Rugby
2011-10-08 - Wales vs Ireland
A Sports Betting Pick by Paddy
Rugby : Rugby World Cup 2011 : Quarter Finals
Saturday, 8th October 2011 - Kickoff 18:00 (local)
Ireland - Wales could be a cracker, but at 6am? Seriously??
The opening match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter finals is arguably the tie of the round. Two teams given little chance before the tournament have suddenly fired into life and it’s a shame that either Ireland or Wales will be eliminated from the competition this weekend.
Ireland getting better and better
Considering Ireland went into the World Cup after an indifferent Six Nations and four consecutive warm-up defeats, their performances in New Zealand have been a revelation. A win over tournament second favourites Australia was a shock, but the Irish’s second half performance against Italy in their ‘must-win’ match showed their true quality.
Leinster open-side Sean O’Brien is being talked about as a potential player of the tournament although it’s tough to pick out individuals from an Ireland side that have grown in confidence game by game.
Hooker Rory Best is a major doubt with a shoulder injury and as Jerry Flannery has already been ruled out of the tournament, Ireland could have a problem in that position. Second row Paul O’Connell has also been struggling with a hamstring injury and left the field early during Sunday’s win as a precaution.
Wales scoring for fun
In some ways, Wales’ narrow defeat to South Africa earlier in the tournament may have done them a favour. Had they won that match they’d have faced a tough quarter final against Australia, whereas they will fancy their chances of seeing off Ireland in Wellington on Saturday.
Wales have been buoyed by the news that James Hook, Shane Williams and Dan Lydiate will all be available for selection, and captain Sam Warburton should also be available after he was taken off during Wales’ 66-0 win over Fiji last Sunday. Skills coach Rob Howley told the BBC that Wales will have a ‘full-strength squad’ for the match.
After impressing in their narrow defeat to the Springboks, Wales won their vital tie against Samoa before really showing what they can do. Convincing 81-7 and 66-0 wins over Namibia and Fiji followed and the Welsh are in high spirits approaching their first quarter final since 2003.
Verdict:
After Ireland’s win over Australia and their second half performance against Italy this match looked to be a pretty straightforward one to call. However, Wales have racked up 147 points in their last two matches and have shown that they aren’t here to make up the numbers. Only Australia and New Zealand have scored more tries in the tournament so far.
The fifth and sixth ranked teams in the world, this match promises to be intriguing and exciting in equal measure. While Wales certainly have the talent to advance to the last four for the first time since 1987 I just fancy Ireland to continue their excellent run and set up a mouthwatering semi final against either England or France.
Ireland likely to be just too good
The Pick :
Back Ireland to beat their two point hcap
