Okay, we are about 48 hours away from game time. Ireland are still smarting from their World Cup loss to Wales, their "Golden Generation" left without tasting so much as a World Cup Semi-Finals, and will definitely be out to avenge their defeat. Wales have to be wary, and realistic.
Wales have numerous injury/fitness concerns. Already missing are Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, and Lloyd Burns. Added to this list since the squad was announced are Gethin Jenkins, Dan Lydiate and Matthew Rees. These are all probably first team players, or at least highly experienced and useful substitutes. Fitness concerns also linger over influential backs Rhys Priestland and Jamie Roberts, who hasn't played a game this year so far. Though they have been named in the starting line-up, having them not at 100% has to be a concern for Wales' coaches.
Despite this, Gatland has named a very strong squad. Exciting young winger Alex Cuthbert comes into the squad, replacing the retired Shane Williams, and ex-captain Ryan Jones comes in at number 6 to replace Lydiate. Bradley Davies and Ian Evans come in for A-W Jones and Charteris, who were pivotal in Wales' World Cup success. However, the biggest surprise is Saracens prop Rhys Gill, who last played for Wales against Ireland as a replacement in last year's tournament, getting the nod over the more experienced Paul James at loose-head. Gill has big boots to fill, and Jenkins will be sorely missed, not only in the scrum, but as an extremely intelligent and agile prop. However, Gill has been in superb form this season, so he should be more than up for the task.
Ireland, who are already missing Brian O'Driscoll for the entire tournament, are without Keith Earls for the Wales game. In his place, Fergus McFadden has been drafted in to partner Gordan D'Arcy in the centre. Aside from this, Ireland have named possible their strongest squad, with Jonathan Sexton getting the number 10 shirt over Ronan O'Gara, and Andrew Trimble starting on the wing.
Though Wales fans will be hopeful of another Wales victory over Ireland, I predict a much tighter affair. A lot will be riding on Gill and how far he can hold his own in the scrum, and how much Wales' injury woes will hamper the overall performance of the team. I think it will be more conservatively played than the World Cup Quarter-Final, and Wales' kicking game will have to match the very methodical and effective Irish tactics with the boot.
Overall, I see Wales being hard pushed to win this game, but if we do, it will be a great platform to start 2012 and the 6 Nations with, and will provide great reassurance to many people that say Wales' performance at the World Cup was a flash in the pan.
Wales:
Backs: Halfpenny; Cuthbert, J Davies, Roberts, North; Priestland, Phillips.
Forwards: Gill, Bennett, A Jones, B Davies, Evans, R Jones, Warburton (c), Faletau.
Replacements: Owens, James, Powell, Tipuric, L Williams, Hook, S Williams.
Ireland:
Backs: R Kearney; Bowe, McFadden, D'Arcy, Trimble; Sexton, Murray.
Forwards: Heaslip, O'Brien, Ferris, O'Connell (c), O'Callaghan, Ross, Best, Healy.
Replacements: O'Mahony, Ryan, O'Gara, Cronin, Reddan, D Kearney, Court.
Dewch ar Cymru!
No comments:
Post a Comment