Wales vs Ireland - Six Nations

by maestegmafia Tue 29 Jan 2013, 12:17 pm

First topic message reminder :

Date - Saturday 2nd February 2013, KO 13:30
Venue - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Wales

Coverage - Watch live on BBC One NI, BBC One HD
Internet - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/
Radio - BBC Radio Ulster
Replay the Game - BBC iPlayer

Wales Team

15 L Halfpenny
14 A Cuthbert
13 J Davies
12 J Roberts
11 G North
10 D Biggar
09 M Phillips
01 G Jenkins
02 M Rees
03 A Jones
04 A Coombs
05 I Evans
06 A Shingler
08 T Faletau
07 S Warburton (capt)

Replacements

16 K Owens
17 C Mitchell
18 P James
19 O Kohn
20 J Tipuric
21 L Williams
22 S Williams
23 J Hook

Ireland Team

01 Cian Healy
02 Rory Best
03 Mike Ross
03 Donnacha Ryan
05 Mike McCarthy
06 Peter O'Mahony
07 Sean O'Brien
08 Jamie Heaslip (c)
09 Conor Murray
10 Jonathan Sexton
11 Simon Zebo
12 Gordon Darcy
13 Brian O'Driscoll
14 Craig Gilroy
15 Rob Kearney

Replacements

16 Sean Cronin
17 Dave Kilcoyne
18 Declan Fitzpatrick
19 Donnacha O'Callaghan
20 Chris Henry
21 Eoin Reddan
22 Ronan O'Gara
23 Keith Earls

TOURNAMENT RECORD

MATCH FACTS

HEAD-TO-HEAD
These two nations have clashed on 118 occasions since 1882. Wales have 65 wins; Ireland 47.

Wales have won their last three Tests against Ireland; two in the Six Nations, one at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Since 1985 Ireland have won 10 and drawn one in Cardiff, with Wales picking up just two wins.

Legendary Irish fly-half Ronan O'Gara has scored 100 points in 14 appearances against Wales. O'Gara and centre Brian
O'Driscoll are the record caps holders for Ireland against Wales.

WALES

Have lost their last seven games, their worst run since 2003 (when they lost 10 on the spin).
Should Ireland win this fixture, Wales would have lost five consecutive home games for the first time in their history (they lost four at home during that 10-defeat run back in 2003).
Have scored just seven tries in their last seven matches.
The Wales pack retained possession at 96% of their own put-ins during last season's Six Nations. However, they did win just 22 scrums across the whole tournament - fewer than any other side.
Alex Cuthbert made seven clean breaks in last season's Six Nations, more than any other player.

IRELAND

Prior to the win over Argentina in their final match of 2012 Ireland had lost five straight Tests, scoring just two tries in the process (this excludes XV versus Fiji). It was their worst run since 1998.
Ireland were top points scorers in last year's Six Nations, racking up 121 in total (an average of over 24 per match). This included 13 tries, the most they had scored in the competition since 2007.

Games played between Ireland and Wales: 118 18.13%
Games won by Wales: 65 55.08%
Games lost by Wales: 47 39.83%
Games drawn: 6 5.08%

Most wins in a row for Wales over Ireland: 5

Most wins in a row for Ireland over Wales: 5

Average Pts Per Game 13

Heaviest Defeat 3rd of Feb 2002 Ireland 54 - 10 Wales

Recent Record between Ireland and Wales

2012 - Ireland 21-23 Wales
2011 - Ireland 10-22 Wales (RWC)
2011 - Wales 19-13 Ireland
2010 - Ireland 27-12 Wales
2009 - Wales 15-17 Ireland
2008 - Ireland 12-16 Wales

by ChequeredJersey Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:02 pm

maestegmafia wrote:BBC Howley on Biggar interview

Interim Wales coach Robert Howley has pleaded for the nation's media and pundits to "please keep the pressure off" fly-half Dan Biggar.

The Osprey won Howley's backing to start at 10 in their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday, preferred to Perpignan's James Hook.

Howley told the media: "It's important that he gets an opportunity and please can you keep the pressure off him." However, Howley also said there are "questions that Dan has to answer".

“We've given him [Dan Biggar] honest feedback in terms of his game management and his running threat and his kicking game”

Biggar, 23, takes over from Achilles tendon injury victim Rhys Priestland to win his 12th cap in a Wales career that began in 2008 against Canada. Since then the 6ft 2in, 14st 8lb Biggar has not been involved in any Six Nations games while Stephen Jones' 104-cap career continued, then saw Priestland overtake him in the Wales pecking order.

Before the injury that ended his tournament hopes, Priestland had been criticised to such an extent that he sought professional help. Howley says the decision between Biggar and Hook, 27, who has won 26 of his 67 caps in the Six Nations was "close".

The Wales coach says Biggar is the in-form stand-off, having impressed in recent Heineken Cup games for Ospreys against Toulouse - twice - and Leicester. "I think it's important that he gets an opportunity and please can you keep the pressure off him," said Howley. "All our 10s that have played the game, we've seen what's happened over recent times when the number 10 in Wales [has come under pressure] - and it's important that he's given the chance to develop.

"It's a big game for Dan. Obviously he understands that, but [because of] our Welsh culture and the way we talk about our 10s, it's important that Dan is given an opportunity and a chance and he'll certainly be given a chance from the Welsh management.

"He understands there's competition with James, but it's a big starting game for Dan and he's been exceptional this week.

"He's a key player and we'll support [him] in everything which we ask him to do.
"Dan has matured over the last 12 months and he's been continually knocking on the door and we've given him honest feedback in terms of his game management and his running threat and his kicking game.

"And I think from Dan's perspective, I think turning up on Saturday being confident, going out and playing the game as he sees it [are important].

"I think that he's got a pretty potent backline to try and get into the game and the game management, and when to bring them into the game and when to kick for field position and when to run.

"They're the questions that Dan has to answer on Saturday. But it's important that he gets the time. When you speak to the likes of [Wales skills coach] Neil Jenkins and when Hooky was there, Steve Jones, Rhys Priestland - they were given time."

"And I think Dan's got a great opportunity on the weekend and I think that it's important that he just focuses on facilitating the team and that's what you want your half-backs to do, to bring out the best in the players around you."

"And I'm certain Dan will do that."

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny will take Wales' kicks at goal and Howley believes that will allow Biggar to concentrate on his tactical role.

"I think that it will be a positive, not a negative [for Biggar]," said Howley.

Isn't Biggar one of the few selections that Welsh fans agree with?

by Casartelli Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:04 pm

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem I see for the Welsh back row is if Warbs has to step up and make the big hits, who wins the ball on the deck? Or if Warbs is on the deck who stops the Irish ball carriers? It's a catch 22... Warburton is a good groundhog and can stop our big men too but without his partner in crime Lydiate he needs someone to take up the slack. If Tipuric had started then you'd expect him to do the dirty stuff while Warburton chopped down POM and SOB. But instead Howley has gone to secure the lineout and Shingler for all his ability is not a chopper... It could be a long day at the office!

See, even as far away as Scotland an Irishman can see the obvious. 100% spot on.

What's Howley been doing all week in training that he can't see this? Too busy being dazzled by Biggar being 'exceptional' at something?

by UlstermaninGlasgow Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:10 pm

The other thing is has Howley played for the ref? Poite isn't exactly known for his eagle eyes at the set pieces and maybe Howley thought he could get away with not having much at scrum/line out time?

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:19 pm

Cj divided public opinion on flyhalf Biggar's selection leads to the fear of ten man rugby, even though he is probably the best choice. Hook is seen as the 'welsh way' option, even though he is not as good at controlling a tight game.

The welsh public will never be happy with anyone at flyhalf as they'll be as good as the other options.

by maestegmafia Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:23 pm

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The other thing is has Howley played for the ref? Poite isn't exactly known for his eagle eyes at the set pieces and maybe Howley thought he could get away with not having much at scrum/line out time?

Would have thought that the Scrum and Lineout would be pretty good...

Shingler, Faletau, Evans, Coombs and Warburton are all good line out options and Adam and Smiler great in the scrum. Adam is in fantastic form.

by maestegmafia Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:25 pm

Casartelli wrote:
UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem I see for the Welsh back row is if Warbs has to step up and make the big hits, who wins the ball on the deck? Or if Warbs is on the deck who stops the Irish ball carriers? It's a catch 22... Warburton is a good groundhog and can stop our big men too but without his partner in crime Lydiate he needs someone to take up the slack. If Tipuric had started then you'd expect him to do the dirty stuff while Warburton chopped down POM and SOB. But instead Howley has gone to secure the lineout and Shingler for all his ability is not a chopper... It could be a long day at the office!

See, even as far away as Scotland an Irishman can see the obvious. 100% spot on.

What's Howley been doing all week in training that he can't see this? Too busy being dazzled by Biggar being 'exceptional' at something?

Faletau is a pretty awesome tackler. What were his stats, RWC no tackles missed, Six Nations last year one of the highest too

by Casartelli Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:32 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Casartelli wrote:
UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem I see for the Welsh back row is if Warbs has to step up and make the big hits, who wins the ball on the deck? Or if Warbs is on the deck who stops the Irish ball carriers? It's a catch 22... Warburton is a good groundhog and can stop our big men too but without his partner in crime Lydiate he needs someone to take up the slack. If Tipuric had started then you'd expect him to do the dirty stuff while Warburton chopped down POM and SOB. But instead Howley has gone to secure the lineout and Shingler for all his ability is not a chopper... It could be a long day at the office!

See, even as far away as Scotland an Irishman can see the obvious. 100% spot on.

What's Howley been doing all week in training that he can't see this? Too busy being dazzled by Biggar being 'exceptional' at something?

Faletau is a pretty awesome tackler. What were his stats, RWC no tackles missed, Six Nations last year one of the highest too

It's a good point, but Faletau, Warburton and Shingler all do that wrap tackling where they take the impact and then try and hold the ball up and/or then release and compete for it on the deck. Without Lydiate we don't have anyone chopping people down at, or behind, the gainline. Hope I'm wrong but if O'Brien and Heaslip start carrying well it will give Ireland a lot of 'go forward ball'.

It'll be interesting to see if Howley changes tactics to try and use the speed and finesse of the back row - or just sends them on the pick & drive like always.

by UlstermaninGlasgow Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:38 pm

Casartelli wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Casartelli wrote:
UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem I see for the Welsh back row is if Warbs has to step up and make the big hits, who wins the ball on the deck? Or if Warbs is on the deck who stops the Irish ball carriers? It's a catch 22... Warburton is a good groundhog and can stop our big men too but without his partner in crime Lydiate he needs someone to take up the slack. If Tipuric had started then you'd expect him to do the dirty stuff while Warburton chopped down POM and SOB. But instead Howley has gone to secure the lineout and Shingler for all his ability is not a chopper... It could be a long day at the office!

See, even as far away as Scotland an Irishman can see the obvious. 100% spot on.

What's Howley been doing all week in training that he can't see this? Too busy being dazzled by Biggar being 'exceptional' at something?

Faletau is a pretty awesome tackler. What were his stats, RWC no tackles missed, Six Nations last year one of the highest too

It's a good point, but Faletau, Warburton and Shingler all do that wrap tackling where they take the impact and then try and hold the ball up and/or then release and compete for it on the deck. Without Lydiate we don't have anyone chopping people down at, or behind, the gainline. Hope I'm wrong but if O'Brien and Heaslip start carrying well it will give Ireland a lot of 'go forward ball'.

It'll be interesting to see if Howley changes tactics to try and use the speed and finesse of the back row - or just sends them on the pick & drive like always.

Ireland are guilty of that too but it's usually of the wrap/choke variety where they force the scrum turnover... But with Best and Heaslip big tacklers and useful on the deck and Healy, O'Brien and O'Mahony on the angles, could see good clean ball for Murray...

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:43 pm

Casartelli wrote:It'll be interesting to see if Howley changes tactics to try and use the speed and finesse of the back row - or just sends them on the pick & drive like always.

Passing out of the tackle would be a start. It's a footballing back row and I hope they'll be sent out to do more than run into contact and die with the ball. 'Hard yards' is all well and good, but don't make it any harder than it needs to be.

by maestegmafia Thu 31 Jan 2013, 5:44 pm

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:
Casartelli wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Casartelli wrote:
UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem I see for the Welsh back row is if Warbs has to step up and make the big hits, who wins the ball on the deck? Or if Warbs is on the deck who stops the Irish ball carriers? It's a catch 22... Warburton is a good groundhog and can stop our big men too but without his partner in crime Lydiate he needs someone to take up the slack. If Tipuric had started then you'd expect him to do the dirty stuff while Warburton chopped down POM and SOB. But instead Howley has gone to secure the lineout and Shingler for all his ability is not a chopper... It could be a long day at the office!

See, even as far away as Scotland an Irishman can see the obvious. 100% spot on.

What's Howley been doing all week in training that he can't see this? Too busy being dazzled by Biggar being 'exceptional' at something?

Faletau is a pretty awesome tackler. What were his stats, RWC no tackles missed, Six Nations last year one of the highest too

It's a good point, but Faletau, Warburton and Shingler all do that wrap tackling where they take the impact and then try and hold the ball up and/or then release and compete for it on the deck. Without Lydiate we don't have anyone chopping people down at, or behind, the gainline. Hope I'm wrong but if O'Brien and Heaslip start carrying well it will give Ireland a lot of 'go forward ball'.

It'll be interesting to see if Howley changes tactics to try and use the speed and finesse of the back row - or just sends them on the pick & drive like always.

Ireland are guilty of that too but it's usually of the wrap/choke variety where they force the scrum turnover... But with Best and Heaslip big tacklers and useful on the deck and Healy, O'Brien and O'Mahony on the angles, could see good clean ball for Murray...

Aye

I agree that the idea of Heaslip, POM and SOB with ball in hand is daunting without Lydiate taking players down quickly. The game plan needs to be different.

Everyone presumes it will be similar to what we have done in the early AIs under Howley, but we played a good tactical game in Australia last summer and there is diversity to Howleys thoughts on attack and agressive attacking defence.

I hope that the performance we gave against Argentina and Samoa is long forgotten and we are more intelligent and combative in the right areas.

Biggar masterminding the game from ten will be interesting. With a good platform he can be very astute. If riled though he can fall apart fast.

by Mcgavin Sean Thu 31 Jan 2013, 6:22 pm

Gibson wrote:This one is for Cymru and Ireland. We go back a while.

"The crowd acclaim the score". Man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUniUIi046Q

Great stuff

by maestegmafia Thu 31 Jan 2013, 6:28 pm

1971 at the Arms Park

It was a close one, we were behind at the start

https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=wr4gL2YtWY8

by Morgannwg Thu 31 Jan 2013, 6:36 pm

Isn't Biggar one of the few selections that Welsh fans agree with?

That's why Howler explained that one. He won't comment on the others because he doesn't know what he is doing.

p.s. The "they looked good this week(in training)" rearing its head again. Oh dear Howler.

by **Notch** Thu 31 Jan 2013, 6:46 pm

I don't like a coach coming out and saying "Can you please keep the pressure off" a player. Comes across as weak or negative- suggests he thinks the player can be affected by it.

Instead you could say "He can handle the pressure". That's a vote of confidence in the player, builds him up.

by Morgannwg Thu 31 Jan 2013, 6:58 pm

Exactly. And this imbecile is going to be a coach on the Lions tour to Australia.

by maestegmafia Thu 31 Jan 2013, 6:59 pm

Notch wrote:I don't like a coach coming out and saying "Can you please keep the pressure off" a player. Comes across as weak or negative- suggests he thinks the player can be affected by it.

Instead you could say "He can handle the pressure". That's a vote of confidence in the player, builds him up.

With the media rugby culture in Wales it's a fair comment I think.

If you watch the interview it wasn't a massively big deal.

by Glas a du Thu 31 Jan 2013, 7:05 pm

maestegmafia wrote:1971 at the Arms Park

It was a close one, we were behind at the start

https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=wr4gL2YtWY8

Mike Gibson indicated the drop goal was over. How the game has changed.

by glamorganalun Thu 31 Jan 2013, 7:25 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:
Casartelli wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Casartelli wrote:
UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The problem I see for the Welsh back row is if Warbs has to step up and make the big hits, who wins the ball on the deck? Or if Warbs is on the deck who stops the Irish ball carriers? It's a catch 22... Warburton is a good groundhog and can stop our big men too but without his partner in crime Lydiate he needs someone to take up the slack. If Tipuric had started then you'd expect him to do the dirty stuff while Warburton chopped down POM and SOB. But instead Howley has gone to secure the lineout and Shingler for all his ability is not a chopper... It could be a long day at the office!

See, even as far away as Scotland an Irishman can see the obvious. 100% spot on.

What's Howley been doing all week in training that he can't see this? Too busy being dazzled by Biggar being 'exceptional' at something?

Faletau is a pretty awesome tackler. What were his stats, RWC no tackles missed, Six Nations last year one of the highest too

It's a good point, but Faletau, Warburton and Shingler all do that wrap tackling where they take the impact and then try and hold the ball up and/or then release and compete for it on the deck. Without Lydiate we don't have anyone chopping people down at, or behind, the gainline. Hope I'm wrong but if O'Brien and Heaslip start carrying well it will give Ireland a lot of 'go forward ball'.

It'll be interesting to see if Howley changes tactics to try and use the speed and finesse of the back row - or just sends them on the pick & drive like always.

Ireland are guilty of that too but it's usually of the wrap/choke variety where they force the scrum turnover... But with Best and Heaslip big tacklers and useful on the deck and Healy, O'Brien and O'Mahony on the angles, could see good clean ball for Murray...

Aye

I agree that the idea of Heaslip, POM and SOB with ball in hand is daunting without Lydiate taking players down quickly. The game plan needs to be different.

Everyone presumes it will be similar to what we have done in the early AIs under Howley, but we played a good tactical game in Australia last summer and there is diversity to Howleys thoughts on attack and agressive attacking defence.

I hope that the performance we gave against Argentina and Samoa is long forgotten and we are more intelligent and combative in the right areas.

Biggar masterminding the game from ten will be interesting. With a good platform he can be very astute. If riled though he can fall apart fast.

Lydiate did not play last year and Ireland had Ferris,SOB and Heslip in their back row also Warburton went off at half time.

by thebluesmancometh Thu 31 Jan 2013, 7:48 pm

glam

I see your point but IMHO Irelands set peice is twice as strong as then, Healys scrummaging gets better and better, Court, Best, and Ross are all playing extremely well too. Last year we had the beating of the tight 5, this year we certainly do not.

by doctor_grey Thu 31 Jan 2013, 7:56 pm

First time I have seen the Wales starting line-up. To me, it seems pretty good. I know the Welsh second row injury list is as long as the King James Bible, but the rest looks good. With the possible exception of Mike Phillips, the backs are strong as is the front row and back row. So I am not sure why Welsh fans are not feeling positive (Howley factor aside).

I like the look of the Irish side, too. Gilroy might be a bit inexperienced for this match, but overall, a good solid squad, especially for a team in transition.

I have no horse in this race (that I willingly share) but its now game on. Love this time of year. Just do.

by Morgannwg Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:08 pm

thebluesmancometh wrote:glam

I see your point but IMHO Irelands set peice is twice as strong as then, Healys scrummaging gets better and better, Court, Best, and Ross are all playing extremely well too. Last year we had the beating of the tight 5, this year we certainly do not.

We also had RP playing well. Ryan Jones and Bradley Davies were the two best forwards that day and neither of them are playing. It was Davies' best game in a long time and apart from his foul play incident he was doing everything we wanted to see from him.

That said, I don't think their back-row is the be all-end all. I actually think it's the starting front row where they have us. Had Paul James and Richard Hibbard been playing my opinion would be different.

by GunsGerms Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:18 pm

Would love to see Reddan start for Ireland. Really think Murray offers nothing. 7 Irish times pundits, Gerry Thornley, Johnny Watterson, John O'Sullivan, Gavin Cummisky, Matt Williams, Alan Quinlan and Liam Toland were all asked who they would pick at scrum half. Only Thornley who is clueless and Gavin Cummisky chose Murray. Everyone else picked Reddan. Yes Murray is bigger and younger but why pick Captain Slow when he simply isnt as good as Reddan? Just dont get it.

by GunsGerms Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:21 pm

doctor_grey wrote:First time I have seen the Wales starting line-up. To me, it seems pretty good. I know the Welsh second row injury list is as long as the King James Bible, but the rest looks good. With the possible exception of Mike Phillips, the backs are strong as is the front row and back row. So I am not sure why Welsh fans are not feeling positive (Howley factor aside).

I like the look of the Irish side, too. Gilroy might be a bit inexperienced for this match, but overall, a good solid squad, especially for a team in transition.

I have no horse in this race (that I willingly share) but its now game on. Love this time of year. Just do.

I hear ya Doc, love this time of year too. Doesnt get any better.

I also like the look of the Wales team. Very few weaknesses. I was hoping Biggar wouldnt get picked cause he is excellent.

by Janecory Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:22 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:I'd prefer Liam at 9 than the Holly Wilaboobie Lloyd.

Lloyd looked in fantastic form on his return from suspension. I'm not surprised at the call at all.

He scored a try assisted another and one man of the match.

Against a 2nd string, poor Sale side that are bottom of the AP, and that had no intrest in the game, about time Williams had a half decent game.
That was no recommendation for his selection before Knoyle.

by thebluesmancometh Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:32 pm

I agree morg, their tight 5 has us!!!

Added to that the ball carrying options and we'll seriously struggle. Our backline are more than capable of steamrolling theirs but they need a chance to do so, and I don't think they will get that.

by UlstermaninGlasgow Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:39 pm

GunsGerms wrote:Would love to see Reddan start for Ireland. Really think Murray offers nothing. 7 Irish times pundits, Gerry Thornley, Johnny Watterson, John O'Sullivan, Gavin Cummisky, Matt Williams, Alan Quinlan and Liam Toland were all asked who they would pick at scrum half. Only Thornley who is clueless and Gavin Cummisky chose Murray. Everyone else picked Reddan. Yes Murray is bigger and younger but why pick Captain Slow when he simply isnt as good as Reddan? Just dont get it.

Guns, Reddan has been poor for Leinster of late and bar the farce in Paris, Murray has stepped up his game this season, mainly due to O'Gara looking more and more like he should have retired at the start of this season. If Murray gets good ball and plays heads up rugby like he did vs Racing and Argentina then I think he deserves to be there! To tell the truth of all the scrum halves in the country the one who would best suit the 'off the bench' role that Reddan has played of late in Irish colours is Paul Marshall!

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:40 pm

Morgannwg wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:glam

I see your point but IMHO Irelands set peice is twice as strong as then, Healys scrummaging gets better and better, Court, Best, and Ross are all playing extremely well too. Last year we had the beating of the tight 5, this year we certainly do not.

We also had RP playing well. Ryan Jones and Bradley Davies were the two best forwards that day and neither of them are playing. It was Davies' best game in a long time and apart from his foul play incident he was doing everything we wanted to see from him.

That said, I don't think their back-row is the be all-end all. I actually think it's the starting front row where they have us. Had Paul James and Richard Hibbard been playing my opinion would be different.

We had Rhys Gill in last year's match, too.

by GunsGerms Thu 31 Jan 2013, 8:53 pm

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:Would love to see Reddan start for Ireland. Really think Murray offers nothing. 7 Irish times pundits, Gerry Thornley, Johnny Watterson, John O'Sullivan, Gavin Cummisky, Matt Williams, Alan Quinlan and Liam Toland were all asked who they would pick at scrum half. Only Thornley who is clueless and Gavin Cummisky chose Murray. Everyone else picked Reddan. Yes Murray is bigger and younger but why pick Captain Slow when he simply isnt as good as Reddan? Just dont get it.

Guns, Reddan has been poor for Leinster of late and bar the farce in Paris, Murray has stepped up his game this season, mainly due to O'Gara looking more and more like he should have retired at the start of this season. If Murray gets good ball and plays heads up rugby like he did vs Racing and Argentina then I think he deserves to be there! To tell the truth of all the scrum halves in the country the one who would best suit the 'off the bench' role that Reddan has played of late in Irish colours is Paul Marshall!

Murrays pass is apauling and way too slow. His decision making is also not great. Marshall has a good all round game but for me Reddan pass is the closest thing to Stringers at his best. We have the best 10 in the NH but really he has no chance to shine with consistently slow sh1t service.

by Casartelli Thu 31 Jan 2013, 9:09 pm

glamorganalun wrote:

Lydiate did not play last year and Ireland had Ferris,SOB and Heslip in their back row also Warburton went off at half time.

By jove you're right sir. And Bennett was playing.

Maybe things aren't so bleak. Gethin hasn't played much but he will have been training with and against Hayman (I assume), so his scrummaging should be okay even if he's a bit rusty in terms of match fitness. And he's a naturally very fit player with a wealth of experience.

Shingler and Coombs should be keen to impress so maybe will get stuck in and make some big hits - and if Ian Evans doesn't do anything stupid hopefully he'll avoid a card.

Might just get my ticket back off my nephew.

by The Great Aukster Thu 31 Jan 2013, 10:45 pm

Murray is slow... for Ireland. Kidney obviously has told him to check if there are any ball carriers within easy reach first before plan B - the pass to Sexton. Reddan doesn't toe the Kidney line as he passes first, thus speeding up the game far too much and trusting to skill rather than allowing all the other 29 players to get in formation and see who is the most physical.

Why have a free flowing game when you can orchestrate a good arm wrestle?

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:02 am

I've just listened to the Beeb's interview with Rob Howley:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21286279

It's a mixed bag, but he does say that he's told Dan Biggar and the midfield that if it's on, to run the ball. I'll believe it when I see it, but that's given me some hope for tomorrow that it'll be a less robotic display.

Then again, I hope he's also clarified that running the ball doesn't mean throwing horrible looping miss-passes that cancel out any overlap we might have...

by bedfordwelsh Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:09 am

But as we all know LP the forwards first have to win the ball, unless we are going to counter attack off everyone of their kicks??????

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:12 am

He also went on about 'playing the the right areas,' so there'll plenty of kicking, too - but hopefully not directly to the Irish back three!

by bedfordwelsh Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:24 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:He also went on about 'playing the the right areas,' so there'll plenty of kicking, too - but hopefully not directly to the Irish back three!

Well that will be an improvement for a start if we can cut out the aimless kicking.

Small mercies and crumbs of comfort etc etc

by maestegmafia Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:29 am

I can say it a hundred times but you lot wouldn't listen, once those players hit the field the game is theirs to win or lose.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:32 am

But as I've highlighted above, Maes, the gameplan and attitude the coaches send them out with makes a huge difference. Remember Rhys Priestland saying they'd been told not to run anything in their own half, regardless of whether there was an overlap?

by maestegmafia Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:40 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:But as I've highlighted above, Maes, the gameplan and attitude the coaches send them out with makes a huge difference. Remember Rhys Priestland saying they'd been told not to run anything in their own half, regardless of whether there was an overlap?

If a player is stupid enough not to realise whether tactics are right or wrong, whether to implement them or not, it is his call.

Players have to read the game, see what's in front of them. You can't blame a coach for a players stupid decisions.

by Glas a du Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:44 am

Yes you can because they would be dropped otherwise AND the academy system now turns them into obedient automatons. They don't know how to not do what the coach has said! If the coach doing the saying is Howley then...

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:45 am

If a player's in two minds, he'll go with the coaches' instructions. If he's been given licence to play, he'll back himself far more.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:46 am

Rob Kearney twisted a knee during the week, the management expect him to play but if not........

Zebo to fullback with Earls to wing and Fitz to bench????

by Glas a du Fri 01 Feb 2013, 8:46 am

There hasn't been licence to play since 2008.

by chris_501 Fri 01 Feb 2013, 9:15 am

I'm not a huge fan of such negativity on Wales' behalf. James instead of Jenkins is the only very odd decision. Coombs will hopefully provide one of those hugely proud-to-be-Welsh standout performances, the way Lloyd Burns did when he came from nowhere.
The backrow is what I would go for once Ryan Jones was ruled out,I really like Shingler, let's hope he gets in behind the Irish defence as that man is incredibly quick!
Rees may not have been in best form,but he's very much used to be playing with Jenkins and Adam Jones and is still a strong scrummager.Remember its a 23 man game,with Hibbard injured we will still rely on Owens (same goes for Tipuric).

As for the backs,Biggar has been playing consistently well for the last couple of seasons (hard to believe he is still only 23) and has improved hugely in his ability to run the ball. The Ospreys v Leicester game at the Liberty showed how he can challenge the gain line and although has calmed his back chat,he won't be overawed.Add in Hook and Tipuric coming on at the 60 minute mark against tiring tackles, that could be the key (cannot see O'Gara as a game changer)

So let's see a bit of positivity, 6 nations always brings out our most passionate performances!

by RubyGuby Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:18 am

I actually think one of our biggest assets is the fact that Priestland isn't playing. I am a great fan of the lad but as a key lynchpin he has been woeful and worryingly out of touch - I was genuinely concerned for him, even his kick offs were poor. His mind and body languae were just not there. If we have a platform I believe Biggar has more of a sense of urgency and he just might spark off those giants behind. Here's hoping. thumbsup

by bedfordwelsh Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:33 am

maestegmafia wrote:I can say it a hundred times but you lot wouldn't listen, once those players hit the field the game is theirs to win or lose.

And as I have replied a hundred times back Maes, if the players are not playing well or even sticking to a game plan then its the coaches job to get them off the pitch BUT Howley hasn't got the minerals to do it.

That said I bet he will have no qualms doing it to Biggar then say look I was right but he wouldn't have the guts to do it if Hook or Priestland has started and more importantly I bet a penny to a £ of Poopie that if Jenkins is struggling he won't swap him with James.

Decisions like that, or lack of them ARE what the coach is there for.

by RubyGuby Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:37 am

Bedford/Maes - What i notciced more than anything about our backs in the AI's was that they didn't seem to know what the other was doing, they lacked confidence and their legs were heavy. This is what happens when you feel under pressure. IMO Howley has put this pressure there and he does not have the ability to tell his players to go out there and enjoy expressing themselves - even if he said those words they would not believe it. Howleys a great lad but he is finding out that he is in a position where he is way out of his depth. He lacks both the charachter, stature and nous for coaching at this level among other things. He is weighing our backs down - His statement about please keep the pressure off Biggar to the media illustrates his naivity and the fact that he is out of his depth here. The players are lost among his mumblings thumbsup

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:44 am

Ruby, Robin McBryde said something strange the other week, something along the lines that Howley had been reminding the players that they were on a run of seven successive defeats. First of all, they won't need reminding, and secondly, how can that possibly ease the pressure on them to stop the rot?

by **rodders** Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:45 am

I thought Howleys comments about Biggar were shocking actually. Terrible man management to throw the guy in the spotlight and point out his short comings in public.

by RubyGuby Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:48 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Ruby, Robin McBryde said something strange the other week, something along the lines that Howley had been reminding the players that they were on a run of seven successive defeats. First of all, they won't need reminding, and secondly, how can that possibly ease the pressure on them to stop the rot?

Exactly he just comes out with drivel and is unaware of the impact its having - Its like me shouting at my 6 year old for not behaving - its going to do nothing to change his behaviour. SOMEONE from above must recognise this as it is doing so much damage to what is potentially the best team in the NH. I would like us to go back to having a Big 5 who make the main decsions as this would not happen. My Big 5 would be:

Ruby
Glas A Du - Luckless - Bedford - Maesteg thumbsup

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:51 am

rodders wrote:I thought Howleys comments about Biggar were shocking actually. Terrible man management to throw the guy in the spotlight and point out his short comings in public.

It came across as naive. Plus, as you suggest, it was counter-productive.

by bedfordwelsh Fri 01 Feb 2013, 10:53 am

RubyGuby wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Ruby, Robin McBryde said something strange the other week, something along the lines that Howley had been reminding the players that they were on a run of seven successive defeats. First of all, they won't need reminding, and secondly, how can that possibly ease the pressure on them to stop the rot?

Exactly he just comes out with drivel and is unaware of the impact its having - Its like me shouting at my 6 year old for not behaving - its going to do nothing to change his behaviour. SOMEONE from above must recognise this as it is doing so much damage to what is potentially the best team in the NH. I would like us to go back to having a Big 5 who make the main decsions as this would not happen. My Big 5 would be:

Ruby
Glas A Du - Luckless - Bedford - Maesteg

Where do I sign up Ruby and when do we start Hug

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