Tough Wales battle back in Dublin

It certainly was a fierce opening weekend to the post-World Cup 6 Nations. The game in Paris swung back and forth more times than a metronome, with neither team showing considerable control of the game. Up in Scotland, Eddie Jones' England choked the life out of the men in blue, suffocating the match in an incredibly powerful and effective display. Meanwhile out in Dublin, Wales and Ireland produced yet another closely contested arm wrestle that both teams could have won.

Ireland and Wales duked it out in a full on aggressive test match that left bodies lying everywhere.

In the end it finished honours even which was a justifiable result for all those involved. In post match interviews it seemed the Welsh were the more disappointed of the two. Whereas the Irish were just disappointed about losing, the men in red looked like they had lost. In the final 20 minutes, if any team was going to take all the point, it looked like Wales were in charge. Lead by the ferocious ball carrying and thunderous tackles of Jamie Roberts, Wales were camped inside Ireland's half for long lengths of time. Although to be fair to Ireland they avoided giving away any penalties to give Wales the victory which seems to getting a very difficult thing to do these days. Plenty of credit should also go to referee Garces for keeping the breakdown a fair contest throughout - although he did miss a few glaring forward passes from both sides.

Priestland had a measured performance
in Dublin.

The pre-match build up was largely focused on the fly-half battle, between the two Lion's prospects
for the 10 shirt. Sadly it didn't last as Dan Biggar was injured within the first minute, and eventually limped off after twenty minutes. Which meant the inclusion of Rhys Priestland, many fans (including myself) felt that would be the nail in the Welsh coffin. At first it seemed our fears were vindicated, with practically his first touch of the ball dropping a pass, which while it wasn't a great pass was still catchable, before allowing Devin Toner to collect the ball and break away. Shortly afterwards, Toner again caused problems charging down scrum half Davies' box kick, instead of simply touching the ball down and calming everything down with a 22m drop out, Priestland panicked producing a hap-hazard sliced clearance kick. A few phases later Connor Murray was diving over the try line to give Ireland a 13 point lead.

It looked an impossible task for Wales at this point, two scores down and without arguably their form player. Instead Wales stepped up and fought back, with their scrum to the fore. A succession of scrum penalties on the Ireland 5m line lead to Talupe Faletau powered over the line. After his earlier wobbles Priestland seemed to find his old confidence, moving Wales around the park with some crisp passing and getting them out of some tight spots with some excellent clearance kicks. If Biggar is injured for Scotland next week then Priestland looks stable enough to step into the famed shirt, although Anscombe will also be pushing for the privilege.

The other topic widely discussed by the media and pundits is whether Wales were going to finally adopt a more expansive and adventurous game plan. On first appearance Jamie Roberts crash balls were still heavily prominent; but that is justified it has been highly effective for years, the desired "expansion" shouldn't replaced Warrenball, but instead be a layer added on top. This looked like it was beginning to happen, Wales getting North on the ball in and around the 13 channel looking to utilise his size and speed by bringing him in from the blindside. Jonathan Davies' return added the extra dimension that was missing in the world cup, the little kicks in behind the defence, forcing the opposition to turn and Wales to put pressure on. The only glaring issue for Wales in the wider areas was the backs drifted far too much on the ball, allowing the Irish defence to shift across the pitch without much issue. Wales produced a few opportunities, but players needed to straighten up and fix

The return of Davies increased Wales' portency

their man before shifting the ball out, it's a simple thing but it makes a large difference.

In addition Wales were not afraid to have forwards in the outside channels, allowing Wales to play a more expansive game and have forwards around in case of a breakdown. This had it's problems in the obvious lack in ability between forwards and backs, killing a couple of potential try scoring opportunities, but that is a price that will have to be paid. But this is an indicator of Wales attempting to play like Southern Hemisphere sides, trusting forwards to execute 2-on-1's and 3-on-2's, the only reason it didn't work this weekend was due to a lack of skills. Something that can be worked upon, even if it will never be as intrinsic as the Kiwi forwards. It's a start.

Lastly, many eyebrows were raised by the selection of Rob Evans over the veteran Gethin Jenkins or even top scrummager Paul James. Rob Evans is seen as the future and after this showing he is also the present, up against a renowned - if weakened - Irish scrum he was part of a dominant Welsh pack. And in the loose he was as industrious and active as the man he replaced, making a number of tackles and a large number of carries. He was replaced quite early in the second half which shows he still has a short way to go on the stamina front, but he could easily be Wales' first choice by the end of the 6 Nations. Gatland is sure to utlise the likes of Jenkins and James effectively during the championship both as starters and replacements, but also to help teach the new generation and turn them into the top class props they are capable of being.

Rob Evans produced an excellent display, proving he is the ready replacement for veteran Gethin Jenkins.

Russell lacked in confidence against
England.

Looking ahead to next weekend, how are Scotland looking. In short they looked rusty, a lot of players were off their best, and they seemed incapable of executing an attacking game, not to mention a constant slew of basic handling errors costing them possession and territory. Finn Russell so widely praised during the World Cup seemed devoid of confidence. Greig Laidlaw the hero of Scotland's campaign in September/October looked tired, slow to every breakdown which cost Scotland any sort of tempo. The forwards struggled to get over the gain line, and classy centre Mark Bennett was clearly low on match experience. However there were positives among the defeat. The scrum was solid, if actually stronger than England's; Stuart Hogg looked a threat every time he had the ball and constantly looked to challenge the English kick chase; and John Hardie has continued his great form fighting at every breakdown and tackling everything he could find.

It's going to be tough for Scotland to find form at a sell-out Principality Stadium (formerly Millennium Stadium), but they could still cause Wales problems. The scrum will be a big battle, and I think potentially Scotland have the edge, which could cause Gatland to select Jenkins or James to start on Saturday. Scotland also tried to use the double open-side system that served Australia so well, but it didn't quite work, to be fair neither did it for Wales. The main reason it didn't work for Scotland was because they lacked any ferocity in defence, which meant they were always on the back foot limiting the chances the flankers had to get involved. For Wales the end result was the same, but their problem was arch jackler Warburton was two yards further from the initial breakdown after every set piece due to playing 6 instead of 7. Two yards doesn't sound much, but it's another one or two seconds which Warburton is behind the tackle point meaning he can't get set over the ball and strong before the clear out arrives.

If Wales want to Warburton at his best they need to select him at 7 in my opinion, and as big an admirer I am of Justin Tipuric, Warburton's breakdown ability at international level is a big presence than Tipuric. Tipuric also has the ability to make an impact from the bench, something that Warburton is less likely to pull off, although to really make an impact on a game he needs more than 10 minutes at the end of a game. Wales - and Gatland - have known their best back-row balance for four years now Lydiate-Warburton-Faletau. They provide the complete package and balance each other expertly, it's an unpopular opinion among the Welsh public but I feel it's the best trio we can put out, even if Tipuric is a "better player".

The Lydiate-Warburton-Faletau has been so successful since it's inception.

There are few other selection issues heading to Saturday, other than the hope that Biggar is fit, although if not Priestland looks capable enough to fill the void once again. At fullback Liam Williams will have had another week of conditioning and training on top of the full 80 in Dublin and will be looking once again like his best adding that extra dimension to Wales' game. Tom James had little impact on the game, although his defence was noted shutting down one massive break with excellent reading of the play. In the pack at loosehead as mentioned we could the return of Jenkins to combat WP Nel on the Scottish tight-head although Rob Evans did nothing wrong on Sunday. At lock, alongside Alun Wyn Jones, Charteris provides plenty of lineout ability and an endless work ethic for defence, however against the gritty Scotland pack it might be worth starting Bradley Davies and battering the fringe defence for the first 50-60 minutes.

The game plan should remain largely the same as it did against Ireland. Roberts' ball carrying ability has improved since signing for Harlequins hitting harder and faster with better lines and should be used. The encouraging signs of the additional usage of George North has to continue and become even more effective, if Wales can get him to either run into gaps created by offloads in and out-off the tackle; or get him to set up the offloads by drawing two defenders to him - as he did all game against Ireland - then the likes of Liam Williams and Tom James could rake in the tries. The new layer in Wales' arsenal is a wonderful thing and should be built upon against Scotland. Last year Wales used the aerial ability of their backline to beat the Scots, and England used it effectively too this weekend, if Biggar returns in addition to Williams, James and Roberts it's a method that should be considered again. I think Wales will have too much for Scotland especially in front of 74,000 supporters, but it's not a game that can be taken lightly.

Prediction Wales -  by 8+ points

Wales Line-Up
Backs: L Williams, G North, J Davies, J Roberts, T James, D Biggar/R Priestland, G Davies
Forwards: R Evans, S Baldwin, S Lee, B Davies, AW Jones, D Lydiate, S Warburton, T Faletau
Subs: K Owens, G Jenkins, T Francis, L Charteris, J Tipuric, A Davies, R Priestland/G Anscombe, H Amos

6 Nations Preview Ireland, Scotland & Wales

We've already looked at England and the two continental teams (France & Italy) in the first part of this Preview. Now it's time for the Celtic Nations.

Ireland

Who replaces POC?

Double champions, they're favourites in a lot of people's eyes, despite their catastrophic collapse against Argentina in the World Cup Quarter Finals. However it's not plain sailing for Irish Rugby at the moment, they've lost their long standing talisman in Paul O'Connell, no Irish teams made the knockout stages of the Champions Cup, and Jonathan Sexton is once again struggling with concussion related issues. The injury issues don't stop in their on-field general, they are also missing the tough as stone O'Mahony at flanker, Iain Henderson who is seen as O'Connell's replacement, prolific try scorer Tommy Bowe, and Luke Fitzgerald has been ruled out too. Not to mention three front rowers out of action.

It's not all doom and gloom across the Irish Sea, Joe Schmidt has spent much of his tenure developing considerable squad depth in practically every position - except maybe at half-back. So they are more than capable of plugging these holes with quality, it's just the number of first choice options missing that could scupper their chances this year. Most importantly Schimdt needs to find a centre partnership that could provide some midfield threat, Ireland have become the biggest exponents of choking the life out of a game over recent years, rather than being known for scoring tries they prefer to deny the game many points. In the end it's what let them down during the World Cup. This system can be seen forthright in Schmidt's selection at centre with Henshaw and Payne, two players who before putting on the green shirt were more accustomed to the fullback position. Typifying the kicking game so perfectly executed by Schmidt & Sexton. With many teams talking about taking a lead out of the Southern Hemisphere book, it might be time for Ireland to try youth and exuberance instead, Henshaw can stay he's shown his qualities as a tough strong centre in the mould of Jamie Roberts, I would like to see the introduction of Ulsterman Stuart McCloskey who has been terrorising defences in the PRO12 this year. Big and powerful, with a deft boot and soft hands incredibly capable of pulling out the offloads which can unpick defences.

Stuart McCloskey is going to be a future star for Ireland, will he feature this year?

Other than the Ireland team picks itself, the bullocking Sean O'Brien and the professional Heaslip slot into the backrow, Toner adds height to the lineout and captain Rory Best lead's the pack from the front. Murray and Sexton continue their world class partnership, the wing berths have half a dozen players wanting to fill them, and Rob Kearney will look to rule the skies with his excellent catching ability.

Starting against Wales in Dublin promises to be a tasty encounter to round out the first weekend. It's been a ding-dong battle between Wales and Ireland over the last decade or so, neither team able to consistently beat the other. Ireland will hope home advantage will count for plenty - even if Wales won the last time in Dublin - and kick off their title defence with a win. If not it could be a long year with both France and England away after Wales, which will be very tricky places to restart the title defence at.

Star Player: Jonathan Sexton

Player to Watch: Stuart McCloskey

Scotland

What a World Cup Scotland had: they beat giant killers Japan in a second half rout, succumbed to the physicality of South Africa, and then almost flunked out the tournament against Samoa. All before having the game of their careers against eventual runners up Australia, yes they should have won, but that's in the past and Scotland have to move on from that heart-ache. Wales have shown what can happen after a team have a wonderfully successful World Cup campaign (see 2011), and use the heartache in the following 6 Nations, Scotland should follow suit.

Bennet back form injury just in time

There is plenty of hope for Scotland in this tournament, they're not struggling with a lot of injuries, only really at centre, but Mark Bennett has made a timely return to ease concerns and Duncan Taylor is having a great time playing for table topping Saracens in the Aviva Premiership. In the PRO12 both Scottish teams are having considerable success, Edinburgh currently sit in the play-off positions, and Glasgow have been playing strong rugby despite sitting in 8th (although they do have two games to play). They possess talent across the board, WP Nel became a fan favourite for his scrummaging ability in the World Cup, Finn Russell is becoming an assured fly-half who makes few mistakes, John Hardie provides them with serious breakdown firepower, and the Gray brothers are a fantastic partnership in the engine room. Stuart Hogg is their biggest attacking threat, always looking to run the ball back and incredibly good at scything through would-be tacklers with regularity. And that's before you mention his siege cannon of a boot, which provides a safe exit route from their 22, and can knock over 50+ meter penalties should it be needed.

Perhaps most important to the Scotland cause if scrum-half and captain Greig Laidlaw. He had his doubters going into the World Cup, that perhaps he should be replaced by the young and impressive Hidalgo-Clyne. He proved all of them wrong, leading Scotland through difficult matches, perfectly running the game, and kicking with a 90% kicking accuracy which constantly kept the scoreboard ticking over. He was arguably the best scrum half at the World Cup, and he needs to take this form into the 6 Nations if Scotland want to succeed.

Laidlaw is the heartbeat of Scotland, his goal kicking will prove crucial too

If Scotland are going to have any problems it is likely to arise from attrition more than anything, while the first choice players provide plenty of talent, the back ups are not of the same calibre. If Scotland suffer any injuries to key players (see Laidlaw, Hogg, Russell or Nel) they could begin to falter. The opening weekend provides the perfect chance to start strong, the Calcutta Cup is the best way to get the Scottish players excited for the first match and give it their all. After that is two away games in Cardiff and Rome, tricky but not impossible, win at Murrayfield and momentum will start to build.

Star Player: Greig Laidlaw

Player to Watch: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

Wales

Settled, confident and pundit's favourite. Wales know what they're doing in the 6 Nations, the most successful team in the last decade they know what it takes to win this championship. They are practically back to full strength, with the exception of missing Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb from the starting team. And thanks to the most horrific run of injuries during the World Cup have built up significant strength in depth. Perhaps most importantly they have Test Lion Jonathan Davies back and playing excellent rugby for his club - Clermont. He has been a linchpin in the Welsh set up for years, and his partnership with Jamie Roberts is important, especially in defence, the style which Wales defends involves the outside centre rushing hard, and reading the opposition attack, allowing Wales to shut them down deep behind the gainline if possible. 

Jonathan Davies' timely return could help Wales reclaim their title

Warren Gatland has been attacked quite extensively in the last few weeks for Wales' attacking system, and that it lacks creativity and the ability to score tries. This may be true, as such Gatland and Howley (Wales attacking coach) have promised a new arrow to the Welsh attacking quiver alongside infamous "Warrenball". With Liam Williams back from injury and looking lethal, Hallam Amos provides much needed finishing ability and footballing ability out wide too, and Jonathan Davies has shown again and again what he brings in attack. At fly-half Dan Biggar became a super-star during the World Cup and will be looking to continue his form and be the "Governor" of Gatland's side, at scrum half there is a fight between all three players, Gareth Davies is the man in possession but there are questions over his game management and the fact that rival Aled Davies has kept him on the bench at the Scarlets this season. Then there is Lloyd Williams who I've always seen as the best tactical scrum-half in Wales and could play an important role through the tournament.

In the pack Sam Warburton lacks game time, but has always proven his ability at Test Level and should not be taken lightly because of it. Once again the debate rages whether to select Tipuric or Lydiate alongside the captain. Each provide widely different qualities and it could become a horses for courses selection along the road and it could provide a challenge for Wales' opponents not entirely sure what type of game Wales will bring to the game. Samson Lee wasn't at his best in the World Cup but with a couple of months of game-time under his belt he looks ready to become the replacement to Adam Jones he was touted to be. In the locks they have the world class Alun Wyn Jones, who

Fan favourite Tipuric is set to start against Ireland

literally never takes a backwards step, alongside either enforcer Bradley Davies or the giraffe like Charteris. Wales are well covered in all positions in the scrum and will not be concerned about injuries to the point that other teams might be. 

If Wales' campaign is going to fall down anywhere, it will be in the first week. With some crucial players still coming back from lengthy lay offs they could struggle in Dublin against and Irish team who will be looking to win three championships in a row. Ireland are huge exponents of the kicking game and the Welsh back-three will need to be fit and raring to go ready to dog-fight across the skies for most of the game. It could be an issue. After that it's two home games on the bounce against Scotland and France, two games the players should be confident of winning especially in the (newly named) Principality Stadium.

Star Player: Alun Wyn Jones

Player to Watch: Hallam Amos

6 Nations Preview - England, France & Italy

The greatest annual tournament is back next weekend, and it's more open than ever before. Five teams have a realistic chance of wining the tournament, especially with two new coaches for England and France. After the attacking flair shown at the end of last years tournament, and the wonderful nature in which the World Cup was played, could we be in store for not only a fiercely competitive tournament but one filled with exciting width play and style? We shall look at each team as they head into the tournament, and where they are likely to finish.

England

Eddie Jones looks to rebuild England

The World Cup was a mess, but they are starting afresh with entirely new coaching set up and a new captain too. In all honesty despite the struggles last time out, England look in good shape heading into the 6 Nations. With 5 teams through to the European Champions Cup knockout stages, lead the way by the all conquering Saracens. It will certainly be interesting as to Eddie Jones' first team selection, his first 23 man squad raised some eyebrows, mainly because it consisted of players that were present during the World Cup. No room for arguably the best outside centre in European rugby - Elliot Daley - with Jones sticking with the internationally proven Jonathan Joseph instead.

The argument is that going up to Murrayfield first out would be the definition of a baptism of fire and not the greatest place to earn your first international cap. It tells us Eddie Jones is looking to get through this 6 Nations with as many wins as he can get, no consideration for the future yet. It's a pragmatic approach but could lead to some England fans getting frustrated with the same players on the field that were there under Lancaster.

Eddie Jones is known to be a coach who really likes the idea of two play makers in the backline, it seems he is going for the same style under England, with the selection of Ollie Devoto and reports of Ford and Farrell playing alongside each other. Without a doubt in the future it seem Henry Slade will be slotted into the 12 jersey, which just leaves the question of who will fill the outside centre channel.

Where does Tuilagi fit in?

It's a tricky selection with Daley, Joseph and the returning Tuilagi all demanding consideration. I suppose it comes down to what game plan Jones wants to play. Looking back to when he coached Japan, he might like the idea of Tuilagi at 13, offering serious ball carrying, gain line ability to compliment the passing ability at 10 and 12. Or instead he could move the bruising Manu into 12 and add the gas of Joseph and Daley outside him. This can be achieved with Jones' preffered twin playmaker system if England select the likes of Goode at fullback.

This 6 Nations seems to still be a little early for Tuilagi who is still coming back from a lengthy injury, which leaves England a little light on bulk and could heavily rely on their forward carriers. James Haskell is playing incredibly well for Wasps, and the Saracens pack is dominating everyone they come across. If England can take the form of their forwards into this campaign they will be a really tough team to beat. While they may still be lacking the classic "jackle" open-side flanker, they still have a selection of players who can win turnovers and slow down the opponents ball. It is not something that should drastically affect them this year.

Their first game is against Scotland, it's a tough fixture especially with the confidence Scotland have from the World Cup. I don't know if England can take Scotland at Murrayfield with players still learning the new attacking systems. It could prove the opposite with Scotland being unable to cope with a brand new England team however.

Star Player: Mike Brown
Player to Watch: Elliot Daley

France

Another like England with a brand new coach, who also seems to have brought a breath of fresh air into the squad. Gone is the wrecking ball Basteraud instead replaced with more balanced runners. France have to replace the legendary Duisatoir after his retirement from the game, but new coach Noves seems to be giving youth a chance and adding plenty of young exciting backrowers into the mix alongside the veteran Picamoles. 

Fofana has always been amazing, will it finally
be in a functional French side?

Frances always have been a mixed bag team, but under Saint-Andre they seemed a team on the wane, unable to control a game, having to rely heavily on a moment of magic to win them a game. Talent is not exactly a quality lacking in France with backs famed for their ability to beat a man and break the line, none more so than Fofana. Fofana is likely to thrive under the new coaching system a team looking far more lethal and potent in attack, with a pack of forwards that offer considerable ball carrying ability combined with athleticism. 

French club's have struggled a little in the Champions Cup this season. Clermont were touted as favourites for this years tournament, and instead were knocked out in the pools. Toulon got out of their pool the hard way in the end after Wasps dismantled them in the early rounds. Despite this France could provide a piece of the unknown to this tournament, not sure if they'll spark back to life or be the damn squib they have been for a while. Specific players, in important positions, have been showing their quality during the season, Fofana, Guidrado, and Picamoles have been playing very well week in, week out.

The biggest struggle for France for years has been finding a half-back partnership that clicks and runs the game well together. Morgan Parra has more often than not been chosen at scrum half for years, and with the nickname of "Little General" he is known for his ability to run a game and make the right decision at the right time. The biggest problem has been finding a fly-half to play outside him. France have gone through uncountable numbers of fly-halves in the last few years, which is probably the main reason they've struggled for game contingency. There is still no stand out performer in France, so it will probably be the case that Guy Noves will have to make his selection early and stick with him for the tournament in the hope he can find his feet and form the required partnership.

Parra hopes he'll have a consistent fly-half outside of him for the duration of this tournament

Up first is Italy in Paris, it should be an easy game for France, and I expect a considerable score. Especially after the final weekend last year, France might be looking to pile on the points early this time around in case it comes down to points difference yet again. It will be the perfect fixture for Noves to play new caps and to test our his new gameplan. Provided France get on the front foot early on, the crowd will be behind them and they should walk to victory.

Star Player: Wesley Fofana
Player to Watch: Jonathan Danty

Italy

Campagnaro provides quality in the Italian backline

This is going to be a very tough tournament for Italy, they are the only team hasn't progressed in recent years, and despite the occasional heroic victory they've never strung together a consistent performance. As such the calls for the likes of Georgia to be included are stronger than ever. Never the less they still provide a potential banana skin for the big teams and should never just be considered an easy win. With the super human Sergio Parisse providing the skill set to practically become a team in his own right, they possess someone who will never give in. A selection of young players are starting to find their feet in international rugby, with Gori becoming a great scrum half especially to play a fast tempo game. Campagnaro is plying his trade for Exter Chiefs - currently second in the Aviva Premiership - and should hopefully add his skill set and ability to Italy's
backline. 

The Italian clubs are struggling at the bottom of the PRO12, and while they cause opponents problems at home, on the road they are often put to the sword with relative ease. It is an issue for the national coach when the club sides provide limited success and barren ground for the development of youthful talent. Never more so in the continued inability to find a competent fly half, in all faceats of the game. We've had flash in the pan 10's with Luciano Orquera tearing apart France one week before flailing with no control the next week, and Tomasso Allan coming from Scotland's youth structure, having some success but never grasping the shirt. The biggest issue has been not having a Test level goal kicker to knock over the points on a regular basis and give them footholds in games.

With the excitment and form of all the other teams coming into this 6 Nations, I feel this could be Italy's worst tournament in a few years. And teams will be looking to pile on the points against them in case it comes down to points difference like last year.

Star Player: Sergio Parisse
Players to Watch: Michele Campagnaro