Ireland v Wales build-up squad – Six Nations Preview
The Saturday’s clash between Ireland and Wales is a must-win for both sides, as it will snatch the last hopes for the Six Nations’ title for this year from the losing side. Both the sides have announced their squads for the fixture and Declan Kidney, the
Irish coach seems content with the current lineup and hasn’t made any change. Meanwhile, Warren Gatland, the Welsh coach has made a few important changes to his squad.
Declan has warned his side not to take the Welsh attack easily and don’t underestimate their backline which is star studded. Wales has lost the last two matches at Cardiff and won’t be letting this one go in the same bucket.
Declan admitted, “They started truly sturdily against Scotland, developed a lead and managed to hold the Scots at bay then. Definitely their defense has got yet tougher. It’s quite an insistent resistance at present and that’s a big plus for them.”
Both the teams have a similar status in RBS Six Nations this year, after losing one home game and winning two away clashes. On the contrary, Ireland has a huge penalty count under their belt and this might affect their standing even if they win. This is
something Kidney wants to work on this Saturday at Cardiff.
Kidney hasn’t made the slightest change on the benches or the starting fifteen, despite the return of Tomas O’Leary was expected to be considered. O’Leary recovered from a back injury he picked in 21-18 victory against Scotland at Murrayfield. Meanwhile,
Peter Stringer will be providing cover from the bench for the number-nine jersey.
David Wallace will be earning his 70th cap at the Millennium Stadium while playing as a fullback alongside Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien.
Ireland has a decent history at Cardiff and have lost only once in 1985. Ireland has also grabbed a Grand Slam title in 2009 Six Nations at Cardiff and Kidney is expecting a victory this weekend considering the track record.
He sadi, “There was nothing in the game two years ago, just one kick of the ball between us. We'll have to take the chances that arrive.”
On the other hand, Gatland believes his side is in a better position this time and the build-up has proved to be going on Welsh side so far. Talking about the 1985 victory he said, “We haven't spoken about it, and I am sure the Irish haven't spoken about
it. We just know it is going to be a really tough game.”
James Hook has returned for Wales as a fly half and so far this decision has been considered as the best by the critics in this Six Nations for Wales. Leigh Halfpenny the Blues winger will be playing in the first fifteen after a long time. Last time he appeared
in the starting lineup in June last year and has been benched since then. Morgan Stoddart’s shoulder problem has made an opening for the winger.
Adam Jones has been retained at the bench, while Richard Hibbard the hooker has been called to bench after he recovered from a minor injury. Jonathan Thomas’s fitness is still in doubt so the final decision regarding his position will be made on Thursday.
Either Andy Powell or Rob McKusker will be going to bench in case Thomas recovers.
Gatland said, “This is a crucial game for us as a win will keep us in the Championship mix and take us into that final round with everything still to play for.”
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