Onwards and upwards
On the evidence of this game they have a long way to go.
In modern day international rugby, there are two basic criteria. It is imperative that you compete for primary possession at scrum and lineout. You must also have a well-organised defensive line. In both respects, Wales well short of the mark. Ireland did their homework and asked all the right questions.
Coming into this game, there was considerable pressure on Ireland given that they had lost their last three internationals, albeit against top quality sides.
Against France last week, Ireland played to conceal their limitations. Yesterday, they performed to maximise their strengths. The major question mark hanging over the Welsh team coming into this encounter was the quality of their front five. This doubt was ruthlessly exposed as early as the first minute of the game. In recent seasons, Ireland’s lineout platform and resultant driving maul has been the most consistent aspect of their play. Wales were painfully aware of this coming into the game, yet were powerless to anything to stop it. Three of Ireland’s first half tries resulted from this source, two to Shane Byrne and the other to captain Brian O’Driscoll.
While the Welsh decision-making throughout the game was questionable at best, their worst decision was taken even before kick off. Having won the toss, they elected to play against a strong Lansdowne Road swirling wind. This in effect handed Ireland territorial advantage. Given that Ireland were under some pressure coming into this game to secure a result, the Welsh needed to take all the advantages. It was a bad tactical error. When it comes to maximising the elements, Ronan O’Gara is imperious. With the aid of the elements and a dominant pack, he continuously pinned the Welsh deep in their own half in the vital first quarter of the match.
As a result the much-vaunted Welsh back three of the Williams boys and Gareth Thomas were forced to defend. In this respect Rhys Williams was badly exposed and while Gareth Thomas did well with ball in hand, his lack of a kicking game was all too apparent.
The only area that Wales asked questions of the Irish in the first half was in the scrum. Even this disappeared when Adam Jones was withdrawn on 30 minutes and Gethin Jenkins introduced. As the game progressed, Reggie Corrigan gave him a torrid time. By the end of the game, the visitor’s scrum was in disarray.
When the Irish team was announced in mid-week, much talk was focused on the decision of Eddie O’Sullivan to pair Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy together in mid-field. This was an unqualified success on the day. O’Driscoll is a very special talent. Only he could return after five weeks injury, play in an unfamiliar role and look a class apart. At a recent game in Thomond Park, I heard some of his loyal support base complain about what they described as his “yellow” hair. After yesterday they would probably call it golden.
His presence at inside centre focused the Welsh defence to such a degree that Wales No 10 Stephen Jones pushed out early on the Irish wizard. As a result, the inside channel was cruelly exposed on a number of occasions giving No 7 Martyn Williams too much space to cover. To their credit, O Gara and Keith Gleeson ruthlessly availed of the opportunity.
At outside centre, Gordon D’arcy showed remarkable pace and foot work for one so inexperienced at this level. He is playing with great confidence at present. Over the past few seasons he has served a good apprenticeship at provincial level with Leinster. On the evidence of the last two internationals he is now deserving of a regular place in the side. Whether or not it is in the mid-field remains to be seen.
Ireland’s application in defence was transformed from Paris last week. The first-up tackles were decisive and the Welsh were suffocated from an early stage.
The opening forty minutes featured some of the most complete rugby that Ireland has played for some time. Once O’Gara established field position, the forward pack did the rest. The body positions of the forwards in the maul were outstanding and their protection of the ball created all sorts of problems for Wales. The clinical manner in which Shane Byrne exposed this from the first lineout drive said everything.
This victory will come as a huge boost to everyone in the Ireland squad. With a two-week break until the next challenge in Twickenham, Ireland must build on this performance and travel in a positive frame of mind. While England dismissed Scotland with ease at Murrayfield on Saturday, their well-oiled machine is creaking a little in the absence of Johnson and Wilkinson. While victory to the world champions was never in doubt at any stage, it was made easier with a number of very fortunate tries.
When in the right frame of mind, this Irish pack is capable of competing with anyone. While England has incredible individual talent, with players like Robinson, Cohen and Lewsey, they can’t perform without the ball. The well-publicised injuries to O’Driscoll, Hickie and Murphy had a big psychological effect on the Irish when they travelled to Paris. With O’Driscoll now back in harness and D’Arcy emerging as a force in the international game, Ireland can travel with nothing to lose. That will suit them.
For the Welsh, it is back to the drawing board. The French await them in the Millennium Stadium in two weeks time. Not for the first time in recent years, Ireland has plunged the valleys into a state of doom and gloom. With two more home championship fixtures waiting, the Irish can go forward with confidence.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
