Wales and Ireland Composite Side

Front Row: Jack McGrath, Rory Best & Samson Lee

Jack McGrath has proved himself to be a worthy replacement for Cian Healy, he has come a long way over the past year, and keeps Gethin Jenkins out, a player I am largely critical of due to his poor scrummaging against many opponents. McGrath proved himself to be very useful against the English, as did Rory Best, who outshone Hartley with his good lineouts and useful work over the ball securing turnovers. Samson Lee has a bright future ahead of him, and his powerful scrummaging earns him a spot in this composite side.



Second Row: Alun Wyn Jones & Paul O'Connell

One of the easiest selections to make, AWJ and POC walk into the side as 2 of the best second rows in world rugby. Natural born leaders, workhorses and giants among men, these two would walk into almost any side, and to see these two on the pitch together is always a treat.



Back Row: Peter O'Mahoney, Sam Warburton & Toby Faletau

There has been a lot of talk on http://www.therugbyforum.com about whether Peter O'Mahony is "world class". Our response is "not yet". We'll find out soon enough, he is not known for his ball carrying, similar to his opposite number Dan Lydiate, but his work over the ball is sensational, a player that does a lot of unseen work on the pitch, more so than Lydiate, who has been unimpressive lately in the Welsh jersey. Warburton makes his way in ahead of O'Brien, it was a close call, but the Welshman's ability to lead, couple with an impressive couple of weeks for Wales gives him the edge in our mind. Number 8 was another tough call, but Heaslip is still returning to his best, and Faletau has been impressive this 6 Nations, notably with his assist in the try against England. The battle of the back rows will be fascinating.

Half Backs: Conor Murray & Jonny Sexton

 The Irish half backs have been working very well together, Jonny Sexton is arguably the best 10 in world rugby right now, and will look to lead his side to a tough away victory. Dan Biggar has been impressed us this 6 Nations, as we are not usually too supporting of the fly half, but his ability under the high ball and game management has been good, but not quite "Jonny Sexton good".



Centres: Jamie Roberts & Jonathan Davies

Tough to leave Henshaw out after a man of the match performance against England, but Jamie Roberts is a class above, and the experience of both Welsh centres should be a big advantage over the relative inexperience of Henshaw and Payne.



Back 3: Liam Williams, George North & Rob Kearney

Williams hasn't been a Welsh regular over the past year, but his recent form has asserted him as one of the key players for Wales and has shown his impressive skill set, a skill set that thrives more than Zebo's does in the Irish line up. George North, although not on the greatest form internationally, is one of the world's best wingers, and a force to be reckoned with. If he brings his game on Saturday then Ireland are in big trouble. It was tough to leave Leigh Halfpenny out, because his boot is so important to the Welsh game, but if we were to pick any fullback out of this 6 Nations to start it would have to be Rob Kearney. He is imperious under the high ball and runs hard, he makes a much more impressive performance at fullback than Halfpenny, who only stood a chance of consideration through his kicking and may be better suited to the wing.