Formula for felling the auld enemy

‘War in the afternoon, then pints in the evening’

WALES take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon determined to come out on top – for more than one reason. Games between the Celtic nations never seem to gather the pre-match headlines of those with England, but the rivalry is very much real. This time, both teams know victory is essential, but for Wales the motivation is threefold. The visitors must win to keep alive their title hopes and are aiming for success to mark head coach Stuart Hogg Warren Gatland’s 100th match in charge, all while hoping to maintain their good recent record over the Irish.

Wales are unbeaten in their past three Six Nations ties against the men in green and returning wing Liam Williams knows what his side must do to extend that successful run.

“I’m happy to be picked because I know the aerial game didn’t go too well against England,” said Williams, right. Mike Brown “With Conor Murray at nine and Johnny Sexton at 10, Ireland have two world-class players and I’m looking forward to the aerial battle against them.

“They are two great blokes and all the Irish boys were great on the Lions tour. I really enjoyed spending time with them.

“Hopefully we’ll have a war in the afternoon and then a couple of pints in the evening.”

As is the wont in the increasingly sanitised world of sport, both sides have bestowed platitudes on each other ahead of the game. Underneath, though, something is simmering.

They are familiar foes and both teams produced a pride of players who toured New Zealand with the Lions last summer. There is familiarity, but unmistakable competition will be sure to breed contempt.

Unbeaten and on home turf, Ireland start as favourites. Wales, though, will be boosted by the return from injury of Lions trio of Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Biggar and Williams. “Ireland have won two but hopefully we can go well, stick them under a lot of pressure, and come away with the win,” said Williams.

IRELAND: Replacements: WALES:

IF YOU were picking a Lions Test side today, there wouldn’t be too many England players involved against Scotland who would force their way into it.

That doesn’t make them bad – they’re not. But it does underline how well Eddie Jones has them playing as a team.

Murrayfield is an inhospitable place for England but their record there over the past few years is formidable. Today for Scotland, that means everyone is going to have to play the game of their lives to have a chance of winning.

England always provide a stern test for Scotland. Everything about them is bigger. From the numbers they can call on to the size of the players. They bring awesome power.

I think back to the two wins I had over England and the manner of them was identical. We played as well as possible and limited England’s opportunities.

Gregor Townsend will have been more technical with his detail but the gist remains the same. Every Scot has to play out of his skin.

I just don’t see England making mistakes. They may not be the flashiest side but they are efficient. There aren’t many weaknesses. They trust each other and they wear sides down with physicality.

If England can rub our noses in the dirt they will take the chance, I’m sure, and be absolutely ruthless.

Scotland will be up against it for long periods but they have to stay composed.

They also have to compete for the ball. Wales committed hardly anyone to the ruck at Twickenham a fortnight ago, seeming content to fan out in defence and allow England possession.

If Scotland can inject energy, pace and speed of thought, they will ask England different questions.

Tactics-wise, Scotland could do worse than look at how Italy attacked England in the wide channels in Rome. They had some joy. Scotland have to be brave, take risks and have a go, otherwise I don’t think they have a prayer.

You can’t just run the ball every chance – there is a balance to be struck. But I hope the boys express themselves in a manner that can bring a famous victory.

Scotland don’t get any more points for beating England in the championship than for beating anyone else, but as a Scotsman you savour victories over them more than any other. I’m sure that’s as true now as it was back in my day.

Hastings is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover has a heritage in rugby at all levels – from grassroots to elite – supporting the game for two decades. @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal