WARREN Gatland believes Wales are primed for a big performance against Ireland today, not just to win the Triple Crown but also to avenge eight frustrating years. Wales have not won in Dublin since 2000 – ironically when Gatland was in charge of the Irish – and all of those defeats have been heavy. Two years ago, Wales were humbled 31-5 at Lansdowne Road, while the heaviest defeat was 54-10 in 2002.
Gatland said: "I know the players have been hurt in the past by the poor performances they have had in Ireland and the wounds are pretty deep. These guys want to give a good account of themselves. "(They] have blown me away in terms of how much they
have developed in the last couple of months, excited about the potential of this team."
Wales head to Croke Park on top of the RBS 6 Nations table after wins over England, Scotland and Italy. Victory would set up a shot at the Grand Slam when France visit the Millennium Stadium next weekend. But if the result does go against them today, Wales will still have a chance to clinch the title against France on the final weekend.
"The championship is the most important thing. To win a Triple Crown on the way is pretty special but our focus is on the championship," said Gatland.
Ireland have had to make changes due to injury – Rob Kearney has switched to full-back and Shane Horgan returns on the wing – but Gatland remains wary of a side that appears to have climbed out of its World Cup slump. "I couldn't put my finger on why Ireland were so disappointing at the World Cup. Perhaps they don't handle (being favourites] well.
If they are criticised or have their backs to the wall they come out fighting," added Gatland.
Ireland: R Kearney (Leinster); S Horgan (Leinster), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), A Trimble (Ulster), T Bowe (Ulster); R O'Gara (Munster), E Reddan (Wasps); M Horan (Munster), R Best (Ulster), J Hayes (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), D Wallace (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster). Subs: B Jackman (Leinster), T Buckley (Munster), M O'Driscoll (Munster), S Easterby (Scarlets), P Stringer (Munster), P Wallace (Ulster), L Fitzgerald (Leinster).
Wales: L Byrne (Ospreys); M Jones (Scarlets), T Shanklin (Blues), G Henson (Ospreys), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), M Phillips (Ospreys); G Jenkins (Blues), H Bennett (Ospreys), A Jones (Ospreys), I Gough (Ospreys), AW Jones (Ospreys), J Thomas (Ospreys), M Williams (Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt). Subs: M Rees (Scarlets), D Jones (Ospreys), I Evans (Ospreys), G Delve (Gloucester), D Peel (Scarlets), J Hook (Ospreys), S Parker (Ospreys).
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England).
The full article contains 454 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
