IRELAND V WALES:
THE FINAL WORLD CUP WARM-UP
WALES and Ireland have both named strong sides for the final run-out today ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Warren Gatland has made 15 changes and named a strong, if not quite fullstrength, Wales side, while Joe Schmidt has named a fully-loaded starting XV that sees half-backs Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray return.
We assess the head-to-heads for the final Rugby World Cup warm-up at the Aviva Stadium.
Rob Kearney 7 v Leigh Halfpenny 8
Kearney is solid defensive full-back but it could be argued he lacks the explosiveness in attack these days. He hasn’t scored a try for Ireland since 2015.
Halfpenny was thrust into the game against England three weeks ago at short notice and shook off an early dropped high ball to produce a solid performance. Looked more like his old self as the game wore on.
Jordan Larmour 7 v George North 8
Larmour remains one of the most exciting young backs in the game and is always a handy weapon. Has scored some big tries in big matches for Leinster.
Sam Warburton opined that North looked to be in one of the shapes of his life earlier this week. The giant winger is looking lean and powerful. Will attract a lot of attention from Irish defenders.
Robbie Henshaw 7 v Jonathan Davies 8
Henshaw was once among the best centre around but has played barely any Test match rugby in the past year. A powerful runner that will need to be closely monitored.
Even when Davies has quiet games, he’s always one of the most influential players on the field.
Reads the game brilliantly and his powerful hand-off makes him a constant threat.
Bundee Aki 8 v Hadleigh Parkes 8
Aki is the kind of player who will usually catch the eye. He’s a powerful runner and usually relishes the big collisions. Not always as effective as he appears, though.
Parkes is the polar opposite, an unemphatic, workmanlike centre. But he will consistently get you front foot ball favouring that out-to-in angle to bulldoze over the gainline.
Keith Earls 8 v Josh Adams 8
Earls has perhaps never always received the plaudits he’s deserved at this level. He’s either piping hot or freezing cold. Had a brilliant 2019 Six Nations, scoring three tries in five games.
Similarly, Adams has also enjoyed himself on the international scene of late, really taking to international rugby. He’s now comfortable at the top level and will be looking to kick on. Knows how to finish.
Johnny Sexton 8 v Rhys Patchell 7
Sexton is the master of his craft but hasn’t always been at his best recently. Welsh fans will remember him losing control back in the Grand Slam match. Has also had injury woes of late.
Patchell endured a really difficult 2018/19 season, with concussions keeping him sidelined for large parts. Seemed back to his best in his 40 minutes last weekend. Wales management will want to see that confidence continue to grow.
Conor Murray 9 v Tomos Williams 8
One of the most astute tactical minds in the game, Murray has the ability to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and control it. He too, though, has had injury problems of late.
YOUR GUIDE TO THE GAME
Williams is another who has had to battle the knocks. This is his first start of the warm-up campaign but he made such a difference when he came on last weekend. A livewire who can really lift the tempo to uncomfortable levels.
Cian Healy 8 v Tomas Francis 7
Workhorse Healy has been around the block and his work around the field really catches the eye. An abrasive ballcarrier who usually attracts more than one defender.
Francis likes to do most of his work at the set piece but the Wales scrum has really been under pressure in recent weeks and he’ll have hold up his end of the bargain in Dublin.
Rory Best 7 v Elliot Dee 6
Best is a captain under pressure after Ireland’s lineout has faltered in recent weeks. In the mind of Schmidt, his work around the field is making up for it but his influence there appears to be diminishing.
Dee will be looking to grab his opportunity with both hands. Good at the lineout and brilliant around the field, he’ll want to make an impression on just his sixth start in 21 Tests.
Tadhg Furlong 8 v Wyn Jones 6
Furlong has been widely regarded as one of the best props around for some time and will be looking forward to get