The more we look at this game, the more difficult it becomes to decide. Having released our composite side yesterday, we realised that a lot of the match-ups actually favour the Welsh, and that they have the best side in the 6 Nations to counter the Irish threat. Their ability under the high ball is very impressive, Biggar has really made a name for himself in this department recently, and with the reliable boot of Halfpenny the Welsh will be able to pile the pressure on an Ireland side that haven't travelled too well under Schmidt (in reference to loss to England, narrow victory over France and poor performance against Italy).
Wales will need to play out of their skin to win this, but if there is one time to do it it is now. This victory would rival that of the one against the South Africans, and set them on their way for a potentially successful World Cup, and they'll need all the confidence they can get given the tough pool they are in. Everyone is hoping for a colossal duel, and are saying that Welsh look ready to beat Schmidt's side, but let's not forget everything that the Irish have done right so far, and why they are in such a strong position going in to this game.
Conor Murray and Jonny Sexton have been brilliant as always, and their game management will outshine the Welsh opposition in Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar, even if the Welsh fly half has impressed of late. The Irish back row were sensational against the English, and really nullified any English threat in this department, especially at the breakdown, so the Welsh will need to be on top form, and Lydiate especially will need to rise to the standards he is capable of, because his performances of late have not been up to scratch. He will have to get to every breakdown very quickly in order to counter the Irish threat here, as against England Ireland were first to the ball every time.
The Welsh may fancy themselves in the centres, we certainly do, but they have to be careful not to just crash the ball straight into Henshaw and Payne, who make their tackles. Henshaw will be feeling especially good about himself after a man of the match performance against the English in Round 3, but I can't see him getting through Jamie Roberts or Jonathan Davies tomorrow, which would mean that have to look elsewhere, the wing perhaps? Sadly from the Irish perspective I don't think so. Williams has been impressive this 6 Nations and has secured himself a spot on the Welsh wing, his form going in to this game is better than Zebo's, and whilst comparing North to Bowe is difficult, as they are different players and neither have really shown us anything so far, North is one of the best wingers in world rugby and is above Bowe's level, in our opinion. They can look to Rob Kearney however, who has been as scintillating as always and will look to show us what he can do in the hostile cauldron that is the Millenium Stadium.
But maybe the Irish won't need to use their backs, their pack was dominant against the English, who themselves were better than the Welsh. We could be in for a very physical, hard, gritty match, and it might just be one slip, one mistake, one moment of magic, one stroke of genius that seals the game. We think that Ireland's 10 match unbeaten streak makes them favourites, of course it does, but it is going to be a mighty close game.
Verdict: Ireland by 3.
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