So, we've had the obvious one and (probably) the dull one, now (for Week 1), the exciting one. Ireland Vs Wales will bring together two sides with strong packs and attacking flair, there's history with the recent World Cup meeting and Mike Philips supremely controversial try last year but how will this one turn out?
Whilst in Cardiff last year Ireland will feel they were robbed, in the World Cup they'll probably feel that they didn't turn up, giving Ireland a want, even a need to win. Wales will come in on the top of a wave of confidence and the need to show their World Cup performance was not a one off. Both sides have players who can turn a game in the blink of an eye - either through brilliance or laziness, and in the form of Keith Earls, and indeed, Stephen Jones these can often be the same person.
With good rugby weather - i.e cool but not a mudbath the pitch will be well suited to a free flowing game and if both sides turn up it could be a classic - two strong scrums - I'd give Wales the edge here, and two fine backlines - I'd give Ireland the edge here make this a fascinating prospect.
For areas to focus on, I think Wales' weakspot are the hafl backs, if they play well the superiority in the scrum will drive the momentum of an explosive backiline. For Ireland it's Earls, in the now legendary green number 13 shirt if he can fire, and break tackles as he does at his best he'll be breathtaking.
This is a tough one, and I think it will come down to one piece of individual brilliance or a mistake, but I'll go for Ireland by 3
Six Nations Forecasts: Ireland vs Wales
posted on 1/2/12
It's got be Ireland. Earls to have a big game and score a try!
posted on 1/2/12
Yup, I'd have to put money on Ireland as well if I had to.
Ireland's team is experienced, on home soil and fairly settled (aside from the infamous 13 debate). Wales have had a bad run up to the training camp with the player exodus this season, then add in the growing injury list and iffy form in the HC/Pro12.
I think Ireland could run away with it. Or it'd be a comfortable win at least.
I think 2012 could be a 6N to forget for Wales. God that sounds defeatist.
posted on 1/2/12
Gecko... i reckon with ur injury list you will start slow.
But it will be a good test of character if that happens to see if they can bounce back.
In the past wales have kind of limped through when the first game went against them. I would like to see them overcome that mental block.
All that said... there is no guarantee that ireland are going to win LOL im just theorising on what might happen should wales lose.
posted on 1/2/12
No thats the thing, I agree entirely. Wales do well when they generate momentum, and we struggle badly when we lose alot of players.
Both grandslam 6Ns and the recent WC we were relatively unaffected by injury. I'm just glad we've still got Adam Jones!
posted on 1/2/12
Well it goes against me to say this but i really like what wales are doing at the moment. So the best of luck going forward.
Remember i was saying before the WC that i thought they would have a good WC... Well i would be saying the same right now if it were not for the injuries. If priestland is out... it will be the straw that tips the balance of things in our favour. at least thats my thinking
Their is also a major problem for us missing BOD. And i don't mean for his attacking ability or any other part of his game. Its just a mental thing. He really is that important for us. And always when we have been against the ropes it was he who pulled us out of the fire.
But most importantly is his ability to be an openside flanker and pinch ball in the ruck... sounds silly but he does it for us every game. and we will miss that big time!
posted on 2/2/12
Wales by 5
posted on 2/2/12
Ireland by 8, too strong at home and revenge will be the buzzword.
posted on 3/2/12
Going to be tough it will be less than 5 either way i just hope McFadden gets a run at 13 at some point because i genuinely believe this guy is O'Driscoll's natural replacement he's pure class.
posted on 5/2/12
Refs calling these scrums too slow for my liking.
posted on 5/2/12
How is that not a red card?