ANDY FARRELL HAS expressed bemusement at the criticism delivered to the Welsh rugby team. Ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations opener, a number of pundits – both in Ireland and the UK – have downplayed Wales’s chances of rediscovering their 2019 form in time for this tournament.
“It pisses me off, it is disrespectful,” was former Welsh prop, Adam Jones’s reaction to some of the more hysterical commentary. Farrell, meanwhile, could not have been more diplomatic about Sunday’s opponents when he spoke to the media this afternoon. Asked if he thought the Welsh were a spent force, he instantly replied: “I don’t believe it for one second.”
“Look, the boys are very familiar with everyone who is in the Welsh squad,” the Ireland coach continued. “They play against them all of the time. We know what top performers they can be when they are under pressure. They are an experienced side, who have been in both good, and difficult, positions before.
“Within the two camps, we know the truth; that it is going to be a war of attrition. We have not won there since 2013 which says a lot and we are expecting Wales to be 100 per cent at their best. We have played them at their best before and come unstuck. So we will plan accordingly.
“It doesn’t really matter what goes on in the papers, or in the news, in the coming days the game will still be the same. Both teams will kick off, try and get into the ascendancy, try and get a foothold in the game, through the areas that does that for them, set-piece, physicality or line-speed. Once that whistle goes, the game is just the same. It means a lot to both sides. It will be a tough old battle.”
Certainly Wayne Pivac’s selection backed up that theory, particularly the reunion of their teak-tough back-row: Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.
Add in the return of Adam Beard in the second row to partner Alun Wyn Jones, not to mention their front row combo of Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis and there is a case to be made for the Welsh.
Until that is, you look at the respective qualities on the bench, Ireland having the luxury of bringing in Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Dave Kilcoyne and Jordan Larmour whereas Wales are struggling for credible pack reinforcements outside of Josh Navidi.
“That side is a strong one,” said Farrell.
Then again, you would expect him to say as much.
Of less concern to the coach was the fear that Josh Adams’ return for a training session following his breach of protocol. “All teams are getting tested twice a week,” said Farrell. “I suppose you cannot get more stringent than that.”
Regarding his own side’s selection, Farrell outlined precisely why he opted for James Lowe over Larmour and Andrew Conway on the wing; and Josh Van Der Flier over Will Connors in the backrow.
“James is a great player who is right for this game,” said Farrell. “He has been in great form in training. This is a strong side, a strong 23, one that is rearing to go at the start of this competition.
“We have liked what we have seen from all the squad over the last 10 days. Josh has a fantastic running game; he made some brilliant impacts for us in the autumn (internationals). We feel his all-round game makes him the one to go for, for us this weekend.”
Originally published at 13.01
Spot on Farrell. This isn’t mind games, Wales are a great side and the game could really go either way this Sunday. Tightest game of the round by a long stretch.
@Ultan Corcoran: this is the worst Welsh team in 15 years.
@Chris Mc: completely untrue.. they managed two wins and a draw over two championships finishing 5th both in 2006 and 2007 six nations and were eliminated from the group stages in the 2007 WC. This welsh team is made up predominantly of players who have been to a world Cup semi final, some having been to two, and as recently as 2019 won the GS. Even Ger Gilroys lobsidded moustache knows this
@PScald: ger Gilroy from off the ball is always stoking the fire, looking for a reaction. Wales may of been playing very poorly but cannot be written off. Wreckon it will be a tight game. COYBIG!!!
@Anthony O Connell: GG is a self serving POS and a complete hack..
@PScald: agreed. I like off the ball besides him
@Chris Mc: Is there really such a thing as ‘worst’ in test rugby? I don’t think so anyway. I would really really hate it now if the Welsh were to beat us, and that isn’t sarcasm, it would just be painful for all those dismissing Wales on here in recent posts and their ability, in a 2-horse race over 80mins. Anything can happen. Again…tight game and hoping Ireland will get the win by 3-7pts.
@PScald: so worst team in 14 years then
@PScald: since gatland finished they have been poor. They do have some good players but like their club sides lack any direction and show very little substance. It the Ireland 23 want to win and dont shoot themselves in the foot we will win handy enough.
@Chris Mc: sure, I dont necessarily disagree but it’s not what you said originally.
@Patrick Breen: how about make these judgements on a team 2 years on from a grand slam and WC semi final after the tournament
@PScald: form changes quick, and they’ve had a very poor season, in a similar way to us in 2019, but worse
Ireland are at their absolute worst when we’re heavy favourites, and Wales have something to prove. We’ve also won four in a row against them, so there’s no way they’re not going to show up, especially at home.
@Anthony James McLaughlin: Heavy favorites? I think we’re 2 or 3 point favorites
@Ricky Wright: Oh I wasn’t going off the bookies odds, more just the tone of the rugby press and people on social media.
I hope sexton has the Corona vaccine. A man of his age is in the vulnerable bracket!!!!
@Kevin O’brien: good one…
@Kevin O’brien: Painfully unfunny, even by your standards kEvInNnNn
Whatever we think of Ger Gilroy, it is ridiculous to see so much energy wasted getting all pissed off about it. Radio show host makes comment most people disagree with. People getting irate over nothing. He made the headlines. Job done.
@Ricky Wright: his job is to make headlines? Sorry, I thought he was a sports presenter
@Ricky Wright: it was tongue in cheek they were slagging themselves over the same comment they made back in 2019 about
There is no doubt that wales are in a bad run of form and the coach is under serious pressure to keep his job for the future.
This is why he has gone back to his experienced players but I believe that those players are just past their sell by date.
They are still very good players but I think there best days are past them and their age has to be catching up with them
I’d like to see an improvement with the line out , maul and defence. Even if we don’t win the game tomorrow you could take comfort if you saw these areas improve.
I’m still sticking with my original comment , Ireland to win by a one score game .