Ireland vs Wales Match Preview

For the third, and (probably) final time this season, these two familiar foes line up head to head. Wales drew first blood with their unprecedented 23-16 win over the then unbeaten Irish, in a match which thrilled us with exciting attacking play, and unrelenting, unbreaking defence from Wales. The Irish took no mercy in their response however, bludgeoning an inexperienced Welsh side in Cardiff 35-21, as both sides gave fringe players a final chance to impress before the coaches began to make their cuts. Now, with Rugby’s greatest stage less than a month away, both coaches have named, strong, but still experimental sides, as they look to settle their lineups before heading to England with the hopes of their respective nations resting firmly on their shoulders.

Gethin Jenkins brings his immense experience to the forefront for Wales as he starts in his familiar 1 shirt, while Tomas Francis will make his debut for Wales, with a start on the tighthead side. Ken Owens’ explosive power will be a great asset for Wales, as the Scarlets hooker looks to claim a spot over Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin. Ireland start Jack McGrath on the loosehead side, with Cian Healy still recovering from his neck surgery, and his Leinster teammate Richardt Strauss at hooker. Martin Moore’s injury troubles over the last few months mean that Nathan White gets his first start for Ireland, as Mike Ross gets a well deserved break.

Joe Schmidt will want to see Iain Henderson at his dynamic, powerful, best as the Ulster lock starts in the 4 shirt, while Paul O’Connell returns to the starting lineup. Henderson must impress if he wants to keep the 4 shirt over Devin Toner, who has emerged as one of Joe Schmidt’s favorites in the tight 5. Bradley Davies is given a chance to impress for Wales, and he is partnered with Welsh legend Alun Wyn Jones, who will be making (and this is a rough estimate) his 459th cap for Wales in the second row.

Both sides are close to full strength in the back row, meaning that this will be a stunning battle to watch. Dan Lydiate’s mastery of the chop tackle will doubtless be on display for Wales, and if he is allowed to operate at his best, Ireland may struggle to cross the gainline with the same frequency. Justin Tipuric and Toby Faletau will bring a lot of pace and danger in the wide channels, and could create problems for Ireland. Wales are faced with the prospect of stopping Peter O’Mahony at the breakdown, an area where he is routinely dominant, while Jordi Murphy and Jamie Heaslip will offer their excellent work rates and dynamic ball carrying for Ireland. If Wales cannot keep these two behind the gainline for the entire match, they will be in for a long afternoon.

Both sides have named their first choice halfback pairings, with Wales starting Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar and Ireland naming Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton. Webb was unstoppable for Wales and Ospreys this season, and if Ireland are in any way lazy in defence, they will be punished swiftly by his darting runs. Sexton and Murray will control the game with their kicking, but should Ireland want to play an attacking game, both are x-factor players capable of opening a defence like a hungry prop in the pantry.

With Jonathan Davies out with his knee injury, Scott Williams steps into the 13 jersey, and will want to remind the Irish that he is the one who shattered their grand slam dreams. Jamie Roberts starts in the 12 shirt, and he will be the leader of the Welsh line speed in defence, a frightening thought for those in green. Ireland name Robbie Henshaw at inside center, and he will want to continue his outstanding work for Ireland with a solid outing. Luke Fitzgerald is given his chance at outside center, and he must perform at a high level, especially given the way that Keith Earls excelled there last time these two teams met. At the very least he must perform because if he doesn’t, just think of all the crow that Leinster fans will have to eat after begging Schmidt to start him there. The battle in the centers will be outstanding to watch, and I feel that it will play a key role in determining the outcome of the match.

There are not many back threes that have more finishing potential than the one that will line out for Wales this weekend. George North, Alex Cuthbert, and Leigh Halfpenny are three of the world’s best, and stopping them will be a tall order. Expect to see Wales using their massive and pacy wingers throughout the match, as they are unbelievably dangerous given even the smallest of gaps. Ireland’s back three is not too shabby either, with Keith Earls, Dave Kearney and Rob Kearney. The Kearney brothers are dominant under the high ball, while Dave’s magic feet mean he is able to find positive yards every time he touches the ball. Keith Earls is a deadly finisher, and will want to show off his versatility to Joe Schmidt as he fights to make the 31 man squad.

There is no denying the immense rivalry between these two sides, and anyone who thinks that there is “nothing to play for” is nearly as wrong as Neville Chamberlain was about Germany. Both sides will leave everything out on the pitch, in what is the final chance for players to impress before the 31 man squads are announced. Its going to be an almighty battle out there, and will be well worth a watch, but with momentum on their side, and the fact that they have had a bit more game time I think that Ireland will just edge it in this one.
Prediction: Ireland 31- Wales 28