The main sports media euphoria on Ireland’s win at Twickenham has died down. The Ireland management and players were quick to spot the challenge. They recognized a Welsh side with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
This is a daunting task for Wales. They come into this game after a near miss against Scotland two weeks ago. Before this, Wales have endured heavy losses at the hands of England and France. Securing the win seems unlikely for Wales. For this to happen, Ireland’s performance levels will be under the spotlight.
I have been pragmatic on this Ireland tournament campaign so far. I see this tournament as a means to identifying a Rugby World Cup 2027 squad depth chart. I am unapologetic on that assessment. We need to see prospects secure game minutes over the tournament for Ireland.
Ireland’s performance levels have been inconsistent but tonight is primed for a good performance. It is very well to say this on paper but Ireland’s pack will need to deliver a cohesive performance.
There is no reason that Gibson-Park and Crowley can’t orchestrate a cohesive Ireland back line. They will need to pick their moments to unleash the unit. McCloskey and Ringrose look primed to create with ball in hand which should see Stockdale, Baloucoune and Osborne to excel.
Wales will look for this test match to be open and unstructured. There is clear talent in the Welsh ranks. Wainwright continues to lead by example. Carre will empty the tank and look to create try scoring opportunities if presented in the opening half.
There is ample talent in the back line to show progression with ball in hand for Wales. I like James and Hawkins as a midfield partnership who need time to nurture the unit relationship. Josh Adams is a proven test match performer. Rees-Zammit returns from his NFL stint with increased physicality, speed from full back.
The key question is whether the Ireland’s set piece fires. If it does, then Wales will struggle. If not, then Wales have the ability to stay in this contest for the first hour.
Ireland’s focus in these final two games is performance levels. England were poor in the Twickenham fixture but Ireland’s ability to strike when opportunities arose was impressive. We need to see more of this tomorrow and against Scotland.
Looking ahead to this test match. I am always fearful of a side with nothing to lose. Ireland have been duly warned with Doris echoing this mantra in pregame comments. Ireland must start fast to guarantee that there is no form guide upset tomorrow.
Verdict: Ireland by 25 points with Wales showing more signs of improvement under Steve Tandy.