I just watched the game from the weekend. It was a big improvement not only on performances in this 6 nations but in games against France in recent years.
The 4 previous 6N matches Ireland averaged 0.25 tries per game. Could have had 6 in that game.
France were not great but the reason Ireland were more dangerous in that game could be summed up in 1 word, variety.
Instead of one out runners and Murray box kicks we saw a great more variety in the attack. Little tip on passes from the forwards, more passing options in general, Ringrose being used to kick etc. It made for a much more fluid attack and the attack wasn't even that expansive, it just had a few extra dimensions.
It was far from perfect, errors were made but the extra variety of attacking options ment the French defence got stretched and resulted in more tries than the last 5 games against France put together.
Wales will be tougher to break down but the France game will be giving Gatland and Edwards more homework to do. Schmidt surely knows they can't approach playing Wales like they usually do with box kicks and one out runners.
If we play like we played against France then I can see an Ireland win. The way Ireland moved the ball also ment the match wasn't as physical as usual and the tries scored gave Schmidt the luxury of putting on the subs early. Ireland are in a good place heading to Cardiff.
paddyor wrote:This gets a blast every year but didn't Schmidt say it has nothing to do with him only a few years ago? It's just the Welsh making a song and dance about it.
Reading walesonline is good craic this week. We even have Eddie Jones trolling them.