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.

“We’ve had some good tussles. They are good players — honest, really hard-working, skilful boys.”

Gough, who made his international debut almost 11 years ago, is an often-unheralded influence on the Wales team. A tough, consistent, workaholic type at the top level, Gough continues to provide the cement with which Wales’ increasingly-imposing forward platform is built.

He is also viewed in some quarters as Wales’ so-called ‘enforcer’ — although it is a label he immediately rejects.

“I wouldn’t say enforcer,” he added. “That implies you sort of go around hitting people — I don’t want that tag. I go around playing the game I am best at.

“You can exert pressure in all kinds of different ways — the speed you come up in the lineout, the pressure you put on by putting people in the air. Whatever psychological advantage you can get, you get, and every team does the same thing.”

The lineout contest could have a crucial bearing on where Saturday’s silverware ends up. Wales have lost just four lineouts in four Six Nations games this season, winning 45, and although six Irish lineouts went astray, they have won 53.

Of possible significance though, is one other statistic — Wales have taken three lineouts off opposition throws, but the Irish figure stands at an impressive 11.

“They (Ireland) are the ones that put the most pressure on you in that lineout area,” acknowledged Gough. “But if you are going to judge yourself against someone, then judge yourself against the best people at doing it. Ireland know how to win at the moment. They beat England in a really ugly game, and the French game before that was also close, but they managed to edge it. They are winning the tight contests.

“They are hard games to win — these games are settled by only a few points. It’s pretty nervous stuff. I know the expectation is going to be on them this week, and there will be a fair bit of extra nerves because of the enormity of the task with them not having won a Grand Slam in so long and coming to Cardiff as favourites as well.”