Hi Mark, Frawley has been around the fringes of the Irish squad for a while so I'm sure he'll slot right in. While I think we'll win, you can never discount Wales, especially under Gatland. Interesting to see how both teams perform.
No worries with Frawley .... solid player and very talented! On paper and based on form ... Ire should win comfortably with a BP ... but Wales are a unique beast. They have a very admirable mentality of 'pride' in the jersey, that often leads to performances 'outta the blue'! If Ire get off to a fast start ... then 'goodnight Delilah' ... as Ire are like the AB's now ... ruthless!
Very curious to see how Oli jäger slots in. Have been following his alternative path to elite rugby. Yes he’s a big Irish footy player but does he have the skills, will be interesting to see. Hopefully he gets game time.
I can't see this Welsh front row buckle, they done well against a seasoned English front row, who had oodles of caps, I like the look of the Welsh bench, Domechowski, Rowlands, grady, we need to star like we did in Twickenham, something is brewing in this Welsh camp, it's been very quiet, almost radio silence, looks like a plan.
Thank you for another thoughtful and persuasive preview, Mark. I'm afraid I see it exactly as you do and barring injury to key players, I see Ireland winning by a big margin. The Irish back row forwards: Vander Flier, O'Mahoney, and Caelan Doris are probably the best in the world at the moment. They are going to hit the Welsh backs like a wrecking ball! Predicted score? - 40 - 16, to Ireland.
Honestly I'm hoping for a performance from Wales more than anything. Even if we lose by 20 odd points I'd like to see some positives to take away. Personally I think our kicking game so far hasn't been right and the line out is a big issue when Ellias is on. The scrum has functioned well so far and our maul has been hit and miss. England got through out mauls from line out sets far too easily and Ireland are among the best in the world for line out play. Unlike Italy I expect us to get points on the board since we are creating chances and scoring tries.
My prediction is that it'll be about a 10point lead for Ireland around 50-60min, and then with the much stronger than Wales, irish bench coming on they'll pull away to a win by 25ish points.
It will a tough game for Ireland with a few players out injured.The biggest loss is keenan who picked up an injury v Italy. Wales are always a tough opposition..
I fully expect Wales to deliver a strong performance. Wainwright was very impressive against Scotland. But the collective power and coordination of Ireland in the forwards will be too much. IRL by 10. Expect a big tussel.
Ireland are missing 4 guaranteed backs starters ,ringrose, o brien keenan and hanson, also missing henderson and Bealham and have some good ones coming through as well..oh and watch edogbo in the u20's on Fri night.
Frawley is class but he's a 10 more than a fullback. Too slow for fullback imo. And he's not doing his career any favors by being able to play several positions.
Hi Mark, Frawley has been around the fringes of the Irish squad for a while so I'm sure he'll slot right in. While I think we'll win, you can never discount Wales, especially under Gatland. Interesting to see how both teams perform.
Thanks Roger......Yes lets see how it goes.
No worries with Frawley .... solid player and very talented! On paper and based on form ... Ire should win comfortably with a BP ... but Wales are a unique beast. They have a very admirable mentality of 'pride' in the jersey, that often leads to performances 'outta the blue'! If Ire get off to a fast start ... then 'goodnight Delilah' ... as Ire are like the AB's now ... ruthless!
Thanks so much for the comment, lets see how it pans out.
Very curious to see how Oli jäger slots in. Have been following his alternative path to elite rugby. Yes he’s a big Irish footy player but does he have the skills, will be interesting to see. Hopefully he gets game time.
Me too, looking out for him specifically. Thanks for the comment.
Good man Mark!
Thank you John
Ireland to win 43. Wales17. Enjoyed this preview once again. Thank you.
Thanks Sean, good score prediction there.
Can’t wait til July to see what should have been the World Cup final between by far the two best teams in the world between South Africa and Ireland
Ireland will have too much for the Welsh. yes, i see the Irish having a big win .
Thanks for the comment
I can't see this Welsh front row buckle, they done well against a seasoned English front row, who had oodles of caps, I like the look of the Welsh bench, Domechowski, Rowlands, grady, we need to star like we did in Twickenham, something is brewing in this Welsh camp, it's been very quiet, almost radio silence, looks like a plan.
Good thoughts, lets see how it pans out.
Thank you for another thoughtful and persuasive preview, Mark. I'm afraid I see it exactly as you do and barring injury to key players, I see Ireland winning by a big margin. The Irish back row forwards: Vander Flier, O'Mahoney, and Caelan Doris are probably the best in the world at the moment. They are going to hit the Welsh backs like a wrecking ball! Predicted score? - 40 - 16, to Ireland.
Thanks man, I like the scoreline you predict, lets see. Enjoy the game.
Honestly I'm hoping for a performance from Wales more than anything. Even if we lose by 20 odd points I'd like to see some positives to take away. Personally I think our kicking game so far hasn't been right and the line out is a big issue when Ellias is on. The scrum has functioned well so far and our maul has been hit and miss. England got through out mauls from line out sets far too easily and Ireland are among the best in the world for line out play. Unlike Italy I expect us to get points on the board since we are creating chances and scoring tries.
My prediction is that it'll be about a 10point lead for Ireland around 50-60min, and then with the much stronger than Wales, irish bench coming on they'll pull away to a win by 25ish points.
Ireland to win by about 15 or more points- I think!
OK, lets see how that ages. Thanks for the prediction
If we can keep it below 20, it’ll be a pretty good effort.
Agree with that, thanks for the comment
It will a tough game for Ireland with a few players out injured.The biggest loss is keenan who picked up an injury v Italy.
Wales are always a tough opposition..
Thanks for sharing your view.
Out Injured. But Great Backup
Very tough for Ireland wales are so brilliant 😅
Could be a great game. I expect Wales to go down Fighting
Ireland at Home will be too strong for this Young Welsh side. I expect no surprises . Ireland to win by 20 points
Thanks for the prediction.
Looking at 30 plus points for Ireland
OK thanks, lets see
Lot of first choice players missing from Ireland.Could be a tough game with not much in it.
I fully expect Wales to deliver a strong performance. Wainwright was very impressive against Scotland. But the collective power and coordination of Ireland in the forwards will be too much. IRL by 10. Expect a big tussel.
Ireland are missing 4 guaranteed backs starters ,ringrose, o brien keenan and hanson, also missing henderson and Bealham and have some good ones coming through as well..oh and watch edogbo in the u20's on Fri night.
Wales is good but Irlend is too good for them.
Frawley is class but he's a 10 more than a fullback. Too slow for fullback imo. And he's not doing his career any favors by being able to play several positions.
Thanks for sharing your views.
Yes. But I Believe Frawley is Going to Suprise a Lot of People
Ireland too good but won’t beat the bookies -22 points!
Thanks for the comment, lets see how it pans out.