When the Six Nations kicked off and the opening round begun, Wales and Ireland found themselves in two very different places.
For the Wales Rugby Team, they were looking forward in optimism having come away with a hard-fought victory over their Italian counterparts. Thus, they successfully completed the onerous task of playing Italy first in the competition.
On the other hand, Ireland went on against Scotland at Murrayfield where they ended up in a disappointing defeat to their Scottish counterparts. Thus, there hopes of a Grand Slam and Triple Crown were thrown out almost immediately.
The championship competition has just two more rounds left to go and Ireland knows that with a win over Wales in Cardiff, they would most probably be able to secure a winner takes all clash in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium against England on St. Patrick’s weekend.
With England’s poor performance in their defeat of Italy last weekend, Ireland now holds a superior point’s difference to Eddie Jones’ side – +58 to +29 -. In essence, this means that where England can secure a bonus-point victory over Scotland, and Ireland comes off with only a non-bonus point victory over, a victory without a losing bonus point would be enough to enable them win the championship.
However, Wales has to be beaten first by Ireland. Shane Williams, former Welsh Rugby legend recently revealed to SportsJOE that Ireland would only have a very good chance of securing a victory if they make use of the similar style of play used by Scotland against Wales.
“Wales were very frustrated by Scotland and, if that’s how Ireland play, they will frustrate Wales and make it very difficult for Wales. I think Wales are going to have to play out of their skin to beat this Irish team, I really do,” Williams noted.