IRE vs WALES: What the pundits said

Round 1 of the 2022 Six Nations lived up to the competition’s proud name as fans across Europe were treated to some fantastic displays of rugby.  

The wise heads of former Wales captain Gareth Thomas, former Ireland captains Brian O’Driscoll, Rory Best and Jamie Heaslip shared their thoughts on the action in Ireland's victory over Wales (O’Driscoll, Best and Thomas talking to ITV while Heaslip chatted on RTE’s coverage). 

On the Ireland victory: 

O’Driscoll:   

“We talked about the need for them to be patient and not to get frustrated and they were very clinical at times. 

“The accuracy in pretty difficult conditions created about four or five scoring chances and they took four of them. Individuals are playing well, but it’s how they’re combining as units that is perhaps the most impressive, there is real fluidity. 

“There is a huge amount to be pleased about and to be honest not much you could pick holes in.” 

Best: 

“I think the most pleasing thing was that they took that second half to Wales, they dominated territory and possession. 

“A couple of times, the advantage in the 22 allowed Johnny Sexton to throw that pass or Jamison Gibson-Park to throw that pass, but their execution was exceptional. 

“I think it’s the speed they do things with, if you look at the Ringrose try, it’s just about skill and decision-making.

“Andy Farrell has talked a lot about wanting the players to come out of this structured system and into being good decision makers. 

“For me that was one of the big differences between the two teams, Ireland made very smart decisions every time they were on the ball.” 

Thomas: 

“To go from defence to attack so quickly is so impressive,” he said. 

“I sit here as a Welshman, you watch that and if Wales were playing New Zealand there and Ireland were wearing black jerseys, you’d be saying that’s why they’re the best team in the world. 

“Because they were that clinical, they had that offensive mindset even when defending that we usually attribute to the best teams in the world. I really feel like Ireland proved all that today.” 

Heaslip: 

“It creates a kind of flyweight effect; in terms of the way they’re playing. The guys were talking in the comms box there about the way they’re playing, about the way they’re building something together. 

“That’ll have an effect again, because this team is winning, it’s the best win they’ve had over Wales ever and all those things will have an effect in camp. 

“They’ll come bouncing in on Monday in what is a massive week, but credit where credit is due, they were very patient, very disciplined, didn’t give a penalty away till the 54th minute. 

“We talk about how you can get better, it’s those marginal things that they’re doing.”