Wales vs Ireland - Pre-match analysis
Wales welcome Ireland to the Principality Stadium on Saturday hoping to set in motion what could be the biggest party the country has seen in more than a decade.
Record numbers of fans are expected to arrive in Cardiff for the game, with bars stock-piling beer in anticipation of a home Grand Slam in Warren Gatland’s final Six Nations game in charge.
But Gatland is not the only New Zealander planning to leave the northern hemisphere, and Joe Schmidt will be keen to cap his own championship finale with a victory that would secure an unlikely title for Ireland if England slip up against Scotland.
The visitors have already claimed a minor psychological battle after they stood firm in the face of a request from Wales to close the Principality Stadium roof.
What transpires on Saturday afternoon might now be severely weather-affected, but it will be a game you can’t take your eyes off.
(Continue reading below…)
COACHES
In seven Welsh-Irish games since Schmidt took the Ireland job, each country has won three times while the 2016 clash at the Aviva Stadium ended in a 16-16 stalemate.
Saturday isn’t the last time the two departing Kiwi coaches will come face-to-face as Wales and Ireland are scheduled to go head-to-head in back-to-back World Cup warm-up matches at the end of the summer. There is also a chance they will meet in the semi-finals in Japan.
But neither Gatland nor Schmidt will let their minds drift further than this Saturday, and a game that offers both so much.
Gatland has the chance to sign off from the Six Nations with a third Grand Slam to cement his place as one of the greatest – if not the greatest – Wales coaches of all time. Schmidt, on the other hand, has one final chance to secure a first Six Nations victory at the Principality Stadium and one that could nick the championship title.
It is clear how much the game means to both, the war of words over whether the roof should be open or shut in Cardiff illustrating how much each wants to gain even the smallest advantage.
PLAYERS
Ken Owens (83) vs Rory Best (86)
One of the key battles will be between the two vastly experienced hookers. They know each other very well, having toured New Zealand together with the 2017 Lions. Both are extremely influential figures within their squads and espouse similar no-frills, consistent excellence. Owens scores lower in every facet of the RPI index, but his recent struggles at the lineout will be targeted by Ireland.
Alun Wyn Jones (84) vs James Ryan (92)
Wales captain Jones will equal Gethin Jenkins’ haul of 134 Test caps when he leads his country out against Ireland. Ryan has been the form second row in Europe in the past 18 months – as highlighted by his superior RPI rating – but he is coming up against a master in Cardiff. Jones’ lineout scores will not have been helped by Wales’ misfiring set-piece, but he was able to disrupt a couple of Scottish throws last weekend and will hope to do the same here. Ryan, though, will fancy nicking a couple against the throw himself.
Gareth Anscombe (86) vs Johnny Sexton (92)
Anscombe should take heart from being afforded the opportunity to convert the last-minute penalty that secured victory against Scotland. However, should the expected wind and rain arrive in Cardiff ahead of kick-off, it will not suit his game – that might be behind Ireland’s decision to keep the roof open. Anscombe’s tactical kicking is sure to be tested amid swirling conditions. It’s a scenario that Sexton will most likely relish. The weather might dictate that this is an attritional affair, but those are the situations in which Sexton thrives.
Josh Adams (81) vs Jacob Stockdale (88)
The best winger in this year’s championship goes up against the find of the last Six Nations. Adams has arguably been Wales’ best player as they have ground their way to within one win of the Grand Slam. His influence on Gatland’s side belies his relative inexperience at this level as he has cemented his place in the back three. That is reflected in his score in that category (79), which is three better than his opposite number. Stockdale has a better strike record having scored 14 tries in 18 Tests, but while Adams – who has four in 10 – showcased against Scotland that he is a fine finisher, that is not why he is in the Wales team. He has become integral to the way the hosts’ back three defend, something that is highlighted by his try-saving score of 82 compared to just 29 for Stockdale.
KEY BATTLEGROUNDS
As intimated above, you should not expect much running rugby if the contest unfolds amid inhospitable conditions. It’s more likely that Ireland’s plan will revolve around a kicking game that keeps Wales pinned inside their own half.
From there, Ireland will look to put pressure on the Wales lineout and the conditions will not help the hosts’ forwards find their form at the set-piece. It’s a script that Conor Murray and Sexton know backwards and one that they have enacted with great success in the past.
https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/1106198771506077696
It will be interesting to see how Wales react to the conditions, though. For all the talk of a more expansive game with Anscombe at fly-half, Gatland’s mantra has always been that you have to earn the right to play wide.
Against England, Wales attacked with one-out runners to tire the opposition defence and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a similar tactic used against Ireland.
Wales cannot let Ireland dictate the tempo of the contest or where it is played, but the breakdown will be important. The Josh Navidi/Justin Tipuric/Ross Moriarty axis has been superb during this tournament and the returning Sean O’Brien is sure to have a busy afternoon.
https://twitter.com/WelshRugbyUnion/status/1106163181506969600
CONCLUSION
Wales have not necessarily thrilled the neutral in the way that previous Grand Slam and title-winning sides have, but they have got the job done so far. Their performance against England is a case in point as victory was secured thanks to an expert game plan that was executed to a tee by the players.
Of course, they have not been perfect and the issues at the lineout will give something for Ireland to target. You can expect Schmidt’s side to arrive in Cardiff with a plan to beat Wales and a squad of players confident – and capable – of carrying it out.
It will be a close game and goal-kicking will almost certainly prove pivotal. Gatland said following the opening win against France that this is a Wales team that doesn’t know how to lose at the moment. They should have just enough to edge out Ireland.
Comments on RugbyPass
I’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
19 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
19 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
19 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
19 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to comments