大象传媒

Ireland most definitely shouldn't be afraid of saying Grand Slam, but I can appreciate the nerves. There was worrying before the Scotland game that seemed above and beyond any rational take on the situation but that's the effect pressure can have on you I guess.

Hope they get it, Grand Slams don't come along that often.

you say that wales have only one 1 of the last 12 matches between wales and ireland in the 6 nations - wales won 2 grand slams recently so that must make at least 2 wins for wales...
still going to be hard for wales but reckon we can do it

Tom said Wales have only won 1 of the last 12 in Cardiff...

I'd like to see Ireland get the grand slam. I'm a neutral, but I feel they deserve it. Either way, the match should be great.

Sorry, you must have responded whilst I was typing ;-).

Don't mean to be a stickler but in 1948 Ireland did not play Wales in Cardiff as mentioned in this article. Interestingly enough they did not play them in Dublin either. In 1948, Ireland won the grand slam by beating Wales at Ravenhill in Belfast

Also, to jamiew1989 (post No 2), with regards to your comment

"you say that wales have only one 1 of the last 12 matches between wales and ireland in the 6 nations - wales won 2 grand slams recently so that must make at least 2 wins for wales..."

The above article does not say what you have specified. It actually says that Ireland have won 10 of the last 12 five/six nations encounters IN CARDIFF.

Tom I have a few problems with your article, firstly you wrote,
"Six years ago England came to Lansdowne Road and trampled all over Irish hopes, from the instant Martin Johnson led his side to the home side of the pitch and refused to budge for President Mary McAleese". I can tell you if O Driscoll had done to your Queen what Johnson did, it would have been an international scandal. He was oaffish at best forcing a President of a host Nation to walk in the dirt, and 'diplomatically' pushing her off her red carpet. It had such an effect on the Irish psyche it was mentioned again in the post match interveiws and reference that Johnson was now manager added weight to the victory was made by O Driscoll.
It's not all or nothing for the Irish either. They narowly lost out on the championship a few times in recent history. Winning the Championship and not the grand slam will have nothing hollow about it I gaurantee.

You wrote "On Saturday it was Peter Stringer's first run for his country in living memory that led to the key score," You better look back over the history........and get the facts right, how does a player who has made one run do the following.....".. the diminutive scrum half scored his first Test try for Ireland against Japan in November 2000, and has followed that with efforts against Italy (2003 and 2004), Scotland (2004), the USA (2004) and Wales (2006).
I have no problem with opinated journalists, who know their sport, but perhaps you are a jack of all sports and master of none, for you clearly have no clue about the Irish psyche nor the individuals playing the game.
Any one in any other sport will tell you the Irish position plays into no ones hands. It's up to the Welsh, they are the defending champions ( in case you didn't know) and then they have to show they can retain their crown. I would fancy Stringer to make another run besides and I couldn't give a toss for the cherry on the cake, if the cake has championship winners written all over it.

collie21 - take that chip off your shoulder mate.

It'll be close ...and as for Stringer, that probably was the first break he's ever made for Ireland of any consequesnce. I think thats what the author meant. I will be very nervous...but roll on saturday.

Forget all the omens, the past record in Cardiff and all the hyperbole about 61 years and Keith Woods "It's time" etc etc, the plain rugby fact is that this Welsh team should win and potentially by 15pts+ as they're potentially far superior to Ireland, who are, let's be blunt, an average side who have beaten very mediocre opposition to date. (The SH will be rightly sniggering at the standards of this 6N.)

However - and bear with me 'cos it's a big however - Wales have been very poor this 6N to date without any of the power, pace and precision of the autumn series. In fact, they're playing like they're a bunch of "method actors" under Gatland with no freedom of expression, improvisation or confidence. Therefore Ireland definitely have a chance next Saturday. It all depends if Wales have a performance in them this campaign - I'm not sure at this stage, but I come back to my original statement. If Wales play as they did in the autumn, the best Ireland can achieve is the championship on pts difference. It all depends on which Wales turns up: confident stage performer, or bit part method actor?

Nobody can predict the score. Nobody can guess what's going to happen. I've won rugby matches we should have lost and lost matches we should have won. It's all about how each individual player is on the day and what sort of team comes out of each particular blend. The Irish will be under more pressure, but surely the Munster players will draw positives from their Heineken Cup victories in Cardiff. The Welsh have lost the chance of playing for a Grand Slam so their rugby may be more unfettered. It would be great for Ireland to win, but what's more important is that we get a good spectacle (and an Irish victory).

Response to timalbi: As a Welshman, I'd like to share your optimism, but I have been disappointed with the way Wales have been playing in this tournament. It seems all the hyperbole about Wales winning a second consecutive GS was misplaced. I have been frustrated at the way in which Wales have simply not clicked throughout the tournament. In 2005 and 2008, Wales were, for the most part, untouchable. This year they seem deceidely mortal whereas Ireland have shown greater potential. So, on paper, I'd have to agree with you, but it's on the pitch that really matters, and on recent viewing, I'd say Ireland have the edge. Could it be that other teams have started working out how to play against Wales?

Still, I'm glad France got beaten, making the Ireland-Wales match the tournament decider. It'll make it all the more special! I can hardly wait!

Just like with Wales last year, talk of the Grand Slam should not be a concern until after the match.

Much more important is securing the championship. Ireland had a great chance to put it beyond Wales this weekend and didn't capitalise (just like Wales didn't do enough to ensure it was a dstraight fight in the last match.

Winning the match must be the target for Ireland from the start, however if they are 7 points down with 5 minutes to go it would be suicidal to keep pushing for the victory at the possible expense of the title itself. The fans might not like it but successful teams care about winning trophies first, matches second and hearts third.

Also talk of history and slams does the team no favours when it is still perfectly possible3 for Wales to run in a 13 point victory and nick both from them.

It all depends if Wales have a performance in them this campaign - I'm not sure at this stage.

----

If there is one match built for Wales it is this kind of match. The players who are selected no longer have to worry about doing enough to keep their place next week, which is something that has held them back and one of my disagreements with Gatland's policy, sometimes even if a player does not perform they deserve to stay in the side for consistencies sake. Too many welshmen have looked frightened of losing their spot by making a mistake.

They can go out there with very little pressure, knowing that Ireland are favourites and play a more open and aggresive game than the previous three have been, coupled with the discipline in the forwards that Gatland has imposed. Against a determined and not untalented Ireland side i could be one of the best matches (if not the most skillful) in the 6N is years.

Pressure?

Expectation?

Fortunately Ireland have a spare Kidney.

DK has worked that same charm on Munster after the pressure of missed opportunities in the Heineken Cup.

Is this bigger?

Yes of course (though the people of Limerick may disagree) but the fact that many of the current Irish squad played under him in those matches and many of those that didn't have been in the Ireland set up since Noah was an apprentice yacht builder should help to counter the yips.

Gatland will still want retribution against the IRFU but if he is too blinkered that could also help Ireland...all in all an intriguing match which I hope lives up to the build up.

Wales have been a shadow of the team that performed so well last year! They have lacked the killer touch upfront but watch this space because If they click they could do exactly what england did to france yesterday! I dont think they will but dont write them off completely

I think its going to be too tight to call, I'm a Welshman and I'm hoping that the 6N champs actually turn up on Saturday, and guys, don't forget we are still playing for a triple crown!! I'd take back to back triple crowns any day of the year!

That said, I'm sure Ireland will be fired up for the match. I just hope it's a good spectacle of attacking running rugby. Most of the lions squad will be on display and I hope they all give it 110%!

Fingers crossed for no kicking duels and loads of tries, I don't expect to have any nails left by the end! May the best team win!

I hope the last game of the 6 Nations is the best.. Fast, hard rugby with Wales coming out on top (hopefully!!!).. I think Wales have got one immense game inside them, ready to unleash against someone.. Now's the time!

Sorry, I need to ask this! Please forgive my ignorance! The points difference between Wales and Ireland is 25. Why do Wales only need to win by 13? Please forgive my ignorance in advance! (Or my mathematical abilities!)

hackerjack: you must be from a far-off planet, your notion that the Irish would settle for a slight loss in lieu of a tight victory come the last few minutes is laughable - and also runs directly contrary to the quote from Kearney in the main piece. The grand slam is all important, a championship merely a side show. Its grand slams that are recorded in history.

I think Saturday's game could be a cracker. Wales haven't performed up to their own hype. Their pre-tournament bravado seemed to be based on beating one SH side in the autumn and a sense of where they want to be in future, which was strange to say the least and hardly a foundation for the expectation to blow the other teams away. That said, I think they have it in them to put 20 points on Ireland. I also think Ireland could do the same to them. I hope ireland aren't hamstrung by nerves, as O'Gara was vs England on account of his looming points record. If anyone needed more incentive, the game is virtually a final trial for the first Lions XV in S.A.

And one hope... please, please let us have a ref who is hard on offside (but not too schoolmastery aside from that)

neonBrianmac, they only need to win by 13 because then not only will their points difference increase by 13 but Ireland's will also decrease by 13, effectively meaning a 26 point shift. Hope that explains it.

As for who's going to win I'm going for a Welsh win but not by the 13 points needed to take the Championship. The only way I see that happening is if Ireland do what France did on Sunday and collapse like a deck of cards in the first half. Then it could really become a rout! But I don't see it happening, I think Ireland have enough experience in their side that if things start going wrong they'll tighten things up and get back on track enough to at least avoid a heavy defeat.

neonBrianmac: Since they're playing each other, every point Wales score adds to their points difference them and subtracts from Ireland's. And vice versa, of course...

Hi

Thanks sublimesuperspur and UKexPat, my maths was never my strong point! It will be a great game and I will be watching from the James Joyce Irish Pub in Istanbul! Maybe I will see some of you there! I hope it is a great match and all the fans, Welsh and Irish enjoy it, though hopefully a win for Ireland is on the cards!

neonBrianmac: Wales, should they by 13, will add 13 to their points difference. Ireland will lose 13 from theirs.... Total swing: 26 points, thus overcoming the current 25 points difference....

Collie21: Tighten the belt there a bit. The journalist did not question Stringer's try scoring prowess. What he highlighted, as have many others over the years, is the wee man's ability to create a try with a break. He put that to bed Saturday last. It's the reason why Stringer was named man of match.

I think all the stats about our recent record against Wales count for nothing on Saturday evening. This is a cup final, with Warren Gatland waiting eagerly in the wings to spoil the Irish party.

But this Irish side is a brilliant mixture of battle hardened experience and the derring-do of youth. The 2007 WC was a bitter pill for these players but they probably learnt more from it than any other single tournament.

It`ll be a flick of a coin on Saturday. Wales are completely overrated by some of their own supporters. They are nowhere near the standard of Englands W.C winning team from a few years back.

The Welsh pack was outmuscled in Paris and again in Rome (albeit with a few changes). Our back row, locks and 3/4`s are superior, but I expect a tight game all the way. The pressure is undoubtedly on us - it`s all about how the lads deal with the expectation!

The 6n teams this year have all been much of a muchness.I think when it mattered Ireland did what they had to do,because the core of the team have been around together for quite a while.The Ireland/France game was the best to date.Last Sunday the "other French"team turned up against England until the last 20 minutes ,when the game was dead and buried.Italy gave Wales a big 'wakeup" call,whilst Scotland have huffed and puffed,but do not have the strength in depth to put out a winningside.
This tells us that next week's game will be close.If it was at Croke Park I would give Ireland a chance, but it isn't and that will be to Wales advantage.Prediction is Wales to win by no more than 6 points.
Even bigger problem is from the 4 teams,who do you pick for the Lions Tour of South Africa.There are one or two stand out players,Shane Williams,O'Driscoll and O'Donnell but after that McGeechan and co.have a problem with too many players of similar calibre.

Ireland clinched thier only grand slam in ravenhill not cardiff!
might want the change that

Wales v Ireland should be a close game. Notions of superiority by either side are unfounded. Wales may have won 2 Grand slams in the last few seasons but I dont buy that they are vastly superior to the likes of Ireland, France or even England. Ireland have been the most consistent team in the six nations over the last 6 years, coming up just short a few timesWalehavebeen inconsistn mxing Grand slam years with poor seasons and even defeat to Italy.

The six nations this year has proved this year that the gaps between the sides are not all that huge and with the exception of Italy, any team can potentially beat the other on its day.

Those that think Wales are miles ahead of the pack need to be come back down to Earth.

I would also like to see Ireland get the grand slam. I definitely don't want to see Wales win it again, and for England to come second (assuming we beat Scotland and France don't set some sort of record against Italy) after such a poor six nations would be very promising indeed.

Good article. I reckon we can do it. As Irish we do tend to shirk away from being cocky before sporting events but I think weve nothing to fear.

The sum of our parts are the best in Europe right now. Leinster are Celtic league champs, Munster European and are both through to the knock out stage this year. On top of that they are one and two in the celtic league this year.

Wales on the other hand are doing well with Cardif in the european and Ospreys are 3rd in the celtic league. Outside of that their sides are average. Weve proven this year time and again that we are better than the welsh sides.

Both Leinster and Munster have not lost a single game to the Welsh this season.

Let's not start this weekend!

Lot鈥檚 to do, but for me it鈥檚 going to be difficult to concentrate on anything this week.

Thanks to the Caledonian鈥檚 for not sending us home to think again, actually we are thinking a lot, but about opportunities and hopes rather than despair, which is quite refreshing given the economic doom and gloom that seems to have dominated society for the last 6 months.

Still nothing definite on the ticket front, but I just want to be there for what may be a day I鈥檒l enjoy sharing with grandchildren and great grandchildren. (and Celtic were great yesterday but I don鈥檛 think the league cup in 2009 is likely to become a major part of sporting history)

The country is about to go stone mad with the hype, and although I鈥檒l be in Wales, my feeling is that we鈥檒l have a repeat of the evening we played Romania in the 1990 world cup, deserted streets, no cars, all businesses closed and best of all almost every child in the country will be out playing with a rugby ball and being bod or strings for the summer.

Ok, maybe time to try to concentrate on doing a bit of work rather than more rugby waffling from me, and if myself and Maggie get to the stadium (God I preferred the Arms Park) I am so looking forward to the anthems before the match, everyone loves the Welsh anthem, but we鈥檒l stir the place with ours too.

Elsewhere on 606 recently somebody made the point about the harm Lions tours do to some players - hugely competitive and physical matches at the end of a long season. O'Driscoll has been a fine player and inspirational captain this 6N after a long long traipse back from the awful NZ tour and his injury. Be interesting to see who of the prospects for all four teams is still in one piece come the autumn

I know the Irish are not fond of the English is sporting terms, but hey most of us will be behind Ireland on the weekend. Anybody but the Welsh!

Collie21 : I totally agree ->> Well said. Most of these English commentators don't know what they're on about and the commentry on an England Ireland match on 大象传媒 is awful. It is completely bias towards England. I'm from Northern Ireland and I change over to RTE now to watch the rugby because they commentate on what they see.

Firstly, Has the writer ever heard Christy Moore sing? Fiery he ain't. Secondly, if Wales had gone for touch rather than goal with their final penalty, no line out would have resulted as time was up.

Apart from that, fair enough. Come on Ireland!!

Ireland were rubbish against England.

They'll have to play much better against Wales if they fancy their chances of a G/Slam. On balance - I have to go for Wales.

I think one of Wales' chief flaws this tournament has been their eagerness to kick the ball away. Even against Italy they seemed content to kick away possession and no team makes progress that way. Mike Phillips needs to distribute the ball more than he does (which is why i rate Peel much higher than Phillips). Wales' primary strength is in their back line. Why do they not seek to capitalise on it?

Ireland will, subject to playing sensibly, win the Grand Slam and good luck to them. They deserve one, having been a strong side for many years.
Wales have done the usual, looked good the year after a World Cup, when all others are rebuilding, only to go backwards in the years to follow. This year, they have looked weak - average against Scotland, very lucky against England (referee saved them here), beaten easily by France and fortunate against Italy at the weekend (albeit, to be fair, that Italy played well). Their inability to maintain ball works against them, although clearly they are talented out wide, however, without ball, they are easily beatable - see England, Italy and, in the same vein, Ireland coming on Saturday.
I also think that they will lose Edwards soon, you can see his frustration over the past couple of weeks - he will be with England before the next World Cup - he is used to being a winner and will not tolerate coaching a 'second rate' (not meant harshly) side.
Ireland, although struggling in the first half against Scotland, played much better in the second half and should win on Saturday - although who would have bet on England thrashing France and running in 5 tries - what do I know???
Looking forward to it though - good to see that the last game will be between two sides that have something to go for - will be good. Wales will have to throw it around, needing to win by 19 points (I think my maths are correct) to pinch the Championship.

Ireland have eeked out wins when they've had to. nothing spectacular.
Saturday will probably be a close, defensive, nervy, kicking game.
if Ireland play safe they should win the chapionship but I can't see them winning the grand slam. hmm

Misora - if they win the game, they win the Grand Slam - :-)))

Can someone give me a few ideas for Cardiff, most of it is organised, flying from Belfast with the gorgeous one on Friday, staying in a lovely lighthouse on the channel near Newport, just wondering the best place to have an early lunch in Cardiff on Saturday, and where to go celebrating after the game!

If we win the grand slam it will be a very late night turning into early morning, so you're ideas would be helpful on lunch place, few scoops to watch the other game, a place to celebrate and maybe even a late night hole for excessive celebration. (my wife will probably have departed for the lighthouse at a reasonable time like 2am)

So a few ideas would be great.... thanks.

enanjay - yep - I can't see Ireland winning the game if they play safe - they have to go for the win and go for the grasnd slam at the same time!

Paul_Newton

Madame Fromage in Castle Arcade, great food, good atmosphere, rustic. My advice book early since its reasonably famous and its busy on a normal day let alone match day.

Also try Kiwis Bar after, best atmosphere, had many a great night there great welsh atmosphere and best when the Irish are in town.

oh and a ticket.... anyone..... please.... i think I have one for myself..... but my darling may have to watch it in the pub... at least it will save me from having to listen to her thoughts on Brian O'Driscoll's thighs, still that's a price I've had to pay for over 9 years (since Paris 2000) and it's starting to move to Rob Kearney now.

It's the only over the odds price I have ever paid for a ticket and I'd love to keep it that way... so no touts please!

Just booked Madame Fromage, thank you for the recommendation, I'm nervous already.

enanjay @39
"he is used to being a winner and will not tolerate coaching a 'second rate' (not meant harshly) side."

So Edwards is thinking "I don't like second rate and I don't like losing, yes I should leave this Grand Slam winning top ranked Northern Hemisphere team for England". Your English arrogance is clouding your judgement, but whats new there!

Wales have performed under par this tournament yet they still can win the triple crown and the championship, yet England can erm.... well they can win the title for most yellow cars? They can blame the refs??? I am totally frustrated when I watch Wales even after a win because I know they have such great potential. They have a fabulous running game when they are allowed to play it. England should concentrate on playing "their" game if they have one rather than trying to win soley by spoiling the oppositions play. Good luck to Ireland on the Grandslam hope, if they want it bad enough and can put Wales under pressure, Wales have shown that they are fallible this season (but so have Ireland in croker park against England although England were not good enough to capitalise). But I hope it is a good game with some decent running rugby and may the best side on the day win.

So let's think about this for one moment. Declan Kidney and half the Munster team, with some of their mates, are playing away from home, in front of a hostile crowd in a match that they have to win or else the season comes to nothing. This has all it takes to be an epic. Wales should win, but you will hear the cheering in Dingle if a certain little bald-headed number 9 decides to go for another canter he does like playing in Wales!

OK Tom-The-Lions-But-Not-Quite XV (Not XI as you wanted):

Byrne
Bowe
O'Driscoll
Shanklin
Fitzgerald
Jones
Stringer
Jenkins
Best
Hayes
Wynn Jones
O'Connell
Ferris
Williams
Heaslip.

And here's mine:

Lee Byrne
Tommy Bowe
Brian O'Driscoll
Gavin Henson
Shane Williams
Stephen Jones
Mike Phillips

Gethin Jenkins
Jerry Flannery
John Hayes
Paul O'Connell
Alun Wyn Jones
Stephen Ferris
Martyn Williams
Ryan Jones

unounos (U13723610) wrote:
"I know the Irish are not fond of the English is sporting terms, but hey most of us will be behind Ireland on the weekend. Anybody but the Welsh!"

Delete "in sporting terms" and you'd be just about right mate. As for the rest, don't think the Welsh were banking on your support and, sorry to deflate you, but it probably won't make much of an impact which team your barracking at the telly for come Sat PM. As the saying goes: 'as long as we beat the English, I don't care...'

Charlobojangle (U13856502) wrote:
"Weve proven this year time and again that we are better than the welsh sides. Both Leinster and Munster have not lost a single game to the Welsh this season."

Leinster won the Magners League last season and Munster the Heineken Cup, both great achievements - at club level. Er, but Wales won the Grand Slam all the same. Doesn't this rather undermine the logic of your argument? International rugby is a very different animal - as I suspect you'll discover this Saturday.

Will anyone be be in James Joyces Bar in Istanbul for the game?????

If you are in Turkey it's the best spot to watch the game!

Come on Ireland!

While I'm on a roll - Orbandsceptre27 wrote:
"Wales are completely overrated by some of their own supporters. They are nowhere near the standard of Englands W.C winning team from a few years back. Our back row, locks and 3/4`s are superior"

True, Wales is not as good as England's RWC winning team - and I haven't heard a single Welshman claim it is - but given THE EVIDENCE of the last 12 months Wales are potentially a much stronger side than Ireland or anyone else in the NH, AT THIS TIME. So putting aside your pointless - and groundless - first claim, let's look at the 2nd.

O'D and O'C in the second row are certainly improved on the rather tepid pairing we saw in the match v Wales last season, and I have respect too for the back row. BOD has lost some of the gut that was slowing him down and is playing like a sprightly 30 year-old all of a sudden, while Bowe is holding down a place in the Ospreys so can't be bad. But most if not all of these boys are at least cancelled out by their Welsh opposite numbers, while the rest hardly compare to Shane, Henson, Byrne, Jones/Hook or even Phillips if they play to their potential. And I won't mention the gulf in the respective front rows.

Good fun but all rather idle, immature (and definitely biased) speculation if we're honest. Let's let Saturday determine the truth - on the pitch.

(Incidentally, England's RWC winning team were "nowhere near the standard of" the great Welsh sides of the 1970s but what does intergenerational comparisons matter? Only the here and now does and I hope Wales turns up and turns it on for the first time in a while this Saturday.)

incidentally I'm not sure it's that clear cut, Tim. The England side of 2003 were the best in the World (with a Grand Slam, 10 consecutive victories against the SH teams and a World Cup to back the claim up), something the Welsh of the 70s never were, as evidenced by their failure to beat the All Blacks.

Anyway


COME ON IRELAND !!!!!

I totally disagree with the opinion that if the Welsh play their best, they will win no matter what. All the Irish squad matches up very well against Wales, Ireland having the better forwards (which is crucial), the better lineout (Wales can't do anything if they don't have the ball) and the better centres (Expect BOD to give Henson a masterclass in centre play). Ok, Ireland may not play as an attractive and expansive game as Wales but this does not mean they are not effective. All you have to do is to look at the Heineken Cup to see that this game plan has won Munster the Heineken Cup twice.

Firstly, Tom, I am surprised and disappointed that you mentioned the infamous 鈥渞ed carpet鈥� incident. It鈥檚 an episode that needs to be forgotten and frankly its an embarrassment to English rugby. I am appalled that it was written and how you seem to glorify the incident.

Jonny - Collie 21 comments are spot on. It鈥檚 not about having a chip on our shoulders, it鈥檚 about the total lack of respect the English players had for a head of state. Your get over it esque comment is patronising & rude.

Timbali said - "True, Wales is not as good as England's RWC winning team - ...... So putting aside your pointless - and groundless - first claim."
You`re just after agreeing with my "groundless first claim" you ninny.
Timbali said - "But most if not all of these boys are at least cancelled out by their Welsh opposite numbers, while the rest hardly compare to Shane, Henson, Byrne, Jones/Hook or even Phillips if they play to their potential."
D`Arcy/O`Driscoll hardly compare to Henson...??? :D Byrne v Kearney.... O`Gara v Jones/Hook.... What are you smoking mate?? I`d give Phillips the nod at scrum half and Shane Williams on the wing. - However write off Luke Fizgerald and Stringer at your peril (as the Scots found out last week).
The facts show we are the form team of the tournament with 4/4 wins.
The facts show O`Gara is the top points scorer in 6 Nations history (you were saying something about Hook and Jones). The facts also show Henson is not in the same class as either D`Arcy (6 Nations Player of the Tournament 2004/RBS Player of the Tournment 2007) or O`Driscoll (35 international tries/Lions captain) at senior level. Funnily enough when Wales defeated Ireland for the GS on both occasions, O`Driscoll wasn`t partnered by D`Arcy in the centre (it was Maggs and Trimble respectively). When O`Driscoll and D`Arcy did manage to play together in 2006, Wales were thumped 31-5. Those are the facts my friend, the only bias is coming from you.
P.S I do agree that Wales have a stronger front row, but only just - role on Saturday!

Not that I am remotely bothered by the flag waving anf anthem bawling loons at 6 Nations matches, but, on a point of information, Peter Stringer did once score a try in a Heineken Cup final, where the pressure was on Munster having lost more than a few times in a similar position.

Be the by, how come it's so damn hard to persuade this site to accept a username. I went through about a dozen appropriate ones before the present one passed muster. Doesn't the moderator like the locals in these here parts?

I am sort of dissapointed you haven't taken up to deal with the political comments you made, as you can see I am not the only one to point out your rather blithe error. All martin johnston has proven in his rugby career is that he is a man of little class, of little respect and little talent for management. Fortunately for england his opposite number in France has little management skills earlier. I am also surprised you haven't dealt with Gatlands edge against IRFU and the reasons for it. Still win loose or draw, the english disregard for anything not english will not change. Shame because it warrants to be probably the best game of Rugby of the Championship. If O Gara is on form Ireland will hammer wales, but O Gara is seldom on form these days.

Gatland has got it all wrong!..as much as i would like to see us beat the Irish, it is unlikely to happen. Wales have not played well in the six nations, only in the first half of the first game when Scotland had not figured out the welsh gameplan. The Welsh team are over confident, their not a bad side but certainly not a great side. They are not playing at their best and Gatland is more concerned about mind-games at the moment.Gatland seems to believe that saying that Wales "hate" the Irish is a good ploy...sorry Gats you've got it all wrong. England has always been the team Wales have wanted to beat and what is ironic is that Wales will lose against the Irish and England will finish Second above Wales after beating Scotland..Now thats the incentive I would give to the Welsh players.
**Oh yes also luckily for the Irish, Gatland has failed to select Wales' best back this season Lee Halfpenny..Good luck Wales, but for me, its Ireland for the slam.

I'd normally be neutral in this match. But I'm supporting Wales this time for one reason. To win a grand slam I think a team should be worthy of it through the rugby they've played in the tournament - be that a physical or an expansive style. And sorry Ireland, but I think a lot of their performances have been not much more than OK, and it's more representative of a below average tournament that they're in the position they are. I don't really understand Keith Woods' "it's time" comment, as how long it was since the last slam counts for nothing on the day, and ultimately I think Wales will do it. Perhaps not by 13 points, though, as the one true star of Ireland has been O'Driscoll, and I don't see a team with him in it losing by that much. The player of the tournament for me.

Does anyoone realise that the six nations is nothin to do with the best teams..........just who gets the best draw when it comes to the fixtures!!Irelands away games ITALY,SCOTLAND, Wales away games Scotland, France (lost) take the Italians & Scots out (who I don't care what anyne says are both shocking, and the Italians showed the lack of depth of talent in Wales last week)and no team has won away!!!

Frnace/England/Ireland/Wales are all equally matched (difference is England & France in development and Welsh/Irish actually think they are 'World Class') at the moment it just depends on the venue...........however we all know what happens when the venues are neutral.....World Cup anyone

ORBANDSCEPTRE27 - I must thank you for giving me the best laugh I've had all day!

How on Earth can you say...."Wales are completely overrated by some of their supporters" - well, 2 Grand Slams in 4 seasons is not bad, and having just beaten Australia.

"Our back row, locks and 3/4`s are superior"... you are having a real joke there mate...you been drinking or something?

At the end of the day if Ireland were ever any good, they'd have won more than the measly ONE Grand Slam that they have. And that was in 1948, in the black and white days. Let me remind you - Wales have had 10 Grand Slams.

And PS, Ronan O'Gara has only scored 14 test match tries (if I remember correctly), which isn't a real load considering he's over-hyped so much.

If Ronan O'Gara misses one kick, he bottles it completely. You can bet your last Euro that he will miss every kick for the rest of the game, for touch and goal.

Brian O'Driscoll is a very dirty player, I just hope the officials tomorrow haver their eyes open - for Irish off-the-ball incidents as well as their offside play.