[2015 Six Nations] Wales vs Ireland (Round 4)

[munstermuffin]

Interesting stat, that Ireland have so far only scored 3 tries through the tournament so far, yet no team has won a 6 nations GrandSlam whilst scoring less than 10.

Wonder whether they break that mark.

Well that's why margins are so tight. Win and we are odds on to win Slam. Loose and we will probably be 3rd. But either way we have to play a very good Wales Team away and Scotland in Murrayfield where even in victory we struggle for some reason

 

[Jbobo]

Well that's why margins are so tight. Win and we are odds on to win Slam. Loose and we will probably be 3rd. But either way we have to play a very good Wales Team away and Scotland in Murrayfield where even in victory we struggle for some reason

Tomorrow is going to be absolutely epic!

 

[Barryboy]

Our composite side for the fixture can be found here: http://fourballsblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/wales-and-ireland-composite-side.html

It is as follows;

McGrath
Best
Lee
AWJ
POC
POM
Warburton
Faletau
Murray
Sexton
North
Roberts
Davies
Williams
Kearney

Let us know what you think!

I agree except Halfpenny for Kearney and Bowe for Williams. Also a case for playing Kearney on the wing. Back row the most difficult call. You could make a case for anyone.

 

[Tony Manx]

Let us hope so!!! Have heard these hopes expressed previously yet we end up with dreadful games more often than not!! It should be epic but.................

 

[Barryboy]

It's going to be interesting. Not much to choose between back 5 of each pack or back 3 in the backs. Ireland better at half back and Wales better in centre. Therefore front row will be important in determining who wins. Wales always vulnerable in line out , but if we get our share of ball there I can see home advantage making a difference.

 

[Jbobo]

Let us hope so!!! Have heard these hopes expressed previously yet we end up with dreadful games more often than not!! It should be epic but.................

Aye i know what you mean. I think it has a big part to do with who you're supporting. I mean, Welsh and Irish supporters a soiling their panties over this match whilst many English (technically French too) fans join the frenzy if it's tight late on as it impacts them hugely. I guess it just a bit more personal but from a pure rugby perspective, from where i'd be a lot of neutrals would be approaching from, i'd be crossing my fingers for a good free flowing contest with fewer penalties, more evidence of creativity, less penalties, bish and bosh etc. It will be a top game and everyone will look forward to the contest, but let's hope for a few nerves and possibly some excitement too.

- - - Updated - - -

superb try by the Wales u20's there!

 

[The Jones Boy]

Too tough to call, this is going to be a real humdinger!

 

[bw245]

Do people think, if offered, Joe would sign another contract with the IRFU? To think that this time next year we could be getting ready to find another coach is scary, it feels like he just got here. I reckon he'll stay another few years. Can't see New Zealand knocking on his door just yet, and can't see what other job he'd want. He also mentioned before his son, who has severe epilepsy, is extremely happy in his school and has great friends, which is one of the reasons he decided to stay in ireland anyway. Also, he said the irish coaching job gives him more time to go back to NZ to see family. I do think, however, that perhaps Steve Hansen is making these comments about boring rugby in the NH because he's worried that Joe could some day take his job?


I read something today about him being gone after next season, which frightens me.

 

[munstermuffin]

If Schmidt ever gets the New Zealand job or works towards it he will return after this contract. If IRFU survive it and get him to sign an extension I think we will have him for a number of years.

 

[bw245]

If Schmidt ever gets the New Zealand job or works towards it he will return after this contract. If IRFU survive it and get him to sign an extension I think we will have him for a number of years.

Unless NZ have a terrible World Cup, can't see them getting rid of Hansen in the near future. Really can't think of anyone to replace Schmidt either who would match him as a coach.

 

[corny]

I reckon this Welsh team is best placed in order to counter the game that this Irish have been playing so far in this championship. Williams despite being a prick has been playing very well and gives their back 3 extras ariel expertise which is a good way to counter the Sexton-Muarry kicking game. Centres and North are also scary- I think Robbie and Payne will be able to chop them down but not before Roberts gets a head of steam and the Welsh get quick ball. I think Ireland have the edge upfront but not by a whole lot and Wales may just pip us in the backs if they fire.

Predicting a really tight exciting game.

Are they best placed? I remember last years game when Ireland dismantled Wales by putting the ball in behind them and ferociously attacking the resulting breakdown. Wales had no answer.

Actually i'm not too sold on Wales' ability to adapt or think on their feet. Its part of the reason they have a terrible record against the SH trio. They have plan A and if that doesn't work its plan A but try harder. I know Gatland has achieved a lot but personally i've never been sold on his tactical abilities.

On the other hand my belief in Schmidt's tactical ability and Sexton's to execute is absolute. Counted for 23 point difference last year. Might not be the same margin but i expect the same winner.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Well that's why margins are so tight. Win and we are odds on to win Slam. Loose and we will probably be 3rd. But either way we have to play a very good Wales Team away and Scotland in Murrayfield where even in victory we struggle for some reason

Meh, a team hasn't come within a try of beating Ireland, the last 20 minutes of all three games have been very comfortable. If they lose tomorrow, which I'm almost certain they won't, a 15 point win in Murrayfield will retain the championship. Not that they should care, anything but a slam is a failure for the side now.

 

[bw245]

Meh, a team hasn't come within a try of beating Ireland, the last 20 minutes of all three games have been very comfortable. If they lose tomorrow, which I'm almost certain they won't, a 15 point win in Murrayfield will retain the championship. Not that they should care, anything but a slam is a failure for the side now.

Championship wouldn't be a fail. If it were a fail we'd be showing no respect to opposition. It wouldn't be as pleasing as a Grandslam, but it wouldn't be a fail. It would actually encourage more of a drive going into the RWC.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Championship wouldn't be a fail. If it were a fail we'd be showing no respect to opposition. It wouldn't be as pleasing as a Grandslam, but it wouldn't be a fail. It would actually encourage more of a drive going into the RWC.

As the championship has gone on goals will have changed, it's natural. Look at the England sides of 2000-2001, they made no bones about it that a championship wasn't good enough. To win a World Cup a team needs serious confidence in their ability and bottle and if Ireland didn't get the slam here they'd be doubting themselves in the World Cup.

A championship this year would be nice to look back on in five years time but in the immediate fiture it'd be seen as a failure.

 

[bw245]

As the championship has gone on goals will have changed, it's natural. Look at the England sides of 2000-2001, they made no bones about it that a championship wasn't good enough. To win a World Cup a team needs serious confidence in their ability and bottle and if Ireland didn't get the slam here they'd be doubting themselves in the World Cup.

A championship this year would be nice to look back on in five years time but in the immediate fiture it'd be seen as a failure.

I agree about that, just thought fail was a strong word. Definitely will be disappointing, as we're always looking to improve, but finishing 2nd or 3rd would be a fail for me.

 

[chippieolamus]

'Wales don't have a plan B' is beginning to become almost as much of a cliché as 'it depends which France turns up'.

 

[bw245]

'Wales don't have a plan B' is beginning to become almost as much of a cliché as 'it depends which France turns up'.

Like someone said above, it's plan A - then try harder with plan A. Just their style of playing.

If Joe was in charge of Wales, and Gats in charge of ireland, would tables have turned? Would Wales be going into this game on for a Grandslam?

 

[corny]

'Wales don't have a plan B' is beginning to become almost as much of a cliché as 'it depends which France turns up'.

I'll give you that it is tired at this stage but in all honesty are you saying its wrong? Are you saying Wales vary their attacking structure?

 

[Jbobo]

I'll give you that it is tired at this stage but in all honesty are you saying its wrong? Are you saying Wales vary their attacking structure?

We could do with some more variation among the backs, but i think the overwhelming problem is not that, but the inability to execute plan A regularly and efficiently. All of our tries come from a moment of brilliance or Forward play, most come from the former. If we can execute Plan A better, we will finish off far more opportunities.

 

[The Jones Boy]

Everybody in world rugby is trying to execute plan A.
Even those who have forgotten what the plan is...