subject: Wales v Ireland Tickets [print this page] Wales v Ireland Tickets
The key weakness is clearly in the Welsh pack. The loss of Ryan Jones, Ian Gough, Dafydd Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Alun-Wyn Jones and even Andy Powell has left them short of genuinely powerful players. This is a far weaker Welsh eight than took the field for the Slam decider last year.
In contrast, Ireland are arguably stronger. Stephen Ferris was forced out of that game in the first minute, though Denis Leamy had a stormer when he came in, while Rory Best adds a different dimension in the tight to Jerry Flannery. Donncha O'Callaghan may also continue to show the bounce in form he experienced against England after being dropped.
Wales certainly lack the physical attributes to trouble Ireland at lineout time and Ireland should be able to make it a tough day for the men in red out of touch. Expect to see the ball kept in play whenever possible.
There are one or two concerns for Ireland. Gatland is as sharp an observer as there is in the game and there is no doubt based on Ireland's previous outings that John Hayes and the scrum will be tested. Wales have two six footers at prop and Adam Jones is exactly the type of squat and powerful tighthead who can set Wales up for a low drive and that could translate into difficulties for John Hayes over on the far side. The saving grace is that Wales field the journeyman Paul James at loosehead instead of Jenkins: Hayes should have the bulk and nous to cope.
The other concern for Ireland is on the wing and at full-back. Other teams may have missed a trick by failing to target Keith Earls. Warren Gatland and Sean Edwards will be well aware of the Munster man's talent, but will also know his tendency to have the odd nervy moment. Lee Byrne and Stephen Jones will test him. Having wobbled from time to time during his exceptional career, Geordan Murphy's form on the day will no doubt also be examined early.
Hook - a potential target for Ireland
With James Hook at outside centre it could be set up for the wrap around moves that are something of a specialty. The Welsh outside centre is an exceptional talent but he has not adapted his skills to the game particularly well - unlike his opposite number - and the memory of him sliding off regulation tackles against Scotland is likely to be fresh in Irish minds. Byrne's tackling is also a weakness at times and O'Driscoll's remarkable offloading talent may well be seen at its very best in this one.
Across the field, Ireland's weapons look sharper.
In Year 2011 the fun and sensation begins again as Wales and Ireland take on each other again. Tickets for Wales and Ireland are available at Sold out ticket market the leading ticketing company in UK.
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
