Many people doubted Wales' ability to beat the Irish this morning. Not once this week did I meet someone who could fully commit to a Welsh victory. Even I had doubts to whether or not this young side could pull of such a remarkable feat. But boy, we were proved wrong. Warren Gatland must be chuckling to himself slightly after watching his young side contain a very real Irish threat, an Ireland hungry to not let their golden generation never reach a World Cup semi-final. The story book was written for Ireland to progress, to let their golden generation reign on top of the Rugby world. However, someone forgot to give Wales the script. From first whistle to last, Wales were immense. Offensively fluid, defensively solid, Wales hardly put a foot wrong. Ireland, try as they might, could not get the stranglehold on the game that they so craved, and even when they drew level just after the restart, they looked like a team ready to call it a day. Several key aspects impressed me today with the Welsh team. Gatland's decision to put Leigh Halfpenny at Fullback was a master stroke. Halfpenny said during the week it was "a dream come true" to play for his country at a World Cup in his more favoured position, and he didn't disappoint. I called from the start of the tournament for him to be played there, but many were sceptical about his size and ability to control the game from deep. However, he awas commanding and confident under the high ball, accurate with boot, and gave Wales a needed boost with his long distance penalty to restore Wales' 7 point lead mid way through the first half. Lee Byrne must be wondering where his future in the Welsh line up lies after not even making the bench for the game, and with his form and confidence in tatters, it is impossible for me to see the Lions Fullback returning to the starting line up any time soon. Jamie Roberts has looked immense this tournament, and today was no different. His superb catch then drive through the Irish defence sent Shane Williams on his way for the opening score. He gave Wales options going forward, and his interplay with Jonathan Davies and, most significantly, Rhys Priestland meant Wales looked creative in the back, and will give them confidence to attack more ardently in the Semi Finals. Wales' discipline also impressed me, which is key with the likes of France or England waiting for us in the Semi's, who thrive on kicked points. Most impressive though, was just the level of maturity shown by the whole Wales team. Considering the average age of the team is just 25, they played with the confidence of a team who had been through thick and thin together for years. They defended as though their lives depended on it, and they did not disappoint. The pride of a nation rests with you Wales, and maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of another golden generation of Welsh rugby talent. The English or the French lie in wait, but on this form, Wales will not be scared of either. The Dragon still roars, oh yes it does.
Final Score: Wales 22 (Tries: S.Williams, M.Phillips, J.Davies. Convs: Priestland (2). Pens: Halfpenny
Ireland 10 (Tries: K.Earls. Convs: O'Gara. Pens: O'Gara
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