Six Nations: Ireland v Wales Analysis and Predictions

  There was a time in the Six Nations that only the English could expect a truly hostile reception from opposition fans on game day.  Recent clashes, however, between these two Celtic nations have certainly bucked that trend and in turn, this animosity, has added a great deal of extra spice to Saturday’s fixture. Warren  Gatland, not one to shy away from the odd bit of off field sledging, once stated that his Welsh side “disliked the Irish more than any other team” and looking at what’s passed on the field you’d have to say there’s no love lost from the opposition’s perspective either. The aptly named “Ball Gate” in 2011 when Mike Phillips crossed over the white line for a match winning, albeit illegal try to clinch the win and break Irish hearts in the process, being just one of many, in a long list of offences. 

    

  Of course, Gatland’s most recent crime in the eyes of the Irish, was the sacking of Brian O’Driscoll from the Lion’s third test in Sydney in the summer. His controversial decision, many would argue proved to be totally justified, given the victorious, barnstorming 41-16 score line come the final whistle. However, as any spectator wearing emerald green will tell you, nobody drops BOD and they will add with passion, that had he played, perhaps the victory might have been by an even greater margin! 12 months ago this clash proved to be the most exciting back and forth match within that particular Six Nations, meaning all the neutrals (if there is such a thing these days) can also sit back and enjoy what should be a great spectacle.

    

  The hosts looked impressive last weekend against Scotland in what seemed a very complete performance, whereas the visitors struggled against what turned out to be a feisty Italian side. Ireland are looking in good form, indeed with Leinster guru, Joe Schmidt, now at the helm of the national team, they are clearly trying to climb up the rankings and push on after giving the All Blacks one almighty scare in November. The loss of the abrasive Sean O’Brien will certainly be a detrimental factor, as Ireland square up against the physical style of play we expect from a Welsh team. But, otherwise, Ireland, go into this clash with refreshingly few injuries when compared to past tournaments. Paul O’Connell returns after recovering from a chest infection to add his clout to the forward pack and Gordon D'Arcy returns at twelve to reunite one of the most experienced centre partnerships in the game. All suggests that the men in green are relishing playing this game and that come the kick off, it will take a herculean effort from their red Welsh counterparts to stem the flow of confidence emanating from the Aviva Stadium.

   

  Wales on the other hand have had yet another slow start and will want to start building some momentum on route to making history. Their characteristic simple game plan hasn’t failed them often inside Europe. Indeed, the men in red have earned an outstanding 5 from 5 when it comes to away victories so far. Much like Ireland, they’re more or less at full strength going into this game, albeit minus Ryan Jones and Jonathan Davies. The latter’s absence sadly, robbing us of what could have been the individual battle of the tournament against fellow lion Brian O’Driscoll. Mammoth wingers George North and Alex Cuthbert will likely be prowling the field of play hoping for the opportunity to use their pace and power in order  to bust open the Irish defences, whilst in the forward pack, the likes of Richard Hibbard and Dan Lydiate will be giving the home side a stern examination in the collision area.

Prediction

  History and current form dictate that this is likely to be the game of round two. I, for one, cannot wait for kick off. It would appear the media agrees with me, with every daily paper suggesting that all eyes will be on these now bitter rivals. My prediction -  Ireland by 6

SQUADS:

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Dan Tuohy, 20 Tommy O'Donnell, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Fergus McFadden.

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones (c), 4 Andrew Coombs, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 James Hook, 23 Liam Williams.

Date: Saturday, February 8

Kick-off: 14:30 GMT

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Assistant referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), JP Doyle (England)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

  

Article by Alex Dodd