This game will determine if Wales are robust and are able to come back fighting and play as a team or will they become disjointed and play as individuals – which has proved their downfall in recent games.
Ireland have had a great tournament so far. After narrowly beating Scotland in the last play of their game, they have grown from strength to strength. They have beaten both Italy and France in the second and third rounds of the Six Nations. Their confidence must be blooming!
Ireland will know they will be in for a tough game against Wales, as they will be playing at home but they’ll definitely believe that this game will be theirs for the taking.
Wales needs to play a tight game against Ireland and when they have created space they need to attack and keep the ball alive. Ireland will try to spoil Wales’ ball and therefore they will need to make sure they support each other and don’t isolate themselves.
If they do isolate themselves then they will play into Ireland’s strengths.
I’d like Wales to keep ball and demonstrate what they can do with ball in hand. As I’ve said in previous blogs Wales have some dangerous players in their backline, as well as strong and creative ball carriers in their pack.
I’d like them to play heads up rugby and play a fast and expansive game. If Wales decide to play the kicking game, as they have done in the last few games, then they are sure to lose if kicks are inconsistent and kicked to dangerous players in the Ireland back line. Ireland will punish them as England and Scotland did.
Having seen the squad, Rowland and his management team have selected an experienced squad with the likes of CT (Caryl Thomas), Adi Taviner, Keira Bevan and Sheep (Shona Powell-Hughes) back in the starting line up.
It is also exciting to see Robyn Wilkins have an opportunity to show what she can do at 10. I’m certain that Robyn is the right person for this job, to create opportunities for her striking back line who are chomping at the bit to play some dynamite rugby.
I believe Wales can pull off a victory in which will be an emotionally charged game with Elli Norkett’s recent passing to the fore of everyone’s minds.
But in order to came away victorious, so Wales need to learn from their previous mistakes and play for each other otherwise we will see a replay of England and Scotland.
#IBelieve #InWalesWeTrust
