THE 2022 SIX Nations is upon us and – following the progress shown under Andy Farrell at the back end of last year – there is reason for a degree of optimism if you’re an Ireland fan.
Ahead of this afternoon’s opener against Wales in Dublin, Ciaran Kennedy has picked out his key talking points with the latest prices from William Hill…
Ireland are in good health
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and (left) assistant coach Mike Catt watching (right) Johnny Sexton during the Captain's Run. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
There is a feeling that this could be one of the most competitive Six Nations in recent memory. England and France are both either missing key men or only welcoming influential players back from injury, Scotland feel confident of taking a few scalps and last year’s champions, Wales, enter the tournament with a long injury list.
With all that in mind, Ireland look in great shape. The November window represented a period of real progress for Andy Farrell’s team, and with the provinces going well in Europe, they look to be carrying some momentum into this tournament.
First up it’s Wales at the Aviva Stadium, and if things click for Andy Farrell’s side, you sense it could be a difficult day for the visitors, who travel to Dublin without the services of inspirational captain Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny, Ken Owens, George North, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi and Taulupe Faletau.
Their matchday 23 contains eight players with less than 15 caps to their name, and one debutant, and while there is still plenty of talent in their team, it certainly looks a big ask for them to come to Dublin against a strong looking Ireland team.
Mack Hansen is named in Ireland's team. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
The fact that Mack Hansen has been promoted straight into the starting team for his Test debut is a sign of just how highly Farrell and his coaching team rate the Connacht winger.
Advertisement
The 23-year-old has been a revelation since arriving in Galway from the Brumbies last summer, although injury means he’s only clocked up nine appearances for the province to date.
Fortune has fallen his way ahead of the Six Nations opener, with Leinster’s James Lowe out injured and Keith Earls and Robert Baloucoune both picking up knocks in camp, but no caps are handed out easily at this level.
With Lowe unavailable, Hansen is perhaps the most like-for-like option in Farrell’s squad.
The winger can roam infield and likes to be heavily involved in the action, and also possesses that bit of unpredictability in attack thanks to his superb pace and sharp footwork.
If Ireland can continue to develop some of the excellent attacking play we saw in November, Hansen could thrive at this level, and looks well placed to get his international career off to a memorable start against a depleted Welsh team.
Ireland facing Wales in last year's tournament. Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
Momentum is hugely important in the Six Nations, with last year’s championship once again illustrating this. Ireland were in the game against Wales before losing Peter O’Mahony to a red card. After that losing start in Cardiff, Farrell’s side never really got going until the final round win over England.
Wales, on the other hand, built on that opening weekend win and went on to claim an unlikely championship title, having come into the tournament under massive pressure following a difficult November window.
They got the rub of the green along the way – with Ireland, Scotland and France all have players sent off against Wayne Pivac’s side – but the Ireland game gave them a platform to build on throughout the tournament.
The hope is Ireland can get off to a winning start this weekend and benefit from a similar momentum boost. For Wales, defeat could kick-start a difficult championship given the amount of key men missing.
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
Embed this post
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Hansen to make an impact on his debut: Talking points for Ireland's Six Nations opener
THE 2022 SIX Nations is upon us and – following the progress shown under Andy Farrell at the back end of last year – there is reason for a degree of optimism if you’re an Ireland fan.
Ahead of this afternoon’s opener against Wales in Dublin, Ciaran Kennedy has picked out his key talking points with the latest prices from William Hill…
Ireland are in good health
There is a feeling that this could be one of the most competitive Six Nations in recent memory. England and France are both either missing key men or only welcoming influential players back from injury, Scotland feel confident of taking a few scalps and last year’s champions, Wales, enter the tournament with a long injury list.
With all that in mind, Ireland look in great shape. The November window represented a period of real progress for Andy Farrell’s team, and with the provinces going well in Europe, they look to be carrying some momentum into this tournament.
First up it’s Wales at the Aviva Stadium, and if things click for Andy Farrell’s side, you sense it could be a difficult day for the visitors, who travel to Dublin without the services of inspirational captain Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny, Ken Owens, George North, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi and Taulupe Faletau.
Their matchday 23 contains eight players with less than 15 caps to their name, and one debutant, and while there is still plenty of talent in their team, it certainly looks a big ask for them to come to Dublin against a strong looking Ireland team.
William Hill odds: Ireland to win by 11-15 points – 11/2
Mack to make an impact
The fact that Mack Hansen has been promoted straight into the starting team for his Test debut is a sign of just how highly Farrell and his coaching team rate the Connacht winger.
The 23-year-old has been a revelation since arriving in Galway from the Brumbies last summer, although injury means he’s only clocked up nine appearances for the province to date.
Fortune has fallen his way ahead of the Six Nations opener, with Leinster’s James Lowe out injured and Keith Earls and Robert Baloucoune both picking up knocks in camp, but no caps are handed out easily at this level.
With Lowe unavailable, Hansen is perhaps the most like-for-like option in Farrell’s squad.
If Ireland can continue to develop some of the excellent attacking play we saw in November, Hansen could thrive at this level, and looks well placed to get his international career off to a memorable start against a depleted Welsh team.
William Hill odds: Mack Hansen first try-scorer – 8/1
Momentum is key
Momentum is hugely important in the Six Nations, with last year’s championship once again illustrating this. Ireland were in the game against Wales before losing Peter O’Mahony to a red card. After that losing start in Cardiff, Farrell’s side never really got going until the final round win over England.
Wales, on the other hand, built on that opening weekend win and went on to claim an unlikely championship title, having come into the tournament under massive pressure following a difficult November window.
They got the rub of the green along the way – with Ireland, Scotland and France all have players sent off against Wayne Pivac’s side – but the Ireland game gave them a platform to build on throughout the tournament.
The hope is Ireland can get off to a winning start this weekend and benefit from a similar momentum boost. For Wales, defeat could kick-start a difficult championship given the amount of key men missing.
William Hill odds: Ireland to win the Six Nations & Wales to finish in the bottom two – 7/1
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
andy farrell Six Nations Ireland Mack Hansen Sponsored By William Hill Talking Points Wales William Hill