Brendan about Kidneys choice being one of defensive strength. If any non Munster fans out there dispute O' Leary's dominance in this area just look for the huge try saving tackle that was put in on Clermont centre Benoit Baby in January. The big french centre was immediately substituted and O'Leary walked away un-injured. Stringer might have stopped him after being blown back 10 metres. Give O'Leary a chance to perform. Ireland as a team haven't performed yet so no point in critising this one player all the time.

Posted by Seamus on March 18, 2009 at 01:15 PM GMT #

With the exception of the French game, Ireland will keep doing what they've done in this championship to date - play seriously ugly negative rugby for 60 minutes and only show off our real range of talents for a 15 - 20 minute period in total. Eddie O'Sullivan was guilty of trying to get Ireland to play 80 minutes of perfect beautiful rugby. Deccie's far more pragmatic (and arguably realistic) and only asks the team to expand the range of range of skills used when the right moment presents itself. This Ireland team wins by rolling up its shirt sleeves firstly - it only puts on the classy suit jacket when it needs to. On Gatland's comments that the Welsh don't like us: You're a top coach Warren, but you clearly don't get the Irish.

Posted by Niall on March 18, 2009 at 01:40 PM GMT #

The Stringer, O'Leary call is a very good one, if stringer was on from the start the welsh back line can use the rush defence and crowd the centre of the park, with O'leary they have to keep an eye on him and will give more space out wide, its nice to have stringer in the bag and change the tempo off the Back of the line that wil distrupt the welsh, and O'leary's tackling in defence for the first part of the match will also be helpfull,

Posted by seanster on March 18, 2009 at 01:44 PM GMT #

Don't forget last year or last week! A year ago Wales won when a substitute [Jackman]came on and gave 3 points away to seal a victory. Last week Italy nearly pipped the reds. It will be close. If Ireland play fast and up tempo we can win. Ireland have been victorious without recognition. Who wants this most and the rub of the [eh-hmm] GREEN will win it. Lucking forward to it......

Posted by paddy mulligan on March 18, 2009 at 02:13 PM GMT #

Everything comes down to one this, desire! Who want it more? Who has more to lose? Who has more to gain...I reckon Ireland is the answer to all of these and for that reason we will win. Gatties comments were a pretty blatant attempt to disrupt things but it wont work, an act of a desperate man me thinks. I dont know why everyone thinks it will be close, we are going to wipe the floor with Wales, we are dominant in every dept...Ireland to win by 20+ (mark my words)!

Posted by Brendan Flynn on March 18, 2009 at 03:26 PM GMT #

Looking at the Welsh selection I honestly think Ireland will struggle, Wales at home for only the second time this championship..and putting 13 points on this aging Irish side should be easy....Shane Williams will be used more intelligently..not doing the impossible..and the centers will come into the game early

Posted by Jonni Welsh on March 18, 2009 at 03:51 PM GMT #

I'm thinking Gatland's comments might be a bit more Kevin Keegan than Alex Ferguson...I think he's a man that knows that this Irish team is coming there a United force with surely the shrewdest manager we've had in my memory and i think he's sweating bullets right now.. Ireland by 5 and a RIGHT hangover the following morning

Posted by Charlie on March 18, 2009 at 04:25 PM GMT #

This game has Tyrone '03 written all over it. Cunning coach, told they can't because they hadn't in the past, their ability to cope under pressure questioned... etc etc.. And we all know what Tyrone acheived since then.

Posted by Damian on March 18, 2009 at 04:51 PM GMT #

Well plenty of things to say on the selection but at the end of the day i think the only question mark is the o'leary/stringer decision and as much as i would like stringer to play from the start imagine when kidney brings him on around the 60th minute and ireland up the tempo....wales will never stick with it....Allez les Verts

Posted by Bill on March 18, 2009 at 06:56 PM GMT #

I think the polarised opinions on the Stringer O'Leary fiasco show what a tough call it was to make because all these opinions are probably valid. A few eyebrows were raised when Stringer started against the Scots, and the same thing here when O'Leary comes back into the fold. It's a good problem to have in fairness. I would assume Stringer will have a huge role to play in the last 20-30 mins. It appears recently he has faded after the 60 min mark so perhaps Kidney is thinking that the game will be very tight til the 2nd half and Stringer may be best utilised when it loosens up a bit. As for the Scottish game last week I felt it was a very well controlled away performance, the Scots are so hard to play against and we kept in there so well. All I hope is that Wales believe their own hype and concentrate on winning by 13 points, because if they do I think Ireland can sneek a win by staying calm

Posted by Keith on March 18, 2009 at 08:10 PM GMT #

im gonna go for an ireland win saturday,wales are over rated and i think this has become more obvious in this 6 nations campaign,they were lucky against italy,awfull against france(who were hammered by england),who wales also played poorly against...their game versus scotland wasnt much better either.ireland have been more consistant and conservative,so come on ireland lets make 2009 a year to remember....and forget our economic probs!!

Posted by Aaron Brennan on March 18, 2009 at 09:51 PM GMT #

This is a subtle team selection by a master practitioner using all 22 available to him. Guy Noves showed the way for Toulouse in the 2004 Heineken Cup semi final bringing on the Maka brothers et al. in the last 20 mins. They blew Biarritz away. Of course you have to have the quality right through the 22 and for now at least Kidney appears to be in that fortunate position. Probably more so than Gatland. The skill will be in playing the hand right. But luck is there too, its still a game with varying degrees of chance.

Posted by Reginald Ponsbie-Smythe on March 18, 2009 at 09:54 PM GMT #

ah 15 points a piece with O Gara lobbing over a penalty to finish the game.

Posted by collie on March 18, 2009 at 10:43 PM GMT #

I reckon Seanster has it right - or at least I hope he has. The ability to 'adapt' (which has been an oft used word of late) may give Ireland the edge when Strings in introduced. My only fear is that Ireland may be too predictable - up the middle looking for centre line break - remember the bloody world cup!

Posted by Ed in Dundrum on March 18, 2009 at 11:15 PM GMT #

O'Leary is without doubt the right call - Phillips has given Stringer a hard time every time they've met - Phillips being 6'2" and built more like a flanker than a scrumhalf. O'Leary is quicker and stronger, he will contain that threat and put Jones under huge pressure. Henson is there to get the ball wide early and negate our strength down the middle - if they succeed they could win - O'Leary is tantamount to stopping them. Stringer's passing is better, he will make an appearance when we need to speed things up and close out/chase the game in last 20. It'll be close, but we have the edge on Wales in professional era for club and head to head for country, that's what they don't like about us! Ireland by 6 and a lot of chewed fingernails.

Posted by droichead on March 18, 2009 at 11:19 PM GMT #

As a Cornishman, it would be nice to see Ireland win the Grand Slam, if only for BOD. His try against England was so brave and gutsy. I would have thought if Wales hated any nation, it would be England. I was in Cardiff years ago, and my Welsh friends were all singing "If you hate the bloody English, clap your hands!" I think because I was Cornish, I didn't count as being English. Hopefully, it will be a great game this week - I just wish I could be there.

Posted by John Richards on March 19, 2009 at 08:51 AM GMT #

O'Leary V Stringer?? Wales will come at Ireland right from the kick off. O'Leary will be used to soak up that pressure (although his kicking game to Lee Byrne might prive costly. Stringer is one of the best impact players off the bench. He reads the game well and has the ability to change tempo and focus of attack. This game will be won and lost in the last quarter.

Posted by Jim on March 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM GMT #

I am trying to find out why Wales only have to beat Ireland by 13 points to win championship when the points difference is 25 ( Ireland 46 Wales 21 )

Posted by Barry Field on March 19, 2009 at 10:50 AM GMT #

Barry - it's a difference, not a straight lead. If Wales win (touch wood...), every point they finish ahead by would take 1 off Ireland AND add 1 to Wales.

Posted by 192.168.24.19 on March 19, 2009 at 10:55 AM GMT #

I think that it is a wonderful debate between Stringer and O'leary as our first choice number 9. It's hard to disagree with the coaches' choice though, he knowing them both better than any other, strenghts and weaknesses. It's a pity we don't have such energetic debate over many of the other 14 positions. Ireland to win by 7

Posted by Liam McCarthy on March 19, 2009 at 11:53 AM GMT #

Wales win (touch wood)? If that's what ye are doing lads, ye might as well not turn up! Agree that Stringer will be used to change the tempo at some stage, though we have already done that in every game so far - with or without him.

Posted by John Mehegan on March 19, 2009 at 12:04 PM GMT #

To clariify, I mean 'touch wood they won't'!!!! Don't think I could handle 14 debates at once.....

Posted by Brendan Cole on March 19, 2009 at 12:15 PM GMT #

why is shane horgan not playing??????

Posted by 192.168.24.17 on March 19, 2009 at 01:50 PM GMT #

Two points: 1. David Wallace v Martyn Williams hasn't been mentioned as a major factor in deciding the match, even by our own journalists/experts. I believe one or other of these two guys will be the decisive player in the match. Ireland must protect ball in the ruck and I believe Wallace will give us the advantage in the open and in crossing the gain/try-line. 2. I forgot the second point.

Posted by Kiki B on March 19, 2009 at 03:47 PM GMT #

The game will be won and lost by the back rows on both teams. And we have the edge with our 5, all of whom are probably lions. Also, Wales are not what they were last year. Playing France, they showed how static they can get when things are not going their way - and errors that they can make. Wales opened it up in the last 10 minutes but even a disjointed French defense kept them out. Ireland by 6. GSLAM'09

Posted by Patrick on March 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM GMT #

Our tight 5 have the edge in the loose and lineout so can lay the platform, no doubts. As a unit, our backrow looks far better. Powell has been worked out, Jones is over-rated but Williams is a major threat. If he isn't torpedoed at every opportunity, he'll turn over ball and thats when Wales are at their most dangerous, looking for mismatches against an unset backline. Was happy to see Henson in instead of Roberts as I thought D'Arcy struggled against a big burly centre in Edinburgh. Henson hasn't much but a big gob. If we soak up teh pressure for first 20 as we have to-date and play to our strengths we definitely have the baitings of this over-hyped Welsh team. Keep it away from Williams x 2 and Lee Byrne, realise that Shanklin never passes so bust him at every given opportunity and invite Powell to run at us and we can win this by 10+ providing O'Gara has his head right. Who's named ref by the way?

Posted by Clohessy Abroad on March 20, 2009 at 12:00 AM GMT #

O'Leary starting was always going to be the case against Wales no matter how well Stringer played! His superior physicality will be needed against Philips and the Welsh back row. Lets hop we see the D'Arcy of old in this match. I have no doubt that we will win the grand slam this year! Its Deccie! Munster! And I'm a Leinster man! And as for Gatland and his team's hatred for Ireland, I say bring 'em on!! Its about time we started getting really, really passionate about Irish rugby, we could be on the verge of history by witnessing this possible "slam"!! Come on BOD and RODGE show us what we know you can do!! Come on Ireland!!

Posted by D Man on March 20, 2009 at 01:22 AM GMT #

I think the call on O'Leary is the correct one. Sure Stringer will provide quick ball and has a famous tap tackle but that is only useful once the attacker has crossed the gain line. O'Leary will reduce yards gained down his channel. Flannery good call, better darts, better ball carrier and he looks scarier. Ferris versus Jones is going to be beautiful. The confidence of our bloggers worries me a bit. The bookies have Wales as favourites. Kidney will love that. I expect us to strangle the confidence out of the Welsh. If we don't and Wales start to play like they can sing, then we are in trouble for at their best their brand of rugby is is irresistable and a joy to watch. Come on Ireland!

Posted by Stephen Murray on March 20, 2009 at 01:38 AM GMT #

Clohessy Abroad - the ref is Wayne Barnes.

Posted by Brendan Cole on March 20, 2009 at 08:47 AM GMT #

I think we are in for a cracker of a game on Sat. With a closed roof I think Ireland will throw the ball around a bit more. Ireland have nothing to fear in the Millenium stadium. We have beaten Wales there on a few occasions as well as Munster winning 2 Heinekin Cups. We have momentum and Belief. Wouldnt it be nice to wipe that cocky grin off Gatlands face!! Ireland for the Grand Slam

Posted by Kevin O'Callaghan on March 20, 2009 at 09:30 AM GMT #

D Man, totally agree with your point on passions being stirred around the Irish team - long overdue. IMO, this game will come down to three key battlegrounds - back row, out half and centre, and we hold the aces in all three.

Posted by John Mehegan on March 20, 2009 at 10:01 AM GMT #

To think that wales can beat Ireland is a silly thought. The biggest factor that one must take into account are the previous performances and wales in my opinion have only stuttered and stumbled this far, even falling to a French team that was not near on all cylinders like it was when they fell to Ireland. I will concede that Ireland have not been at their best at times, but i do not think that i am alone in my thinking that they can raise their game in an instant. As for the Stringer selection, there is no better impact player in world rugby than Peter Stringer!!!

Posted by Hugh on March 20, 2009 at 10:51 AM GMT #

Wales need to play at there highest level.....and they will, Ireland don't stand a chance, they will go home with no Grand Slam no Championship no Triple Crown

Posted by Jonni Welsh on March 20, 2009 at 12:46 PM GMT #

IRELAND 100 WALES 0

Posted by 192.168.24.19 on March 20, 2009 at 04:52 PM GMT #

Totally agree with kiki b. Martyn Williams has to be stopped. He is the best they have a turnover. Wallace is the best bet for stopping him in the championship. come on Ireland!!!!!

Posted by mayo man on March 21, 2009 at 12:09 PM GMT #

Totally agree with kiki b. Martyn Williams has to be stopped. He is the best they have a turnover. Wallace is the best bet for stopping him in the championship. come on Ireland!!!!!

Posted by mayo man on March 21, 2009 at 12:14 PM GMT #

Ref is English. Do you think this will affect game?

Posted by Fionn Irish on March 21, 2009 at 05:47 PM GMT #

Wales need to play at there highest level.....and they will, Ireland don't stand a chance, they will go home with no Grand Slam no Championship no Triple Crown Posted by Jonni Welsh on March 20, 2009 at 12:46 PM GMT # ___________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ _____________ Looks like Wales highest level came up short just like Stephen Jones kick. Ha Johnny Welsh

Posted by An Tarbh on March 21, 2009 at 09:18 PM GMT #

Ireland deserved to win and it was a really great performance.

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on March 21, 2009 at 09:29 PM GMT #

Commiserations Jonni. Nail-biting, but tries win matches. Well deserved and well done the boys in green.

Posted by Proinsias OhOgain on March 21, 2009 at 09:59 PM GMT #

Well done Ireland - it was an amazing game....and I txtd my brother who is posted in Chad and he said 400 troops added to the tension listening on the radio...they were ecstatic !!

Posted by maggie on March 21, 2009 at 10:28 PM GMT #

jonni welsh- how wrong are you , ireland dominated , and ireland one , they should have one by more!!! i think its time for you to admit defeat! ireland= tripple crown and grand slam holders at the end of it. Just leaves you to think who will captain and dominate the lions dosnt it !!! think about that before you start bloating next time !!! Go on the BOD and POC -Lions 2009

Posted by David Conway on March 22, 2009 at 04:23 AM GMT #

An incredable match Ireland played by far the better ball, yes they gave away penaltys but the did not let the walsh near the touch lime allowin no trys.. SOOOOOO proud to be irish at this time. we deserved every bit of the win.Ireland 2009 the best team with the greatest coach!! Whatever Declan says at half time i need a copy of... And for what the walsh manager said before the match. ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?? i love the walsh people and the country is beautiful, u have a great team and really deserved to reach the final i DONT agree with what ur coach said.RUBBISH RUBBISH RUBBISH xWELL DONE IRELAND XXXXX

Posted by becky on March 22, 2009 at 11:32 AM GMT #

Sorry Mr Welsh, it went a bit pear shapped for you. The Irish were the best by far, Wales should not have been in sight of anything at the end. Well done boys, proud of you.

Posted by Des on March 22, 2009 at 12:36 PM GMT #

Bernard Dunne could be the team mascot?

Posted by Mark White on March 22, 2009 at 06:33 PM GMT #

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