[Six Nations 2018] Round 3: Ireland vs Wales (24/02/2018)

[MarkyH]

Ireland to play hide and seek in the changing rooms, Wales to line up with every other play facing the wrong stand and shaking hand with a ghost.

9-9 draw.

 

[mosfeldt]

This is a real baptism of fire for the likes of Porter and Farrell. If I'm anxious and I haven't even gotten out of bed at 9am I can only imagine what they're going through!

I am confident yet not at all. These teams are just way too evenly matched.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Ireland by 15.

 

[bushytop]

Ireland by 15.

Wales by Sexton being carried off early.

 

[TommiG88]

I'm wearing my 1/16th of welshness today.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I'm wearing my 1/16th of welshness today.

That's fair, I have a Scottish surname!

 

[bushytop]

Just listened to EOS saying Wales will want to play loose and try to do to Ireland what we did to the Scots but this ain't Scotland. I reckon Gats will try and keep it tight today and force marginal gains around the loss of the three Irish Lions, particularly those in the tight five. If that works it'll put a lot of pressure on admittedly a very good Irish back row, so their battle against Navidi, Shingler and Moriarty will be very important what with both teams low penalty count thus far.

 

[munstermuffin]

If Gatland plays a tight game with kicking he will be foolish. Stats again show Ireland' best defensive area is the tight areas around the ruck. Also they're probably the most comfortable of all the teams in rugby playing the kicking game.
I also don't believe the half backs of Welsh team have the accuracy in kicking game

 

[TommiG88]

That's fair, I have a Scottish surname!

I have a welsh surname.

 

[bushytop]

If Gatland plays a tight game with kicking he will be foolish. Stats again show Ireland' best defensive area is the tight areas around the ruck. Also they're probably the most comfortable of all the teams in rugby playing the kicking game.
I also don't believe the half backs of Welsh team have the accuracy in kicking game

If Gatland plays a tight game he'd be 99% classic Gatland (with Wales at the least). I just think with the Irish absentees together with the current 'expected' play style of Wales, Gats might just flip the script, whether that be successful or not.

Would take 0-3 now, we can reintroduce fancy stuff against Italy and France.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I have a welsh surname.

Who I support later depends entirely on the result of this match, I really want that grand slam show down on Paddy's day!

 

[munstermuffin]

If Gatland plays a tight game he'd be 99% classic Gatland (with Wales at the least). I just think with the Irish absentees together with the current 'expected' play style of Wales, Gats might just flip the script, whether that be successful or not.

Would take 0-3 now, we can reintroduce fancy stuff against Italy and France.

But my point is. Attacking Ireland where they are most efficient has lower % of success.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Last time Wales beat Ireland with a ref other than Wayne Barnes was the 2011 RWC. In a period where Ireland have ~65% win rate they have won ~20% of Barnes' games. I also think Schmidt is yet to win with Barnes as referee.

 

[TommiG88]

Who I support later depends entirely on the result of this match, I really want that grand slam show down on Paddy's day!

I do, as I'll be there, but at the same time I am a pessimist.

 

[bushytop]

But my point is. Attacking Ireland where they are most efficient has lower % of success.

And I'd agree with you if Furlong, Henderson and SOB were playing, the fact that they ain't... for me sounds a little too tempting to someone like Gatland. Particularly when Ireland will have prepped for the more expansive style Wales have been playing lately. I'd love to see Wales winning in style but Gats is Gats.

 

[munstermuffin]

And I'd agree with you if Furlong, Henderson and SOB were playing, the fact that they ain't... for me sounds a little too tempting to someone like Gatland. Particularly when Ireland will have prepped for the more expansive style Wales have been playing lately. I'd love to see Wales winning in style but Gats is Gats.

That's where I'd disagree. Toner and Ryan will tackle all day. Roux is my worry.
Leavy is probably a better defensive player than SOB.
Yes Porter is a drop down from Furlong but I'm sure he will be keen to keep standards up

 

[bushytop]

That's where I'd disagree. Toner and Ryan will tackle all day. Roux is my worry.
Leavy is probably a better defensive player than SOB.
Yes Porter is a drop down from Furlong but I'm sure he will be keen to keep standards up

Can't wait to find out either way...

 

[big ginger 8]

Love Jennings bullishness.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Ireland are standing on their lucky bit of mud, bet the house on them

 

[RedruthRFC]

Ireland are standing on their lucky bit of mud, bet the house on them

I've lazily taken another short handicap on Wales, so now fully expecting Ireland by 5 or 6!

Edit: has "earning the right to go wide" become the latest commentator's cliché?