Wales player ratings vs Ireland
Wales player ratings vs Ireland: Wayne Pivac described this game as the toughest of his coaching career and it was certainly much more challenging than last week’s assignment against Italy.
Wales showed plenty of ambition in attack and there were some clever inside balls to combat Ireland’s line speed in defence but they were too narrow defensively and couldn’t cope with Ireland’s physicality.
Who stood out and who disappointed? We rate the full squad below.
15. Leigh Halfpenny – 5
After years of being Wales’ defensive stalwart, he is rediscovering his attacking and distribution game but didn’t show it much here.
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WATCH: Jim Hamilton is joined by good friend and England International Freddie Burns to discuss the selection issues England face and Andy Farrell’s slip up in a recent press conference.
14. George North – 3
Moved to his more usual position after last week’s experiment on the wing. Didn’t get a sniff of the ball for most of the first half until he came off his wing to look for work and should probably do that more often. Mostly anonymous.
13. Nick Tompkins – 4
It says something about his performance of the bench last week that this selection was no surprise but the step up from Italy to Ireland proved a tough one. Improved in the second half but was exposed defensively.
12. Hadleigh Parkes – 5
The glue of Wales’ backline but he struggled in the first half. Improved in the second and ran a lovely line for his disallowed try. Will be frustrated with himself.
11. Josh Adams – 4
The best finisher in the world right now struggled in after an early injury but had to go off on 25 minutes.
10. Dan Biggar – 6
Biggar 2.0 continues to be a revelation in attack but remains a cool operator, as he showed early on, backing himself to shepherd the ball. Made a few mistakes but generally strong. Went off earlier than he would have normally after failing an HIA.
9. Tomos Williams – 6
Picked to start despite Gareth Davies’ return to form and scored the try he missed out on last week. Taken off fairly early in the second half, however. The fight between him and Gareth Davies for the starting spot is fascinating.
1. Wyn Jones – 6
Wales’ best fit scrummager played a big role in improving the scrum after last week’s worrying performance. A crucial turnover early on and lots of grunt work. Substituted after Wales lost a key scrum on the Irish 5m line.
2. Ken Owens – 6
Lineout still needs work but Owens offers so much around the pitch that he won’t lose his place for it. A serious shift in defence.
3. Dillon Lewis – 5
Had some struggles in the scum against Italy but improved this week, albeit there is still much work to be done.
4. Jake Ball – 5
Picked to combat Ireland’s right five grunt work and carrying potential but didn’t make the impact required.
5. Alun-Wyn Jones (capt) – 6
Not quite up to his usual standards last week, having hardly played since the World Cup. Couldn’t drag his team to victory here but made 19 tackles in defence.
6. Aaron Wainwright – 5
Has rapidly becoming an integral part of this Wales side but had an unusually quiet game and was taken off early.
7. Justin Tipuric – 7
Another gritty performance by the flanker who used to be adored for his all-court game. Showed he can still play the distributor for Williams’ try but is now an integral dart of the dirty work and made 19 tackles. Didn’t deserve to lose.
8. Taulupe Faletau – 6
Not back to his old self yet although there is still no better No8 in the world to have behind a less than dominant scrum. Did some clever work to disrupt Ireland’s maul too.
Replacements
Ryan Elias – 5
Regular replacement hooker Elliot Dee is still injured but Elias didn’t let anyone down.
Rhys Carré – 5
Regained his spot on the bench after suspension. Remains promising and made 6 tackles in a short space of time.
Leon Brown – 5
Not enough time to make the impact he can.
Adam Beard – 5
Came into the 23 because Cory Hill wasn’t fit. Didn’t make much impact off the bench.
Ross Moriarty – 5
Has never quite cemented a spot in the starting lineup except in the case of injuries. The Lion Came on early in the second half but couldn’t turn the game.
Gareth Davies – 5
Came back into the 23 after an injury last week but couldn’t displace the in-form Williams. Was brought on early in the second half and couldn’t spark a revival.
Jarrod Evans – 6
Promoted to the bench at the last minute after Owen Williams picked up an injury and then brought on earlier than expected when Biggar failed an HIA. Showed no shortage of bravery in his attacking approach but couldn’t take Wales to victory.
Johnny McNichol – 5
Dropped to the bench after last week’s competent but unthrilling display but came on early for the injured Adams. Added a lot in attack but his defence for Ireland’s bonus point try left a lot to be desired.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments