Gough gears up for cruncher

QUALIFIED single-engine pilot Ian Gough will be on the proverbial cloud nine if Wales retain their RBS 6 Nations title. But Gough’s aerial challenge is much closer to the ground on Saturday as he prepares for a twin-engine threat posed by Irish second-row giants Paul O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan.

“They are two fine second rows, in fairness to them,” said Gough, who makes his 59th Test appearance as Wales’ second-most capped lock behind Gareth Llewellyn.

“What with the Magners League as well, we’ve had plenty of battles in the past. I’m not sure how many consecutive games they have played together, but in the majority of the big Tests they are there.