But wales didn't play that way did they.

As for patriotic fervour, I don't think you read my post very well or you would have noticed a distinct refusal to allow this discussion to descend to that level.

You would also have noticed my comments concerning welsh pressure.


Here is an unemotional unpatriotic comparison.


Category A - playmaking.

As a team, Ireland succesfully created two definite try scoring opportunities and one definite drop goal opportunity

As a team, Wales created one definite drop goal opportunity.

(note the word "definite")

Category B - mistakes (creating opportunities for the other team)

As a team, Ireland gave away 6 penalties.

As a team, wales gave away 1 penalty.


Category C - Opportunity conversion into points

O'Driscoll and Bowe's individual strength turned both try scoring opportunities into points, and O'Gara added two points in each case.

O'Gara turned the Drop Goal opportunity into points.

Jones turned 5 out of six penalties into points and the drop goal opportunity.

With the exception of wales drop goal, every points scoring opportunity was either created or gifted by Ireland.

In other words, Ireland totally controlled the shape of the game.

I too love the way that wales play when they are playing well, they have a history of creative players - Gareth edwards - johnathan davies - shane williams etc.

O'Driscoll possesses and exhibits all the same qualities as those players.

And the reason wales didn't play that game was because Ireland didn't let them.