Ireland - v Wales

[Noraq]

Am I alone in thinking that Wales will bate the bejasus out of us this Week-End?

[moonraker558]

It's going to be a bruiser I recon Noraq.

[Noraq]

without a doubt Moonie....sadly I think we are going to get it in the neck!

[moonraker558]

Amongst other places.lol

[DTCwordfan]

Its what I would classify as "Juicy" - a mouth-watering prospect to rugby fans with two teams on form and evenly matched. The Welsh have the overall balance and a better back row, the Irish, well the front 5 last week were awesome and they may well have the better backs.

I think it will come down to a moment or two of brilliance or also crass stupidity - i.e a punch and being sin binned.....

I was thinking on putting a £5 note on England or France to win the competition as I suspect the odds are now nice and long. Anybody know?

[beejay1124]

could be right Noraq-as Ireland are favourites to beat Wales
DT-England best odds 11/1-France best odds 20/1

[joggerjayne]

Surely Ireland are really good, and Wales are a bit rubbish, aren't they ?

[Noraq]

Ireland team announced..(barring act of God)......

Healy, Best/Cronin, Ross, DOC, POC, Ferris, O'Brien, Heaslip,
Murray, ROG, Earls, D'Arcy, BOD, Bowe, Kearney

Bench: Cronin/Varley, Court, Ryan, Leamy, Reddan, Sexton, Trimble

So it looks like Best needs more time to prove his fitness. Otherwise it's the same 22.

[snags]

''Surely Ireland are really good, and Wales are a bit rubbish, aren't they ?''

Have you actually watched any of their respective pool matches?

[Noraq]

Wales team to be announced to-morrow.
Great to see Murray there..the lad earned his place.

[redman41]

KO 6am Saturday on ITV
followed by
England v France KO 08.30

[joggerjayne]

"Have you actually watched any of their respective pool matches?"

No.

[Noraq]

The feeling here is that the Welsh will try to grass ROG, I don't think so..they tried that in the Slam in '09 and it cost them points.

[ichkeria]

Ireland, because of our greater experience. I hope so, anyway. There is not a lot between the teams.

Whoever wins, I hope they reach the final.

[pa___ul3]

although Wales have looked good, I've been really impressed by Ireland, I fancy them to take this game but should be a blinder!

[Philtaz]

Obviously my heart tells me it's going to be Wales but my head really cannot separate the two on current form.

I hope it comes down to one act of sheer brilliance that wins the game and not one tiny mistake that will mean the difference between glory and failure.

I think England v France is also too tough to call. England are hardly setting the world alight at the moment and as ever with the French one never knows if it's going to be 15 individuals turning up or a plethora of world beaters who can best anyone on their day!

[pa___ul3]

I think we'll beat the French, looking forward to seeing Flood at 12, suggests we're going to play some creative rugby in the backs.

[Noraq]

Rhys Priestland replacing Steve Jones at NO. 10...what's that all about? I know Rog is 10 years older but...
I suppose Gatland knows why...just wondering is all.

[Noraq]

Icheria..
As Napoleon said when told that his army were the best..."yes yes..but are they lucky" lol

[Noraq]

^oops..sorry...dropped yer 'K' again. =)

[Philtaz]

Noraq,
To be fair, Priestland is coping well with having been thrust in earlier than expected and as a result S. Jones is short on game tie/fitness at the moment. Not a bad option to have on the bench though eh?

Gatlands position is juxtaposed presently in that he has just about a full, fit squad to pick from with everyone making a contribution in the pool matches but the unenviable task of telling some guys that they're not in the starting 15, sort of sweet and sour really!

Cymru Am Byth.