Quality, not desperation, gets you over the line in tight games

Donal Lenihan examines the areas that will illuminate Ireland v Wales under Cardiff’s Friday night lights.

A back-row battle to salivate over

You are always on the front foot when the opposition is forced to alter its side to counteract your strengths. That is exactly what under pressure Welsh coach Rob Howley faced, with the whole of Wales clamouring for the introduction of Taulupe Faletau in an effort to combat the power, ball carrying and athleticism in the Irish back row of CJ Stander, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien.