Workmanlike Wales down Ireland

Workmanlike Wales down Ireland

8 Oct 2011

RYAN VREDE watched Wales deliver an excellent all-round performance to secure their passage to the semi-finals with a 22-10 victory over Ireland.

The Welsh were outnumbered in the stands of the Wellington Regional Stadium, but their charges gave their traveling support much to cheer by progressing to the last four for only the second time in their history. They finished clinically in scoring three tries against the side ranked as the best defensive unit in the tournament coming into this Test, but it would be remiss not to note their own defensive excellence.

They were white-hot out of the gates, scoring in the second minute in a move that featured powerful phase play that punched up left, snapped right and eventually swung out to Shane Williams on the touchline. You thought it was a statement of intent, instead they spent much of the remainder of the half repelling Ireland.

They did so powerfully, accurately and intelligently, building the defensive effort on an immense gainline fight that allowed them to flood the ruck and stifle Ireland’s attacking flow. Special mention must be made of Sam Warburton in this regard. His coach Warren Gatland said prior to the tournament that he is among the best openside flankers in the game and his performance tonight lent further credence to that assertion. He was ably assisted by his team-mates, who tackled relentlessly and desperately at times, but with the spirit that told the story of their deep desire to progress.

Serviced with a slow recycle Ireland’s attack lacked a cutting edge, and their cause was further undermined by a series of poorly executed tactical kicks from flyhalf Ronan O’Gara. However, their failings undoubtedly had its root in their collective incompetence in Wales’ 22m. Twice they opted for lineouts from kickable penalties, only to see the subsequent drive break down.

Ireland flanker Sean O’Brein was held up in goal and a minute later O’Gara grassed a pass with a numbers advantage on his outside. When Rob Kearney fielded a kick and broke from the halfway line you thought the deadlock would finally be broken. But Wales scrambled brilliantly, and were assisted by the fullback popping the ball into the grateful arms of Jamie Roberts. Ireland will reflect on that period with disappointment and will rightly point to it as being decisive to the outcome.

O’Gara finally got them on the board with a penalty, but Leigh Halfpenny soon re-established Wales’ seven point lead with a penalty kicked into the teeth of a wicked Wellington wind. Wales lead 10-3 at the break, but Ireland re-emerged from the tunnel with a purposeful swagger and had soon leveled the score when Keith Earls slid over in the corner and O’Gara landed a brilliant conversion. Game on.

The Test, so compelling, so engrossing up to that point, soared to even higher heights as Ireland twice turned over possession in their 22m. They were, however, helpless to deny Mike Phillips, who broke blind from a scrum and acrobatically touched down. Rhys Priestland missed the conversion, then struck the post with a penalty attempt and with 20 to play, Ireland were desperately trying to avoid being incinerated by the Dragons.

But Wales were irresistible, and when Priestland converted Jonathan Davies’ try to extend the lead to 12 points with 15 minutes to play, there was a distinct sense that Ireland would book straight through from Auckland airport home when they would have been hoping for a longer stay.

Ireland would mount a bold attempt at a rebuttal late in the piece, but Wales were always in control defensively. They’ve built steadily from their impressive performance against the Springboks and it will require a very good performance to beat them in a week’s time.


387 Comments

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  • 1.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:19 am

    Dragons to win.

  • 2.julz: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:23 am

    I second you Mr Slack.

  • 3.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:24 am

    Go Cymru!

  • 4.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:27 am

    I too have my doubts about those smiling Irish eyes this day.
    Their tight-forwards may just be that little bit better but the loose-forwards of Wales are superior and with a more complete game expected from Wales since General S. Jones is at the helm, I do expect Wales to advance to a semi-final berth.

    The Red Dragons of Wales is my call.

  • 5.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:28 am

    Taffies to edge the Paddies.

  • 6.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:33 am

    France has, I think, been deliberately flying under radar view and simply needed the unimportant game against Tonga as a practice run for today. They wasted no emotional energy then and are bubbling over with enthusiasm and energy for these English United Nations team.

    Is the France team about to show us some real flair?

    Either way they will still devour England United.

    So the semi-final in this half of the draw seems to me like it will be:

    Wales vs. France.

  • 7.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:35 am

    @TheTackler(TheTackler)-5:
    Have your Mom allowed you to go and watch any of the games at the stadiums?
    If so which ones?

  • 8.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:36 am

    I could be quite wrong as my Phillies got kicked out of the N.L. Championship final by St. Louis Cardinals(a very pretty red and black bird that).

  • 9.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:36 am

    up the Oirish!!!!

  • 10.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:38 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-7:

    Hey! jou verkrampte nare rassistiese vabond, hou jou bek.

    Is jy nog steeds “mixed race”, lieg bek?

  • 11.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:40 am

    I think O’Gara over Sexton might hurt them.

  • 12.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:41 am

    Wet conditions in Wellington………

  • 13.Peter Mkata: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:44 am

    I m going for the Welsh. They are generally a well rounded side. Boks were very lucky to win against them. Watch Jamie Roberts and their young captain. I am worried about their flyhalf though. He through the game away against the Springboks.

  • 14.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:48 am

    @Transfornication(Transfornication)-9:

    Do you really have to expose your stupidity in such a naked fashion?

    Can even the corrupt ANC ever be considered neo-racist?

    It is a political and historical impossibility because Europe gave Africa(and the world) both racism and colonialism and the neo-form of either can only be attached to the perpetrators you eFFin moron.

    Trying to smartarse it with Gunt(replace the G with a ‘C’) shows up your genuine lack of real knowledge despite ALL that dilute private involvment.

    A real challenge would be a trilogy at UCT.

  • 15.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:49 am

    Don’t feed the ****** people,just ignore.

  • 16.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:50 am

    m onkey

  • 17.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:50 am

    @Peter Mkata(Peter Mkata)-13: @Peter Mkata(Peter Mkata)-13:

    Have a look at this site page:

    http;//showme.co.za/lifestyle/rugbys-freedom-fighters

  • 18.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:51 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-15:

    Is die nare liegbek nog “mixed race”?

  • 19.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:54 am

    Two beautiful anthems coming up.

  • 20.Peter Mkata: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:55 am

    Hi ET and Transie

    Hope you are both fine guys.

  • 21.BillMcConnell: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:56 am

    Hey ET – calm down muscles. I’ve enjoyed this site because its a quality rugby blog – enough of the carry on – rugby starts in 5

  • 22.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:57 am

    Let’s just all ignore the troll and keep it rugby folks.
    Wales has a awesome anthem Mr Black.

  • 23.BillMcConnell: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 06:59 am

    last minute call – Wales by plenty!

  • 24.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:00 am

    The camera work in NZ is sub standard.

  • 25.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:00 am

    Ireland by 12. That’s my story. And I’m sticking to it. But it’s going to be close.

  • 26.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:00 am

    Bad picture and sound quality:-(

  • 27.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:01 am

    @BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-21:

    Be quiet you are just a visitor.

    I will shout for your team tomorrow.

  • 28.David: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:01 am

    Morning guys
    Too close to call, I reckon, but both playing great rugby. I reckon Ireland will shade it, though, on experience.

  • 29.President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:02 am

    irish by 6

  • 30.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:04 am

    Wales

    Wales

    Wales

  • 31.BillMcConnell: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:04 am

    @ET.(ET.)-27: So bloody what if I’m a visitor – be ironic for you to advise me when and where to speak.

  • 32.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:04 am

    Wales starting like a house on fire.

  • 33.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:04 am

    Try!
    Shane Williams is on of the top 5 wings in the world imho.
    He is a finisher.

  • 34.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:05 am

    WOW!!!!!!!

    This will put the tough group of SA in perspective.

  • 35.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:05 am

    Roberts the best 12 in the tournament

    (Other than Frans Steyn)

  • 36.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:05 am

    @BillMcConnell(BillMcConnell)-31:
    Just ignore the troll,he is baiting.

  • 37.BillMcConnell: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:06 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-36: Done

  • 38.President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:07 am

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-30: gm HG , hell boet you had me screaming with laughter yesterday

    keep it going lol

  • 39.David: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:08 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-33:
    He would have been far too small for Jake, though. :lol:

  • 40.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:09 am

    38. Huzzit Sharkey.

  • 41.President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:09 am

    ireland close

  • 42.Mr Black: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:10 am

    Bad descision.

    Always take the points.

  • 43.David: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:10 am

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-35:
    Along with Nonu.

  • 44.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:10 am

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-35:

    Something smart and then the inevitable garbage like Steyn.

  • 45.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:11 am

    @David(David)-39:
    Hahaha.
    PDivvy would select him.

  • 46.President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:11 am

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-40: you watching the sharks match tonight??

  • 47.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:11 am

    @ET.(ET.)-44:
    Ignore the troll

  • 48.ET.: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:12 am

    @David(David)-43:

    I see you made a bad investment in Double Fantasy?

    ‘Boks vs. Argies what a laugh.

  • 49.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:13 am

    Meant to say HG ignore the troll

  • 50.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    8 Oct 2011, 07:13 am

    Stupid decisions by Ireland

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