Hugo Keenan, Ireland’s standout fullback, is expected to be sidelined for their Six Nations Ireland vs Wales match at the Aviva Stadium, which presents Andy Farrell with a selection dilemma. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book Wales Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.

Even though Farrell has a deep roster, the absence of Mack Hansen and Jimmy O’Brien due to injury has severely reduced his options for outside backs ahead of the Six Nations.

Farrell Records

Week in and week out, he will suddenly be without Keenan, one of the first names on his team sheet. Interestingly, no player has played more minutes for Ireland since Farrell took over as head coach (2916). This is because the fullback is always dependable. Since February 2021, he has been the starter in 25 of the 28 Tests. In the interim, we examine Farrell’s choices. It is said that he will be back in time for the round four match against England in March.

Front runner

Fly-half Jack Crowley took over the position after Keenan was substituted off the field against Italy last week, with Harry Byrne occupying the first receiving channel. Even while this strategy was somewhat successful for the rest of the game, it seems unlikely that Farrell will remove his productive and still-developing playmaker from the starting fly-half position.

This suggests that against Wales, Ciaran Frawley, a gifted player with versatility, will step in for Keenan. Though he has excelled in a variety of situations for his province in recent seasons, including fullback, the Leinster star is being tipped for a career at fly-half. His insertion at fullback would be a clean swap from the first-choice starting lineup, preventing a backline shuffle. He possesses the skill set and ability to fill the position with ease.

Highest Scoring Matches:

The most notable victory Ireland has ever had over Wales was during their hegemony in 2002. With a winning margin of 44 points that hasn’t been topped since it’s possibly the biggest victory for either team. Wales has won by a score of 29 points ever since before World War I. The 29-0 shutout in 1907 is the greatest win Wales has ever achieved over Ireland.

The two teams faced off in an exhibition match before the Home Nations Rugby Union Tournament was created. On January 28, 1882, at Lansdowne Road in Dublin, Wales triumphed. Wales 1-2 The final score was Ireland, a far cry from the current scoring system. Under the original scoring system, a try that was correctly converted could only result in a goal. Rugby fans can book Ireland Vs Wales Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.

Since 2000, there has only been a single Six Nations draw, which took place in 2016 at the Aviva Stadium. In the current Six Nations structure, Wales has won nine games and even the inaugural one in 2000. Ireland has won twelve of Wales’ Six Nations matches, but Wales has not overcome them.

In their most recent meeting, which Ireland won 29–7 in Dublin, this pattern was followed. Bundee Aki, Andrew Conway, and Garry Ringrose all scored tries to secure a resounding victory in the first Six Nations game of the previous season. Will the history repeat itself in Cardiff, or will Warren Gatland’s return inspire his squad to even greater success?

On the fringe

Jordan Larmour will be hoping for a chance to play against Wales because he is one of just five players (Keenan, Jacob Stockdale, Mike Lowry, and Jimmy O’Brien) to have worn the number 15 jumper during Farrell’s tenure.
Under the present system, he is viewed more as a winger, although he does have the positional awareness to play the role. His kicking game is not yet up to the level of Frawley and others, which will work against him.

When Keenan pulled out of the match against Italy, Larmour was on the bench. But Byrne was called upon to step up in place of the explosive outside back. This might mean that his skill set is not what Farrell needs from a fullback. Or maybe the Ireland manager only wanted to try Crowley in the position because Italy wasn’t really a threat at that point.

In the mix

Although, as previously mentioned, it wouldn’t make much sense for Crowley to take on the position given that he is still developing at number ten. He will undoubtedly be included. If they hadn’t been injured, Hansen and O’Brien would have been excellent prospects. But the most recent setback in their injuries may present a chance for a call-up.
A case may also be made for Stockdale, who was one of the few players under Farrell to start at the position. Due to a terrible string of injuries, he lost the trust of the selectors. Putting him in the team at his backup position might be the kind of encouragement he needs to regain his best form.

Outside bets

For Wales, Byrne might possibly be picked at fullback, even though he entered the game against Italy as a fly-half. A fly-half might potentially share some of the tasks with Crowley, as he possesses many of the same talents as a modern-day fullback. On the wing for Farrell’s team, Calvin Nash has shown promise, and he has occasionally been included in Munster’s 15 jumper.

Again, it is improbable that he will leave the role in which he flourished when he was still relatively unknown on the global scene, even though he might be in the mix. After he was left off of the squad, Simon Zebo disclosed that Farrell had advised him to “stay ready.” Although he is still recovering from a knee injury, given his background. It wouldn’t be completely out of the question for him to be elevated to the starting group.

James Lowe could be helpful

James Lowe could be useful to Ireland because he used to play fullback for the Chiefs and Maori All Blacks. Despite his primary position being on the wing since his arrival in Ireland. Fans rapidly grew fond of Lowe because of his explosive speed, great ball-carrying abilities, and talent for scoring spectacular tries.

His exceptional play earned him a call-up to the Irish national team, for which he qualified by residency. Against Wales in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup, Lowe made his debut for Ireland on the international scene. He has since established himself as an essential member of the Irish team. Displaying his talent and athleticism on the global scene.

Taking Lowe’s move to fullback would be very easy for Farrell because he has other wing alternatives available to him. It would still be a reasonably simple solution to make the necessary adjustments to make sure his cannon boot is not wasted.

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This season of Six Nations, Super Rugby World will be implementing a major adjustment that will close the so-called “Dupont law” gap. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book Ireland Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.

This trial, approved by World Rugby, aims to close a gap that Antoine Dupont initially exploited when he was at Toulouse. The loophole, which is more of an exploitation than a legal restriction, centers on players who are in an offside position following a kick. They can stay in place (beginning from more than 10 meters back from where the ball falls) until the ball catcher moves, which includes running five meters, kicking, or passing.

They are not required to withdraw until they are back onside. After a kick, this tactical move puts the catcher in a difficult predicament by allowing teams to cover the frontline and backfield simultaneously. The offside players re-enter the game as soon as the catcher tries to counterattack, which throws the ball carrier off balance.

To the frustration of onlookers, the game thus descends into a boring cat-and-mouse situation. There have been numerous proposals for regulation changes as a result of the widespread criticism of the abuse of this loophole. Leading the charge in putting these improvements into effect is Super Rugby Pacific.

Kevin Malloy emphasized

“The tournament chair, Kevin Malloy, stressed that this change is a response to input from players, coaches, and spectators alike. Malloy said, “Our goal is to provide an engaging and joyful experience for both players and fans.

This entails encouraging free play and lowering the frequency of “kick tennis” situations, in which teams take advantage of openings to seize the upper hand in the territory. We intend to promote aggressive ball handling and counterattacking opportunities to improve the overall game’s spectacle.”

Nigel Owens identifies his ultimate rugby utopia

It’s truly noteworthy that Owens chose a large number of captains among his teammates. All of the groups have left their respective nations.

NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:

Here is the list of following Nigel Owens dream XV:

Fullback: Israel Folau, Australia

Owens said: “There’s not much to choose between Halfpenny and Folau in my opinion. Leigh excels at both kicking at goal under pressure and under the high ball. While he may not always put his body on the line when racing, he is an excellent match-winner who also plays defense.

But Folau is my choice only just, I should emphasize because he seems to be able to outplay his guy every time he has the ball in his hands. Like Leigh, he’s a very entertaining player and among the greatest when it comes to playing under the high ball. For me, it’s a coin flip. and Folau has won out in the end.

Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu, New Zealand

Owens stated: “He’s an exceptional player who always comes up to hug me after every game, win or lose.” Whenever there is an event held after a game, or if we are staying at the same hotel, Ma’a always makes time to stop by and talk. And what a player, too. one of the mainstays of the New Zealand team for a very long time.”

Lock: Paul O’Connell, Ireland

Owens remarked: “To put it plainly, he was a superb leader. Whether it was Ireland or Munster, I have managed games where he virtually carried his team to win on his back.”

Winger: Stuart Hogg, Scotland

Owens remarked: “Watching Hogg perform is sure to impress anyone. As he jumped into that line and won the Six Nations player of the Tournament, he was very enthusiastic. Although he plays full-back for Scotland, he could just as easily play on the wing because of his quickness and directness. Certain qualities about him make me think of Shane Williams.

You’ll realize how well they would complement one another when you see who is on the opposing wing of my team.”

Fly-half: Dan Carter, New Zealand

Owens remarked: “There are several excellent outside halves, but none have achieved this over as long as Carter. Some predicted that he was passed his prime and would not make the New Zealand team for the 2015 World Cup. However, Carter’s ability to play as effectively after recovering from an injury is a hallmark of a unique talent.”

Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot, Argentina

Owens remarked: “I used to love watching Dwayne Peel play scrum-half for Wales, the Lions, and Llanelli during his prime, which was between 2004 and 2006. Not only is he a fantastic guy and talented, but he also lives right next door! However, I have to say that I like Pichot, who was a fantastic rugby player for the Pumas and an even greater representative of the sport overall.”

“Argentina became one of the best teams in the world because of the contributions of Pichot and Felipe Contepomi. His masterminding their 2007 World Cup run to the semi-finals also established the precedent for their outstanding performance in the competition in 2015.”

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Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir, France

Owens said: “Some may take exception at my selection of Dusautoir as the best skipper I’ve ever encountered, but what a captain. Throughout his career, he consistently put his body on the line (just think back to the 38 tackles he made when France eliminated the All Blacks from the 2007 World Cup). He also set a great example and had a deep understanding of the game. He also impeccably carried himself.”

“He never voiced any objections about the refereeing, not even when France was the losing team in close calls. He refrained from assigning blame to anyone when his team lost the 2015 World Cup against New Zealand, 62–13. He behaved as a real leader ought to.”

Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll, Ireland

“According to Owens, he is not just one of the best centers in rugby union history, but he is also an amazing person off the field. O’Driscoll has been a true leader and a fantastic representative for the sport. He was a model citizen who always showed respect for the referees. A legendary player who exhibited impeccable behavior both on and off the field.”

Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery, England

Owens remarked: “I always had plenty of time for him, thought he was a good man, and was an excellent referee. He wasn’t the type to complain about choices; instead, he would take the call and go on. When he was playing at his best, both with England in 2007 and the Wasps during their sweeps through Europe, he was a powerful player. Carl Hayman, a fantastic player who is also quite honest, is just edged out. He would accept punishment when I corrected him when he got it wrong.”

Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins, Wales

“Though he doesn’t smile much, Owens said that he’s been an excellent loose-head prop player. When I punish him and he smiles, I know I made the correct choice! To sum up, though, he hasn’t grinned much since I’ve recommended him. Another whose endurance over time says volumes about his aptitude and moral fibre.”

Winger: Shane Williams, Wales

Owens remarked: “I’ve been fortunate enough to oversee so many amazing players that it’s nearly hard to choose just one when people ask me who the best player I have refereed. If forced to choose, though, I would go with Shane because of his accomplishments after quitting football at the age of 17 or 18.”

“He was similar to Gerald Davies in that he overcame defenders with such amazing sidesteps that left them panting for air. I can assure you that no one would want to play defence against a back three consisting of Shane, Hogg, and Folau.”

Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw, New Zealand

Owens remarked: “How can I not go with Richie, even though David Pocock and others have been in this situation before? Selecting between him and Gareth Edwards as the greatest player in history would undoubtedly be a challenging task.”It’s amazing how McCaw played flanker for so long, putting his body in danger and occasionally being on the wrong side of the ruck.”

Hooker: John Smit, South Africa

Owens stated: “He is undoubtedly one of the best leaders I have ever worked with, having guided the Springboks to victory against the 2009 Lions and at the 2007 World Cup in France. He was a great player at hooker and a decent man overall.”

Lock: Alun Wyn Jones, Wales

Owens said: “A man of few words, he speaks for himself on the field by his deeds. He is not just an excellent player and captain, but I don’t believe I have ever officiated a game when he didn’t give it his all.”

Number 8: Sergio Parisse, Italy

Owens said: “Throughout my career, I’ve had the good fortune to referee several amazing No. 8s, but Sergio is the best. He rarely has a poor game because he is such a gifted player. He’s been terrific, but perhaps there’s a propensity to try and do too much since he’s been on an underperforming Italy or Stade Francais team.”

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Here are seven things we learned from round two of the Championship after another thrilling round of Six Nations 2024. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book Ireland Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.

Ireland has serious depth

Andy Farrell and his team faced a potentially dangerous match in the weekend’s last game. Ireland versus an Italy squad that had nearly defeated England in the first round. Ireland demonstrated their depth against an Italian team that was mostly made up of first-choice players. So it didn’t really matter that Farrell made six changes to his starting lineup and added six new players to the bench.

Even though James Lowe, a regular starter, won Player of the Match. A lot of the players who had the chance performed well.  Finlay Bealham, a veteran tight end. Put forth a performance up front that will make the coaches question if he should start more games than Tadhg Furlong. Rugby fans can book Ireland Vs Wales Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.

Meanwhile, Ryan Baird was as excellent and active at the lineout for Leinster as he has been all season, and James Ryan turned in another one of his stock standard high-quality performances. At number eight, Jack Conan put in a final, aggressive, and useful try-scoring performance. Though he had some early problems, Jack Crowley still seems like a natural fit for Ireland’s renowned number 10 jumper.

Craig Casey, his Munster half-back partner, was equally good inside. With a magnificent performance, Stuart McCloskey increased the pressure on the midfield selection dilemma, and Robbie Henshaw appears to be returning to his peak.

The two were excellent while Garry Ringrose was out and Bundee Aki was taking a break; the center depth is just absurd. It makes sense that the team that played Italy would be confident in their ability to defeat Wales in the third round. They were brutal, and if there was a bad performance during the 23 it was hard to see it.

Gonzalo Quesada has a challenging task ahead of him

Keeping with Sunday’s game, Ireland easily defeated Italy in round two, erasing any positive momentum Italy may have gained in the first round.
The Irish pack had open play since the Italian tight-five was simply not competitive in any aspect of the game. The Azzurri also didn’t look eager to fight for much territory.

There was only going to be one outcome against a squad that is so proficient at rapid and accurate ruck ball play. It needs to be fixed, regardless of whether the players’ poor execution or a coaching directive was the cause. During the majority of the fallow week, the Irish will likely be relaxing, but Gonzalo Quesada’s team will probably be working really hard to correct their errors and get the team back on track.

The coach will be disappointed to find himself in this precarious scenario the week before a game against a formidable French pack. But that is what he has to deal with. After becoming a true force to be reckoned with at both Stade Francais and the Jaguares. Quesada has gained a great deal of respect as a coach. However, this might be his biggest test to date.

Sin beginnings are still a problem in England

After two wins out of two in Six Nations 2024. Borthwick’s charges are headed in the right route, but despite their perfect win record. There are still issues.
Understandably, the Felix Jones-led defense is taking some time to settle in. Despite brief signs of improvement, the assault is faltering.

They have received three yellow cards in their first two games, which is cause for immediate alarm even though those two facets of the game will take time to resolve. Elliot Daly and Ethan Roots both richly deserved their respective yellow cards. But Ollie Chessum might feel terribly cheated by his 10-minute stint in the sin bin against Wales.

While Wales was unable to take advantage of Chessum and Roots’ sin-binning on Saturday. Ireland most definitely will, and possibly even France and Scotland as well.

Scotland must make the final adjustments

The same thing that we said after round one applies after round two. Gregor Townsend’s team needs to be more merciless when they have the opposition on the ropes. Though, to be honest, they never should have been in a situation where they would have required it. They did create a late opportunity to win the match back.
Scotland essentially sought to “Park the Bus,” and while Jose Mourhino may have had some success with the strategy. Scotland did not, as former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman put it in his match assessment. Although France deserves praise for their comeback. They should have lost that match by a significant margin and are really fortunate to have left Murrayfield with a victory. They sat back and invited the pressure.

French Flair is still a very competitive Test series

In their first two games of the competition, the French were lethargic and worn out. Yet they still had just enough flare to win. Although it was accompanied by some dubious Scottish defense. Star winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s fantastic goal served as a sobering reminder that the French can still pull off an upset victory.

Not much happened from the scrum position. But Francois Cros had a fantastic carry. Nolann Le Garrec had a similarly amazing pass, and Bielle-Biarrey’s skill allowed them to capitalize. The French may not be at the peak of their game right now. But they demonstrated that they still possess some of that cliched “French flair” if they are in the lead late in the game.

Teams must facilitate officials’ decision-making

We were unable to ignore the big issue or the no-try call made in the game’s deciding play at Murrayfield. Many of his compatriots echoed John Barclay. A former back-rower for Scotland when he denounced the TMO call as the “most unfair decision” he had “ever seen.”
We can understand the conversation, for the most part, and conclude that the try was successful. Even though the TMO rules were carefully followed. Scotland must share some of the guilt because they made the officials’ decisions difficult. It brought back memories of South Africa’s unsuccessful attempt to drive across the line for a late score during their World Cup pool stage encounter against Ireland.

Many claimed that the Irish forwards had committed foul play before the ball was declared unplayable at the rear of the maul on that particular day.
To provide easier visuals for the referees to interrupt, Rassie Erasmus discussed how the Boks altered their strategy in several areas of the game. In this instance, Scotland would have been better off following suit.

Matthieu Jalibert, Damian Penaud, Yoram Moefana, and Thomas Ramos are all tucked up around the edges of the ruck during this attacking passage, just before Sam Skinner lunges for the line. This suggests that, had Scotland been willing to be more adventurous, which they have been incredibly successful at, there might have been some more space out wide, especially given their formidable backline. Even if they weren’t, they might have benefited more from a more measured and patient attack this close to the line.

Posolo Tuilagi Flopped

Posolo Tuilagi also flopped on top of the Scottish second-rower, tying Skinner up in a double tackle as he drove for the line. It implied that his grounding would not have much leeway for explanation.
This needs to extend to these kinds of scenarios when going for the line, much like players need to get lower in tackles and front-rowers need to show the proper body form in scrums to get favorable calls.

A Grand Slam is more and more likely

Although Sunday’s encounter was more like a practice session than a Test match, back-to-back Grand Slams now appear more feasible than ever. However, the Ireland camp may not be talking about it just yet.
It has long been questioned if Ireland can replace important players, but Sunday’s performance suggested such worries are a little out of date.

Their greatest task for this year appeared to be defeating France in their own home. They have many of their best players going into round three following a two-week vacation after decisively winning the job. Cardiff is never an easy place to travel, so they still have a very favorable schedule left.

However, this year, they will play Gatland’s troops in Dublin. After that, Farrell’s team faces a formidable England team at Twickenham, but they close the season in Dublin once more when the Scots play at the Aviva Stadium.

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