“Opportunity” has been a word used often by the Wales management around these Summer Internationals, and Wales certainly took theirs on Saturday in a 16-10 victory. There were some standout performances from Justin Tipuric, who bagged an early try and from Lee Halfpenny who scored eleven points with the boot.
In some ways it was a strange game. Wales seemed to dominate for large periods, but their tackle count was almost double that of their opponents. New cap Tomas Francis was impressive in the scrum, which was much improved from the first fixture against Ireland in the Millennium Stadium at the beginning of August. At times, the lineout functioned well, but Wales still managed to cough up four lineouts on their own throw.
Overall though, victory for Wales in this game will give them real confidence. Warren Gatland’s tactics seem to be not to lose games, rather than going out to win them with exciting, attacking rugby and this game was no different.
After a shaky start, where Wales’s line was threatened by Ireland’s favoured cross-kick tactic, Wales settled into their normal rhythm. They were able to recycle the ball quickly and move through phases to test out the Irish defence. When Tipuric scored the first try of the game, after sustained pressure on the Irish line, it was actually a surprise that it had taken so long to cross the whitewash.
Then moving into half-time, Ireland struck back with a try of their own from Iain Henderson. However, what stood out to the keen eyed observer was Wales’ discipline. It took half an hour to concede their first penalty, and 35 minutes of the second half to do the same. The possession stats were in Ireland’s favour – 56% to Wales’ 44%. The territory almost identical 57% to 43%.
The half time score of 10-10 might have got the nerves jangling. However, apart from Ireland laying siege to Wales’ line at the end of the game, Ireland offered little threat. In the post-match interview, Gatland somewhat churlishly, some may say, commented on how the staff thought Ireland had actually played little rugby.
He wasn’t being churlish. Indeed, with the exception of the Scotland game on the last day of this year’s Six Nations, Ireland do actually play a limited game – as do Wales. No disrespect to them there. They have proved with regular victories over two of the three SH teams, and consecutive 6 Nations titles, that stopping them is easier said than done. But this is two victories for Wales, home and away, in five months against the team ranked second in the world – on Saturday at least.
This victory was important for Wales, in as much as they don’t need to be too concerned with starting slowly in September’s competition, as long as they keep progressing. They are shaking the rust out of their systems. Wales’ first game is against Uruguay next month, and although a good score is vital for points difference, they can continue on this path, and be ready for England in their next match.
There will be difficult questions to answer, most notably in the back row due to Tipuric’s performance. Warren Gatland said today that he would drop his captain Sam Warburton if the need arises. But history tells us, that Warburton responds incredibly well to these challenges. When his position is in danger, the next opportunity he gets he usually plays extremely well.
It wasn’t a perfect performance, and the knocks sustained by Alun Wyn Jones and Jamie Roberts will be concerning. But it is most certainly a step in the right direction. Some of the panic following the first game can be eased. Indeed, this result may well put a little bit of pressure on Ireland and England next weekend, to produce a good performance.
All told, Wales will be pretty happy with ending Ireland’s run of victories in Dublin – it’s their first defeat since the Autumn of 2013, when the All Blacks won a pulsating encounter. With the announcement of the final 31 today, they can continue to work on the little bits and pieces that were concerning – notably the lineout, where they lost four on their own throw, and shoring up the scrum.
The pressure has eased and the squad can be focussed on completing their preparations. Wales still have to produce top level performances to get out of their group in September, but following the all-important result on Saturday, it’s a further positive step forward in Gatland’s “process.”
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