IRELAND’S TWO MOST recent defeats to Wales have been extremely tight affairs and again tomorrow a single scrum penalty could decide the result.
Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Nathan White take on Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin and Samson Lee in the front row battle and the match-ups are intriguing.
McGrath has reason to be confident against Welsh tighthead Lee, but the contest between White and 23-year-old Evans on the other side of the scrum is altogether more unclear.
Warren Gatland has expressed his belief that the Scarlets prop suits the interpretation of tomorrow’s referee, Jérôme Garcès, at scrum time.
Garcès has penalised Gethin Jenkins heavily in the recent past and Gatland stated that fact as one of the major reasons he had picked Evans ahead of the veteran Jenkins for this meeting with Ireland.
Earlier this week, Joe Schmidt stated his belief that Garcès and other referees can’t afford to go into games with “preconceived ideas” about what will happen at the scrum, and Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek is not sure about Gatland’s comments on Evans either.
“If Warren comes out and says that, that’s fine,” said Feek after Ireland’s captain’s run today.
“I’ve had a look at Rob Evans and there have been some games where he has been reasonably disciplined, but I watched the Northampton-Scarlets game and there’s some games where it turns the other way.
“You just have to take what’s on the day. As long as the refs police that, the clear and obvious, then that’s fine. If our guys are good then they don’t have to sanction it. All we’re wanting is the assistant refs and refs to work together so we can have a good contest.”
Gatland’s comments on Evans can be viewed as simple honesty of course, but many others - Schmidt and Feek evidently among them – have taken them up as an effort to put those ‘preconceived ideas’ into Garcès’ head.
Probably not unusual for Wales,” said Feek when asked if Gatland’s comments were unusual for a head coach to make, “but every now and again there are things that might take you guys by surprise. Every now and again you might need to be less predictable.”
Since Schmidt took over as head coach, Ireland have always been swift to underline that they are legal scrummagers who look to keep the contest straight and want the set-piece to provide a platform to play away from.
Feek stressed that message again this afternoon ahead of the latest test of his scrum tomorrow in the Aviva Stadium.
“Statistically we’re pretty happy with where we’ve been on our own ball,” said Feek. “Teams are always going to pressure you. World Rugby are trying to push that if you’re going to contest the scrum then it’s gotta be done legally.
“We’re just doing what World Rugby want us to do, and referees, and we’ve been trying to do that for the last few years.
“It’s difficult sometimes with different surfaces and slightly different interpretations. But if that’s what they want, we’re certainly trying to achieve that.”
Gatland is such a knob
He’s an unpleasant character for sure but he is one of the most decorated coaches out there.
No one’s saying he isn’t one of the most decorated coaches out there…. doesn’t stop him being a knob though.
Trying to influence the ref is an old gatland ply. If ref’s are stupid or gullible enough to fall for that then the sport is the loser.
I think Ireland will win tomorrow and simply we will destroy their scrum. Esp when furlong comes on.
Here’s how I see the scrum going :
McGrath vs Lee : McGrath will destroy Lee in the scrum 10/10. McGrath is the best scrummaging loose head in the northern hemisphere at the moment along with Ben Arous with Healy constantly injured
Best vs Baldwin : Least important person in the front row in terms of scrummaging but Baldwin is much heavier and neither are natural “hookers” of the ball. Won’t play much of a role given the dominant Irish props.
White vs Evans : Whilst White isn’t great in the loose and is quite slow he makes up for this in his scrummaging he’s the cornerstone of a very dominant Connacht scrum and didn’t concede any penalties and held his own against Ben Arous & Ayzersa in the World Cup. Evans is inexperienced and not consist .
Subs
Cronin vs Owens : Cronin
J. Cronin vs Francis : based on most current form definitely Cronin . Francis will be a challenge given he’s ever improving at 22 and 137kg.
Furlong vs Jenkins : Jenkins based on experience
While I mostly agree with you, it’s not that simple I’m afraid
This isn’t fantasy football.
It’s 8 men against 8 men!
Think you’re greatly underrating Ken Owens or overrating Sean Cronin
Best not good at hooking the ball? Do you even watch rugby?
None of it matters. Earls is starting, so narrow defeat will be the outcome
And you are generally full of s#$t
Mcgrath has never dominated anyone in the front row. He’s not a good scrummager and an article on the score.is asked ” does jack mcgrath need a break! So I’m worried for our scrum but we’re Irish and know how to front up!its all to play for!
The Welsh aren’t exactly known for their humility… Shane Byrne once said they are the worst in rugby A win tomorrow will be glorious!
Is the scrum really an issue? Would have thought the game will hinge on competing at the line out against Alan Wyn Jones and the breakdown. What will Ireland do to combat those?
Our scrum will be fine. I fear for behind that.
Yeah your right Christian.
Line out and breakdown will be more important than the scrum.
We have a very consistent and reliable line out. It was the best in the pool stages of any team at the RWC. And we still have Devin Tall, out main weapon. Wouldn’t worry too much about line out.
But no POC and no POM.
I hope you are right but I need to be convinced this afternoon!
The scrum may the only positive. Bar Henshaw our backs are not or are no longer international class. We just need to get through wales & start to introduce the new chaps. That said wales can be vulnerable first time out.