Sunday 9 June 2013

Ireland Fiji Preview JWC

After the fantastic victory over the Australians in their opening match, Mike Ruddocks troops will be looking to add to their great start and put themselves in with a good chance to qualify for the semi finals.

Ruddock makes 11 changes, with only Daly, Scholes, Crosbie and Joyce retaining their positions. However, despite the changes Ireland still look strong as a lot of those that came in have 6 Nations experience, or impressed when coming on last Wednesday.

The Byrne twins come in, in the front row, and will be encouraged by their huge scrum in the last minutes on Wednesday that confirmed the win. Thornbury was first choice in the 6 Nations, and brings his lineout expertise to the second row, and Joyce is partnered by the impressive Leavy and the promising Jack O'Donoghue at back row.

The one doubt I have is at scrumhalf, where Luke McGrath's presence might be missed, but more will fall on Crosbie's shoulders, with Daly controlling the placekicks, Leader and Scholes are two great players in the back three.

Fiji only make 3 changes from the team that was hammered against New Zealand. A number of positional changes occur, and 2 changes were enforced due to red cards. Their scrumhalf Waqa will be the placekicker.

Ruddock's men need to be disciplined and organised, as Fiji looked ragged against New Zealand, and with 2 red cards and 4 yellows, are a highly indisciplined side. The organisation of Ruddock's teams and their experience from the 6 Nations.

Ireland to win, but they aren't the type of team that will win by a lot.

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