Team for Ireland

[Sandydragon]

That's a real impact bench. Good selection. Think Ireland will nick it by cheating at the breakdown and winning scrum pens.

The breakdown worries me a lot. We have a good back row but the Irish compete well there.

[PoolerSaint]

Scrum worries me the most, we were having issues against Italy some of which could be down to the referee. But Poite is reffing tomorrow & he's a stickler for the scrummage.
Carre for Rob Evs on the bench hardly strengthens the bench options either.
Shame Will Griff John hasn't come through and been given a chance, I see he's been released back to Sale for this weekend and is on the bench.
We're missing Francis.

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[Hooky]

That's a real impact bench. Good selection. Think Ireland will nick it by cheating at the breakdown and winning scrum pens.

The breakdown worries me a lot. We have a good back row but the Irish compete well there.

The irish get away with absolute murder there. Off their feet, offside, in at the side, on the wrong side. Take your pick. They wont get duly pinged either. We will have to be clever.

[Numbers]

Romain Poite is the ref, he normally makes his mind up quite early if there are issues with the scrum and then penalises that team for the whole game, the first scrum could be very important.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Romain Poite is the ref, he normally makes his mind up quite early if there are issues with the scrum and then penalises that team for the whole game, the first scrum could be very important.

Oh Christ, the "dominant" scrum can do no wrong. As you say, first impressions count.

[normanski]

Romain Poite is the ref, he normally makes his mind up quite early if there are issues with the scrum and then penalises that team for the whole game, the first scrum could be very important.

Oh Christ, the "dominant" scrum can do no wrong. As you say, first impressions count.

I thought Lewis did mostly well as the backup TH in the RWC and held his own against SA in the semis.

I wonder if he struggled against Italy because of the traditional strength of the Italians in the front row which hasn’t yet been apparent.

No doubt a huge amount is resting on his shoulders in Dublin and we need him to be at his best if we are to squeeze out a win.

It will instructive to see how the Italian front row go against France on Sunday. Perhaps that will give us a better perspective on his form last weekend.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Italy do far better against the French pack than expected.

[Spiffy]

Romain Poite is the ref, he normally makes his mind up quite early if there are issues with the scrum and then penalises that team for the whole game, the first scrum could be very important.

Oh Christ, the "dominant" scrum can do no wrong. As you say, first impressions count.

Wales may do OK here. The Ireland scrum was surprisingly poor against Scotland ( the lineout isn't great either.) Anyway, hope it does not all come down to the ref, or the weather.

[paddy no 11]

Doubts about the Irish half backs, will be a Welsh win

[normanski]

Romain Poite is the ref, he normally makes his mind up quite early if there are issues with the scrum and then penalises that team for the whole game, the first scrum could be very important.

Oh Christ, the "dominant" scrum can do no wrong. As you say, first impressions count.

Wales may do OK here. The Ireland scrum was surprisingly poor against Scotland ( the lineout isn't great either.) Anyway, hope it does not all come down to the ref, or the weather.

Intriguing game to call. Both sides are pretty evenly matched but Ireland are at home and should have the edge.

As Paddy 11 says if the Irish halfbacks don’t perform then that could swing the advantage back to Wales.

Don’t think there will be more than a couple of points in it.

[Graigwen]

Romain Poite is the ref, he normally makes his mind up quite early if there are issues with the scrum and then penalises that team for the whole game, the first scrum could be very important.

Oh Christ, the "dominant" scrum can do no wrong. As you say, first impressions count.

Wales may do OK here. The Ireland scrum was surprisingly poor against Scotland ( the lineout isn't great either.) Anyway, hope it does not all come down to the ref, or the weather.

I am inclined to agree it will all turn on the scrum, and that could go either way. (Actually it could go decisively either way).

The one man who could easily lose the game for his side is Sexton, but I don't think that will happen - more likely he will inspire a win. He really is such a key player.

.

[Sandydragon]

Well this isn’t the greatest of starts. Breakdown is a problem and Sextons kicking from hand is a bit too good.

[normanski]

We needed that. Great try.

[Sandydragon]

When we can keep hold of the ball, Biggar is putting players into a bit of space nicely. Some nice off loads

[Digby]

Good news for Wales is the score is close and Wales have shown they can score. Much improved rugby to watch from both sides

[paddy no 11]

Murray's passing has been good, Ireland probably should be further in front

[Stom]

There are some nice touches on show, but also some shoite.

Interesting game rather than a classic

[Sandydragon]

Murray's passing has been good, Ireland probably should be further in front

You probably should be. One poor tackle and a fumble have led to two tries, with less mistakes out defence if fine.

But we need to win some decent ball.

[normanski]

Is the swirling wind worse for Ireland or Wales so far. Not clear.

[morepork]

When we can keep hold of the ball, Biggar is putting players into a bit of space nicely. Some nice off loads

A priest has exorcised Gatball from him. AWJ showing some nice touches too

[paddy no 11]

Think it's in yer favour 2nd half, the wind that is

[normanski]

Think it's in yer favour 2nd half, the wind that is

I hope so. We need a bit of help.

[Stom]

Btw, my stream has just frozen on the replay of your try.

Jeez what I’d give for Tomos Williams for England. Up to the ruck, picks and spins a perfect pass for the onrushing Biggar.

Perfect.

[Hooky]

This is dog shit

[Sandydragon]

Our forwards are coming a distant second at the moment

[Sandydragon]

Looking lively with ball in hand but I have this feeling that we are trying desperation stuff which is daft with 30 minutes remaining.