Rugby
2012-02-05 - Ireland vs Wales
A Sports Betting Pick by Paddy
Rugby : Six Nations 2012
Sunday, 5th Feb 2012 - Kickoff 15:00 (GMT)
They were two of the most attractive Northern Hemisphere teams in last autumn’s World Cup and both Wales and Ireland made plenty of friends in New Zealand for their style of play and their excellent results.
Wales edged the meeting in October winning 22-10 and the pair meet again on Sunday in their first Six Nations match of 2012. It promises to be a great game.
Ireland trust experience in 2012
After a mediocre Six Nations showing in 2011, little was expected from Ireland in their World Cup campaign. However, the Irish were terrific throughout, epitomised by their excellent 15-6 win over Australia at Eden Park. Ireland were eventually beaten 22-10 by this weekend’s opponents but only after impressing many with their style.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has stayed loyal to the men that played at the World Cup including Gordon D’Arcy, Paddy Wallace and Eoin Reddan and named no uncapped players in his core 24 man squad. Brian O’Driscoll will miss the tournament with a shoulder injury and so Paul O’Connell will captain the Irish team.
Wales looking to continue their great World Cup form
Wales crushed Ireland's World Cup dreams back in October.
A referring decision arguably cost Wales their chance of a first World Cup final appearance in New Zealand. A red card for inspirational captain Sam Warburton eventually cost Wales the match although they won plenty of plaudits for their approach to the game on their way to the last four.
Wales are the second favourites for the tournament although they have injury problems going into this game. Prop Gethin Jenkins will miss the tie with a knee injury while Rhys Priestland and Dan Lydiate are also likely to miss Sunday’s match in Dublin.
Coach Warren Gatland admitted that the absence of key players would be a big loss to the team. He told the BBC: “Gethin is a huge loss for us for potentially the first two games of the tournament. He’s a world class player. He’s got a very good rugby brain and is able to assess things on the field. He’s almost like a coach on the field.
“Rhys was probably the find, if not the best, fly-half at the World Cup. He really does fit the type of game we want to play. His kicking game and vision are excellent. He stretches opposition defences as well because he’s not afraid to run ... he will be a big loss for us.”
Head to Head
16 Aug 2003 Ireland 35-12 Wales at Lansdowne Road
22 Feb 2004 Ireland 36-15 Wales at Lansdowne Road
26 Feb 2006 Ireland 31-5 Wales at Lansdowne Road
08 Mar 2008 Ireland 12-16 Wales at Croke Park
13 Mar 2010 Ireland 27-12 Wales at Croke Park
Verdict
If this match is half as good as their recent World Cup encounter then we’re in for a treat this Sunday.
I actually fancy Ireland to get their tournament up and running with a win. Three of the last four Dublin meetings between the sides have resulted in an Irish win by 15 points or more and so the 10/11 at Paddy Power on the home side overcoming the five point handicap looks like great value.
A fully fit Wales side would cause Ireland some problems but I think the loss of Jenkins, Priestland and Lydiate through injury could be critical.
It should be an excellent match but in front of a passionate Aviva Stadium crowd, Ireland can start 2012 with a win.
The Pick :
Ireland to win by 10 points or more
