Can Wales win the Grand Slam?
This question was asked on Lycos IQ on 28.02.08.
My reply:
Yes then can. They are the only team this year that can still win the Grand Slam. Whether they achieve this is less certain.
Firstly they miss go to Croke Park in Dublin to play a resurgent Ireland team. Their last game against Scotland was impressive although Scotland have been very disapointing this year. Wales have a poor recent history in Dublin although this is the first game away from the home of Irish rugby Lansdown Road. Pundits point towards the Irish prop John Hayes as being the weak link. If Wales can keep him busy and disrupt his scrum and line-out work they will go a long way to winning the battle up front.
The prospect of the Irish backs against the in-form back division of Wales is mouth watering. The key man for Ireland in the backs is Ronan O'Gara. If he plays well Ireland play well. Expect Martin Williams and Gavin Henson to run into him all day.
Wales have had two comfortable home wins against Scotland and Italy. The real test is for them to take their home confidence to Dublin and perform the same. I'm expecting a very close game. The deciding factor may turn out to be the weather. If its raining I expect O'Gara to run the show and close the game down with the Irish pack keeping it tight. There is no better fly-half in the World than Ronan at playing in wet weather.
If Wales can come away from Ireland with a Win, and the Triple Crown, then the momentum should hopefully see them beat France. Though the trouble with our French cousins is that they always have the potential to produce incredible rugby. Just think back to the World Cup when they beat the All Blacks.
Even if they win the Grand Slam it doesn't necessarily mean a return to long-term Glory. The Grand Slam of 2005 was followed by 2 very lean years. We shall have to wait and see how Gatland develops Wales over the next few years. The next World Cup must be Wales aim. Picking up some more Grand Slams and Championships on the way would be very nice though.
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http://iq.lycos.co.uk/qa/show/60722/Can+Wales+win+the+Grand+Slam%3F/?#a187929
Sunday, 15 June 2008
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