Halfpenny or Kearney? Biggar or Sexton? So, how manyWelsh aces have an edge over Irish counterparts?
Wales lost to England and Scotland to end their chances of Six Nations glory, but Ireland are in the thick of the hunt following wins over Italy and France. The Irish come to Cardiff on Friday knowing victory over Rob Howley’s charges will set up a champi
15 Leigh Halfpenny v Rob Kearney Both had problems, with Halfpenny’s confidence sagging after he dropped a high ball and he proceeded to turn down a kickable penalty and faded out of the last Six Nations game.
Kearney started strongly against France, but was beaten by dangerous French scrum-half newcomer Baptiste Serin and outside-half Camille Lopez before departing through injury. Andy Howell’s verdict: A close call because both didn’t fire but the defensive work of HALFPENNY just swings it his way. 14 George North v Keith Earls North didn’t make much ground with the ball in Scotland and he was again exposed at Test level dealing with bombs kicked in his direction. He was also skinned by Tim Visser in a confined space in the build-up to the Scots’ second try and was out of position seconds later when the ball was moved for the same player to score.
Earls was industrious against the French and put himself about on the defensive front. Is really a centre playing on the wing, but has done an adequate job out wide for Ireland. Andy Howell’s verdict: In terms of potential, EARLS doesn’t come anywhere near North, but, on recent form, the Irishman wins. 13 Jonathan Davies v Garry Ringrose Ringrose stopped France from scoring by dislodging the ball from Yoann Huget’s hands with a wonderful tackle, but was sometimes caught slightly out of position. The 21-year-old is also a clever attacker.
2013 Lion Davies has bounced back to form and his burst through the Scotland defence should have brought a try, but Rhys Webb couldn’t hold on to the off-load. Andy Howell’s verdict: Ringrose, despite his potential, could be replaced by fit-again experienced campaigner Jared Payne against Wales. DAVIES shades it for me. 12 Scott Williams v Robbie Henshaw Williams was surprisingly hauled off against England and Scotland despite being a Welsh back who can pass accurately, as highlighted by the long ball he threw for Liam Williams to score at Murrayfield.
Strongman Henshaw takes the weight off outside-half Johnny Sexton and soaks up extra punishment by making sure he’s the player who tackles opponents on the crash ball. Andy Howell’s verdict: It’s a close call, but the power of HENSHAW is a key for Ireland, whether it’s in defence or attack. Crowd favourite Williams was targeted in the aerial battle against Scotland and it was a surprise to see him come off second-best because he’s normally a reliable receiver.
Zebo also made a couple of fumbles, but otherwise handled superbly in tricky conditions at the Aviva Stadium and possesses the X-factor to light up the Ireland attack. Andy Howell’s verdict: ZEBO edges it. 10 Dan Biggar v Johnny Sexton A lay-off through injury didn’t prevent Sexton from shining against France with another tactical masterclass. Reads the game so well and does the right thing at the right time, like the booming second-half drop-goal he landed to sap French morale.
Biggar did nothing wrong, but didn’t have the impact he would have wanted against Scotland with the Welsh three-quarters not firing regularly off him. Andy Howell’s verdict: clear choice. SEXTON is a 9 Rhys Webb v Conor Murray Murray was hailed as a “Rolls-Royce” by the French press after he and Sexton dictated the tempo and areas of the pitch where that game was played, pouncing for a trademark try from close-range.
Webb was his usual jack-in-the-box self against Scotland and was involved in most of Wales’ best moments, only to fall at the final hurdle through errors. Andy Howell’s verdict: All-round excellence of MURRAY for me. 1 Rob Evans v Jack McGrath Ireland prop McGrath complained to Welsh referee Nigel Owens after conceding a scrum penalty: “I don’t want to go down – he’s (Rabah Slimani) pushing me down.” A few minutes later, Ireland were awarded a scrum penalty in a turning point in a fierce contest.
There were only nine scrums at Murrayfield and Wales were unable to impose themselves. Evans got through plenty of work in the loose before being substituted. Andy Howell’s verdict: MCGRATH, Ireland will target Wales at the scrum. 2 Ken Owens v Rory Best ‘Cannonball’ Ken has produced his best displays for Wales at hooker this Six Nations and is mounting a strong case to be in Warren Gatland’s Lions squad for the end-of-season tour of New