"Wales (4.7 on Betfair) have yet to put in a good performance for 80 minutes. They are missing several key players and while they are not to be taken lightly, Ireland (1.3) should register another home win."(credit:
martindo)
Ireland's defeat to France in Paris is still a painful memory for the players. It was the catalyst for a gritty, determined performance against England and it will carry them through to the end of this year's championship
But it was also a useful lesson. If Declan Kidney is to realise Ireland's potential for the 2011 World Cup, it is imperative that each chapter on the road to New Zealand is stored and banked. In the months ahead, Ireland will again find themselves starved of possession and territory on the field and will be asked to call on their reserves.
The decision to keep Jonathon Sexton at fly-half this weekend is not unexpected. Sexton did not perform poorly against England but will probably admit to lapses in concentration at certain stages during the game. He deserves another start. Similarly, Geordan Murphy's inclusion at the expense of Rob Kearney shows yet again the coaches propensity to stick with the form player. Murphy was solid in defence against a robust England offence.
Rob Kearney has had a poor tournament so far and this may be the wake-up call he needs to rediscover the form of last summer's Lions Tour in South Africa. Murphy's defensive skills will be tested to their limit against an aggressive Wales side on Saturday. It will be a day for cool heads and experience.
Warren Gatland will undoubtedly have targeted this game as an opportunity to turn Wales' championship around. A frustrating defeat to England was followed by a fortunate win over Scotland and an inept first-half display against France. Wales have an air of arrogance about them this year that is misplaced.
They have a lack of leadership on the field that has reached crisis levels and are further weakened by the absence of captain Ryan Jones this weekend. Decision making throughout the team is often poor and their stubborn belief that they can 'out-play' almost any opposition has cost them dearly this season. Twice in this campaign - against Scotland and France - Warren Gatland watched his team implode in the first half, conceding ridiculous tries and then tried to chase the match with a sevens style game plan.
This is not sustainable at international level and Wales (4.7 on Betfair) have yet to put in a good performance for 80 minutes. They are missing several key players and while they are not to be taken lightly, Ireland (1.3) should register another home win.