Payne is there to lead the defence. Its the only plausible reason as i see it. In a team with so many changes, playing against a team who play with tempo through the phases its obvious Schmidt values the established pairing defensively above all else. McCloskey will play this 6N's, i'm sure of it.
On the game itself? The Welsh lads seem to be getting a little upset that we're not trembling before them.
Well, despite that and the changes i still think we can win. Partly because under Gatland Wales have never beaten us by more than a score in the 6N's. So you'd think we'd be there or thereabouts.
Secondly because there are reasons for optimism amid all the gloom.
-Stander and O' Donnell are young, capable lads who are going to run through walls looking to impress. Furlong too.
-Even though they're ancient White and McCarthy are arguably playing the best rugby of their careers.
-Earls and Trimble with ball in hand are our best wing combination.
-We're not playing a side like England who'd look to, and probably succeed in, strangling us at the set piece.
-Sexton. Don't believe there's anything wrong with his head or his form. Put Biggar in his place last month in bad conditions. Likely to do the same again for me.
Bookies still have Ireland marginal favs. I'll go with Ireland by 4.
