Wales v Ireland Six Nations Rugby

A hint of spring in the air, but we are still in the grip of an icy

winter, and some are battles against the Australians feel like

an eternity away, so what we all need to banish those dark days of

January is a pick me up. When ordinary sporting medication is not

enough, you reach for the ultimate rugby antibiotic, to banish those

winter Blues. Where better to start than at the Millennium Stadium in

Cardiff, Wales against Ireland, always close, a match that often

goes down to the very last role of the dice. Then Twickenham, England

against Scotland. England beat the All Blacks, Scotland lost to Tonga,

all of which will count for nothing at 4 o'clock. And the opening

weekend concludes in Rome, Italy against France, the outsiders

against the joint favourites, underdogs against strutting

Goodall's, all about momentum, this first weekend, you simply have to

get off to a good start. This is how it all shapes up, all 15

This is the oldest rugby trophy in the world, the Calcutta Cup, made

of Indian rupees and first played for in 1879, and the latest renewal

of the old rivalry is at 4 o'clock this afternoon here at Twickenham.

Before that, the Six Nations Championship of 2013 begins at the

home of the Six Nations champions, and the Grand Slam winners from

The Six Nations, where will the drama come from this year? We are

off and running! Dramatic, controversial! Lancaster begins his

regime with a victory! Wales have That is not good enough! The game

Four of the five pieces of the jigsaw are now in place. Wales

strike against France! They are won the grand slam! It has been a

Since Wales lifted his trophy in March, just about everybody has

been belting them. They may have won three Grand Slams in eight

years, but right now they could do # So this is what they talk about

# Why does it always fades to Disgusted by it all. That is

worrying, from the Welsh point of view. All over the place.

shambles! Wales are the masters of their own demise. It is an

embarrassment, to have any Rob Howley in charge of Wales as

Warren Gatland concentrates on the Lions tour. But no Rhys Priestland,

Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charters and Dan Lydiate. A big day for another

Dan, Biggar starts at outside-half, his first Six Nations match. Declan

Kidney has his own worries, contract up at the end of the

season, making a very bold step, Jamie Heaslip is captain instead of

Brian O'Driscoll. We will hear from O'Driscoll soon. This was the toss

a short while ago, Sam Warburton won the toss and has decided to

kick off the first match of the Six Nations 2013. Good afternoon and

welcome to the Millennium Stadium for what should be another

pulsating match between two great rugby nations, two great players

here with me, Jonathan Davies and Keith Wood. How excited are you?

very excited, it is a great stake, the opening match, not only for us

working on it, the spectators, but also, you know, it is a very

special time for the players. Terrific atmosphere building

already. It is high that outside. It is very hard to guess, but the

expectation for the opening weekend is always magic. In the past couple

of weeks, I am sure you felt it as well on the streets of Wales,

people will have been asking you what has gone wrong, a lot of doom

and gloom after seven consecutive defeats. Where has it gone wrong?

Nice easy question to start! I just think that confidence is a problem

at the moment. Looking back on the results, I just feel tackling was a

problem in the autumn, and then just composure and closing games

down. That for me was the case, especially against Australia. That

was a game they could have and should have won, and now it is a

question of getting momentum and confidence back. For them, it is

like a fresh start. People forget, we are the Grand Slam champions,

this is a new tournament, a new start, and it is a tough game, but

we are capable of winning it if we play well. Do you agree that all

the things they did so well in winning the Grand Slam last season

have not come off this year? No, it has not come off. In the last three

Grand Slams, eight years, the following season they have suffered

to get that continuity together. They have tried extra things, they

have been too confident or not confident enough. It becomes very

awkward very quickly. Having last seven games on the trot, they are

now back to the start of a new season again, and it is whether

they have already got that he got out of the way. And Adam Jones is

back. The scrum will be good for them. Ian Evans is crucial. If they

can get a good ball from their set- piece, we have talked about this

before, with the size of their back line, they are going to go forward

and be tough to hold. I think the set pieces crucial again today.

What about Ireland? How important was the winner against Argentina?

They showed composure in abundance. They did, and looking at one game

puts Ireland under additional pressure. It was a good performance,

but Argentina did not turn up, and that has lost over some of their

errors. With a lot of the guys back from injury, confidence is high, I

just hope it is realistic. To get the inside track on Ireland, who

better to talk to than Brian O'Driscoll? Jonathan travelled to

Dublin to talk about Ireland, the Lions and, perhaps most importantly,

the captaincy. Brian O'Driscoll! O'Driscoll skips in the side!

nerves are settled. It is going to Back from injury at the start of

the season, how is the body doing? Yeah, it is getting there. I only

played five or six games, an innocuous ankle injury turned into

having to get surgery, and then on my return, I rolled the other ankle,

the good ankle, but I am hanging in there. You have timed it well, will

this be your last Six Nations? There is every chance! I have not

allowed myself to think about finishing. I think if you start

deciding early, you know, you have one foot in retirement already, so

I have not allowed myself to think about it. I am contracted to the

summer, I will see that out and then see how the body feels. There

is a strong possibility that this could be the last one.

captaincy has been given to Jamie Heaslip, what are your thoughts on

that? My initial thoughts were disappointment, but then Jamie did

a good job back in November, and I presume Declan is looking forward

to 2015, the World Cup. I am not going to be part of that, so not

leading the team at now, I will have to find my own spot in the

team and in the line-up. But that will not be too hard, I'm sure I

would get him in a headlock! reception for Brian O'Driscoll,

leading out the Ireland side... Playing at Cardiff is always a big

occasion, a great place to play. Yes, for me, it is the best rugby

stadium I have ever played in. The atmosphere is incredible, you

always get a good vied with the Welsh and Irish fans. There is not

a huge Rimmat between the two teams, it is who performs best on the day,

and Wales have had the run of it the last few games. We have the use

the positives that we got in November, that big result against

Argentina to carry forward, and that is where we have fallen down.

We have been wonderful at times, Bath and then really had a son sub-

standard performances. 60 years to win a Grand Slam, to win five

consecutive games is part of this competition, because everyone can

beat everyone else. The Lions are a long way off in your mind, but that

will be your last Lions tour. can be pretty confident of that!

Listen, there is always so much hype in the build-up to it, but

that is part of the anticipation about the tour, that is the

greatness of the Lions. It just shows the achievement involved in

getting on it in the first place, to captain it would be a massive

honour, I got to do it once, albeit only for 45 seconds of a Test match,

but first and foremost I have to put myself in a position to get on

the tour and deserve my spot. Fascinating interview with Jonathan

Davies there, interesting body language as well. Two questions,

what was your role in Brian O'Driscoll becoming captain,

because you were the last man to captain him in an Ireland jersey?

And is it the right decision? way we set up, succession planning

in the past, I went to say that he would be the captain after me, to

try to get used to the things the captaincy involved, a couple of

years before that, but he became captain very quickly because I was

injured. I came back as captain, and I think he was involved as much

as he could be, and it was an easy transition, which I am a believer

in. From his body language, I think what he actually said, that

transition did not happen, I do not think he likes it. The one thing

about him is that he is pure unadulterated quality, and

professional, he will deal with it perfectly. It hurts, but it is

something is comfortable with, he has never shirked it, he has never

changed the way he is, and it will not change him today. He will

deliver big time for his captain, but he is hurting himself. What was

your hunch when you ask him that question cut my exactly the same,

he is a proud Irishmen. He wants to captain the team. I spent a lot of

the day with him, he was in a great place, comfortable, Back Lane,

looking forward to the Six Nations and this season,. -- back playing.

Also, he and his wife are expecting their first child, so it puts a

different perspective on life. He was in a great place and really

Toby Faletau is fantastic. Look at Toby Faletau is fantastic. Look at

the statistics. They are fantastic for an international. He does not

get over the line enough. If they have done their homework on

If they have done their homework on in, they can hold him up. That is a

key area to go forward with today. A big call made by Declan Kidney.

He has been speaking to us. As first games go, how tough is

this, bearing in mind your record against the Welsh? That is why they

picks this as the opening fixture, maybe. There have been some good

games between us. It is possible that today will be no different.

Jamie Heaslip is captain. Why have you overlooked the big man? Bryant

needed some time to get himself right. -- Bryan. He has been

speaking up, as he does, and sometimes it is the coach's job to

look after the individual. Keith, earlier, you spoke to some of the

lads on the pitch. And what is the atmosphere in the camp? They are

positive. They have picked two lining wingers. -- lightning. If

you look in general terms, the Irish have to rub Wales with the

Irish have to rub Wales with the ball. The back-row has to make

certain that Wales cannot get a quick ball out to the wings. It is

just about getting to the ball quickly.

How excited are Irish fans about seeing these two quick wingers?

of the pleasures when you see players in the clubs' stadiums is

there's and intake of breath when there's and intake of breath when

Simon Zebo gets the ball. Gilroy has not got much experience, but he

has fast feet. He wants the ball. Wherever the play is, he wants it.

People get excited by that. watched it Murray a few years ago

against England, and you said, he is very well. Has he matured into a

Test player? Yes. It is amazing how these things happen. Everybody

makes mistakes. This season, he has got consistently better. A man

under pressure is Rob Howley. Rob, first time at the helm in the

Six Nations. Are you nervous? looking forward to it. I spoke to

the players this morning. They have a huge amount of self-belief. It is

a great opportunity for our boys. We are not going to give up our

Grand Slam Jan Sheahan -- Championship. We have had some good

games against Ireland in recent years. We have come out on the

winning side a couple of times. much it today about winning, end of,

given that you have lost seven on the bounce? Your first game in the

Six Nations, you focus on that. Momentum is important. They are

isolated games. But you need to get off to a winning start so you can

look forward rather than back. have got a list as long as your arm

of second row forwards missing. Are you concerned? Not at all. Andrew

Coombs has come in. We have a wealth of experience there. Iain

Evans has been important for us as well. Good luck.

He looks relaxed given that he is a man under pressure. Jonathan, you

see Dan Biggar a lot. Are you pleased that he has been given the

nod over James Hook? I am pleased nod over James Hook? I am pleased

he has been given an opportunity. It has one of the things where you

start at hook and give them the opportunity to run the game. Now he

is playing week-in, week-out. Do you start with hook? Or do you go

with Dan Biggar? He is a form player. It is going to be crucial,

the battle between these two. If these two can bring their regional

club form to the international club form to the international

stage, it will have a huge impact on the result of today. They both

play so well for the last brace and Leinster, but have not managed to

bring it to be next level. -- the are sprays. It is the first time he

has started, really, because he has been thrown in usually. Sexton, if

you ask anyone who is the stand of guy? It is him. It is his chance to

guy? It is him. It is his chance to cement his position. Let's look at

the Wales team in detail. You have to have some sympathy for

Rob Howley. They have world-class locks out injured. It is a huge

game today for Evans. He has got to dictate the line-out. There's the

back row. We know what they have got to do. The half-backs are

crucial. These boys can really target the opposition. I feel it is

Adam Jones who is crucial, and Adam Jones who is crucial, and

Evans and Andrew Coombs. Ireland are bound to target the second row.

They know that Evans is not match- fit. You have to be worried.

Adrenalin will carry him so far. But then, when the game hits him,

he will have to make a substitution. We are lucky that we have got Ollie

Kohn from Harlequins who has come from out of nowhere. It is a big

test for Evans on fitness. Would you have gone with Tipuric as well?

I feel sorry for Rob Howley. Selection has been Ki. Tipuric has

been a stand out player for Wales. Shingler may have to go to the

second row. Selection has been difficult for Rob Howley. I hope

the players who are coming back from injury can play for an hour.

OK, let's speak to a former Wales player. It is Martyn Williams.

For the first time since retiring... You have been talking to your

former team-mates. How do you assess their frame of mind?

Surprising. On the back of seven losses, you would think they would

be low in confidence. They had drawn a line under the autumn. If

you look at the side, it has almost full-strength. Can't wait for the

kick off. A big day for Rob Howley as well. How confident are you that

he can emerge from Warren Gatland's shadow? A very confident. It was

difficult in the autumn - was see in charge or not? He knows it is a

massive game. If they lose, there will be a lot of pressure, but he

is a great coach. You are about to go and join the commentary box.

Thank you for now. The atmosphere is building up

nicely here, Jonathan. I just want to ask you about those new in

experienced wings for Ireland. If you are Rob Howley, do you say

Casper, George Nov, have a crack at Gilroy and Simon Zebo? -- Georgian

North. I think they will use it more down the middle first of all.

Kidney says, lads, you have got fast feet, run at those big lumps

on the wings. If you are the two Irish winger's,

you are going to say, I am going to avoid those two. The Welsh back

line is incredibly experienced, and apart from Dan Biggar, it has won

the Grand Slam. It is a part-time - - about time they stood up and were

counted. It is such a deafening noise here. Dan Biggar is usually

vocal. You have got to communicate well. But Halfpenny has been superb.

When the ball goes to him, he has got to look for work, look for

angles. O'Driscoll has said he is not getting any younger. He will

try to stop the ball going out. Also, if you keep the width as well,

there are bigger gaps for the Irish to defend. When has there ever been

as much excitement? Amazing. It was just quiet for a second and it was

like a moment's silence. I read an interesting interview in the week.

Sean O'Brien now says he sees Wales-Island games as grudge

matches. Given the history, and especially the World Cup quarter-

finals... It is comforting to be bitter when you needed. Ireland

want to come out here to try to ruin the party won the first

weekend of the Six Nations. Also, they play each other every week in

their lead. They know each other extremely well. There's not much

difference in them. This game, if you go to the audience, it would

cut 50-50. Nobody can call it. is so close. I want to call it. I

am going to start being positive, and I think Ireland are going to

win 10-8. On that note, I am going to say that Ireland start as

favourites, but I have got a feeling that I will go for Wales.

was not expecting this! With the whole injury situation, I thought

Ireland would start as favourites.... But I know that you

say to love to play here. What is it likely Jamie Heaslip gets the

throwing the ball? It is a huge pleasure. -- what is it like when

Jamie Heaslip gets a throw-in the ball? It is just phenomenal. This

what you have waited for, for the last 12 months. The noise is

phenomenal. These are what dreams are made of. This is what you have

wanted to do since the age of 10. You want to go out as captain.

not miss playing. The body has given up. But the best feeling in

the world is when you stand there - the anticipation, the adrenalin,

the emotion is just incredible. If you could bottle that, it is the

best feeling in the world. It is also controlling the fear of

failure. Everyone in the stadium and at home watching feels the same.

But there's only a few people lucky enough to do it. It is just the

best. And in sport, there's nothing like a Six Nations Championship, is

there, Keith? It is perfect sporting nationalism. Nationalism

is frowned on in every way, except here. Everybody in the world would

love to have a tournament like this. Here they come! Turn up the volume

Absolutely incredible. What is going through that young man's mind,

now, Dan Biggar? He has to focus on what is going to happen. He has got

to get his first kick in, his first tackle, and then just baas everyone.

He has got to be there as if it is just his one hundredth cap. Is the

camp split? I think they will want to do well for Brian O'Driscoll.

And they will want to do well for the new manager, too. That is where

the fear factor comes in. We join our commentators in just a few

moments. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Six Nations 2013 is

# Come the day and come the hour. # Come the power and the glory.

# We have come to answer our country's call.

# From the four proud provinces of Ireland.

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# Ireland, Ireland. # Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl

i mi. # Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

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# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr Stadium, sun-kissed under a blue

sky. Wales under Rob Howley, their coach. Andrew Coombs, 28, wins his

first cap. Aaron Shingler in from Dan Lydiate. Very familiar in the

three-quarter line, except for Number Ten, Dan Biggar takes over

all the responsibility at fly-half for Wales. Jamie Heaslip continues

as captain for Ireland, 17 tries scored by that starting eight,

seven by Heaslip, seven by Rory Best. Brian O'Driscoll is back, not

as captain, winning his 121st cap, Ireland's leading try-scorer by a

mile, with 45. Olly Kohn, wearing 19, will win his first cap or Wales

if he comes on. Romain Poite of France takes charge of the opening

game of the RBS Six Nations 2013. The defending Grand Slam champions

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against the side that has title Good afternoon, Eddie, we motored

our first set piece. We were talking about how important they

are going to be, scrums more likely to be even, the really key set

piece will be the line-out, and that is where Ireland are looking

for an age. But important that they have a solid scrum as well, and

that they do not give Adam Jones, returning, the upper hand. Getting

Jenkins has not played much rugby this season, the big move to Toulon

Mike Ross on this side, Adam Jones? Well, we will not see yet, Wales

with the free-kick, early engagement by Ireland. Toby Faletau

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Murray, I think everyone in Wales thought that ball would go up again,

but it gave Jonathan Sexton the obvious choice, to stick its deep

into territory. He will feel confident doing this today, on the

assumption they would get the upper hand in the line-out. Ian Evans,

Wales do favour the front of the line-out. Yeah, quite significantly.

wearing 11, so Ireland have gone for pace, not necessarily size on

their wings, Craig Gilroy, Simon Zebo. This is Dan Biggar, another

chance to claim another number 10 giving the Irish front five go in

quite a few, and you can see what Wales have done in terms of the

selection in the macro, trying to get a bit of height with Shingler.

-- in the back row. The second row will be struggling without Alun Wyn

Jones and Davies, they have gone for the line-out option. Yes, they

really need to guarantee possession from the line-out. That is not to

say that Tipuric might not get some gain time as it progresses, he has

been in fantastic form all year. -- game. It looks like Mathew Rees

will have to God for a couple of stitches. Held together by some

petroleum jelly! That is Sean O'Brien on the ball. He is going to

want to get himself on the ball, but he will have to look after the

is Ian Evans on a charge. He has not played for a long time, how

will he last? He looks in good form so far. Penalty to Wales. Yes, so

far Wales pretty much dominating possession, forcing Ireland to kick

a bit. No real obvious patterns developing yet. Very much in the

settling down period. You can see Ireland at 66-30 for possession, we

expect the territory to be different, yes, a little bit more

even. Wales get a decent line-out just outside the Irish 22. We have

bleeding. 237 caps between the three front row forwards or Wales.

-- his ally. The line-out has gone bit of consolation from that. They

got Donnacha Ryan up in the air early, he has really impressed me,

he had a fantastic Six Nations last year, filling the void that had

been left, and I would make in-and- out sidelines contender. He is very

understated, but he is keen to the Irish line-out. He pinched more

ball than anyone else last year, just a brush of the fingers,

another claimed by Ireland on the from the scrums. We have only had

one completed scrum so far. It is the curse of the game, the failure

of scrums to be completed. You can see Gethin Jones -- Gethin Jenkins,

he needs to keep his shoulders were. Now, a nice attacking position for

Ireland. They will be looking for for Ireland. Sean O'Brien, wearing

seven, with the ball. Now it is Knock on by Wales, Ireland will

have a good attacking position. Well, when they used that maul,

they might have expected to go wide a little bit early, but they got

Wales moving backwards, but Conor Murray puts it wide, getting into

Craig Gilroy's hands quickly. That is the knock-on, that gives Ireland

a very good attacking scrum, big open-side. As we prepare, it is a

feature of the Welsh defence that Jonathan Davies does come off fast,

and often on his own, and when it works, it works. Like you say, when

it works, it works, but you are vulnerable if you miss the guy, you

get the overlap, so it is a big first job, what is in your mind?

is not so bad for Sam on this side, he has got Phillips to do the

defending for him, so he gets the weight behind Adam. It is the other

side, the blind side, where you are a little bit nervous as a flanker.

We have got a fascinating Conor Murray, he likes to snipe, big

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had to stretch to take it. He controlled it and it put Simon Zebo

in. Watch this. Look at that pass. Those wonderful hands. Wales should

have done better. They took their eye off Simon Zebo. You don't want

feet. -- picked for his speed. points. Wales did not do much wrong,

but they gave too much space to Simon Zebo. Brian O'Driscoll's

hands did the rest. There it was. Very little room for error there.

People had been questioning O'Driscoll this week. He is a world

class player. Ireland are back in Hold the ball, carry it up. It has

been a speciality of theirs. He is world class. Might not quite have

the durability he had in the past. His body is probably running on the

limit. But he has still got that world-class touch. That will be the

start that Ireland want. They will not want to let Wales build any

confidence at home. Wales will have wanted to get the crowd behind them.

Matthew Rees' wound has reopened. He will go off. Brian O'Driscoll

has made an impression already. He is back. That is the fabulous take

again. He just got outside Davies. I think the Welsh stood off. It

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to run at the scrum sternly. -- that one. He brought Cian Healy

down to a low position. Maybe that is why the penalty was given that

way. Wales have given Ireland a set-piece in a place they are

confident. They will be talking long and hard about this one,

Ireland. He just went down first, there. That was a poor throw. They

are lining up to defend, not attack. That is why they were flatter. Did

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not want to risk taking it on, They are hanging on by their

fingernails. It would be a boost if they are able to hang on. Ireland

came close again. Again, quick hands. Just gives you right half a

yard. But it was well-defended. -- called upon to make tackles in that

O'Driscoll in midfield. You were talking earlier on about the

defence. There was no way that Mike Phillips was letting him through

has missed it. But he knew the penalty was coming. It is against

Andrew Coombs. A penalty is a let off. 10-0, they are still in the

game. Ireland are dominating at the moment, to be fair. It is a time

for Wales to get their breath back. I'm disappointed they haven't gone

in for a seven. Serve there. -- a seven pointer there.

Jamie Heaslip is down to his right. Gordon D'Arcy is also having

attention behind Jonathan Sexton. All this attacking play is taking

its toll. I bet it hurts more if Millennium Stadium. Wales will want

entered the fray. We gather he has had five stitches.

Wales will recognise the importance of getting the ball back from the

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forwards. They had the right idea, The charge down has led to a second

Irish try. We want to see the Simon Zebo skill. There were a couple of

moments of magic there. This is great. The ball was spinning

wickedly. Just to take that in the hands was a big thing. He knew he

did not have the pace. Look at that. week out, and now he has done it in

one of the biggest stages in the game. Ireland do well to

consolidate and keep their patience. Audacious, absolutely audacious!

Oh! He thinks about the offload, Ireland do well to keep their

patience and go over eventually through Cian Healy. A little moment

of magic to kick the Six Nations and it is all Ireland in Cardiff,

their second try, Sexton's second conversion, Simon Zebo's second

involvement, look at this! Well, he does not snatch at it, he just

flicks it up, and he has got all the time in the world. One of the

hardest workers around, Cian Healy. I think if you go back to the start,

so slow, so difficult for Dan Biggar then, easy for the Irish

defence, take your hat off to Rory Best, charging him down. A great

catch, great vision as well. He saw again, Ireland stripping Wales of

the ball. They will have a defensive line-out from what was a

promising attacking position. Martyn Williams, this is not going

well for Wales. It is the contact area, O'Driscoll and D'Arcy, how

many times have we seen that over the years? And then back in Welsh

territory. For some reason, the Welsh ball is so slow, it is not

giving Phillips or Biggar any kind of platform. And then indisposition,

you try to force things, and that is when the turnover comes. -- in

this position. Yes, you try things you should not be trying, they did

last 10 minutes before half-time. - obstructing in front of the ball.

It is just forcing things again, the point we were making earlier,

that was not a ball to be attacking from. Phillips looked like he might

have shaken off is tackler, but he ago that the Irish coach was under

a certain amount of pressure. One good win over Argentina seems to

have restored the balance of Irish rugby. Looking very well balanced

and the Points keeps on coming. Wales 0, Ireland 20. Another little

sting in the tail there, that will not have done Welsh at any good at

all. The forwards will really want to get possession from the kick-off,

on. This time Sean O'Brien going in a little isolated, Wales and very

quick hands to get that turnover. Now, they need to do something off

this, Wales. The second time they have been in his attacking position,

they lost the first line-out. Who little dummy. He makes half a yard,

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just there are going right for Wales at the moment. They are

making little mistakes that they do not tend to make. No real reason

for that, there was no real pressure on Jonathan Davies there,

not lie, six handling errors from Wales, two from Ireland. -- you can

see in the statistics. Percentage between Donnacha Ryan, Brian

O'Driscoll. It looks as if Keith Earls is planning to come on, and

Gordon D'Arcy, 12, is going to make his way off. Not yet, though. Keith

Earls stays on the replacements pig and drive. Slightly on his own,

a chance of some points for Wales. Martyn Williams, what relief for

Wales. Yes, they need something to happen, and something fast. There

is eight minutes to go. The first time we have had a sustained period

in their 22, so surely we will put this over to settle the nerves, get

on the board. You can sense from the crowd, everyone is in shock

from the start. At least we are going to get three points,

hopefully. For Ireland, it all came from that line-out, a quick one

over the top from Donnacha Ryan. The only thing to do from Conor

Murray's perspective was to hoist the Garryowen, but he hesitated,

and Wales got the turnover. They need to be more conscious of that

in defensive positions and not give the turnover is too easily. --

board. There is a long way to go, three points to Wales, 20 two

see if anything is on to the left. He goes right. George North has not

seen the ball at all. Compare his contribution this time with what he

was doing last year in Dublin. think that is a very valid point,

the whole game plan would be to get the ball into his hands as often as

you can, and I am not sure if that is his first touch, 34 minutes into

the game, but Ireland have done their homework, done a great job so

North does come flying in and get chances to run onto the ball, neat

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Ireland. That was a massive for Ireland. They did stand up and make

the tackles. They made it difficult for Wales to break through. A

couple of chances and you thought they might get the turnover. Rory

Best has been Ki, not only in creating scoring opportunities but

in stopping Wales. -- has been the That is what you want to see from

Simon Zebo, coming in early and not liking -- letting the Welsh players

get in. Simon Zebo, try-scorer, footballer, tackler, and Rory Best,

we talk about the role of the seven and how much ground work he can do,

but the hooker is so important these days. He can the first there.

In the old days, the back-row would be good at the tackle area. But

Rory Best is invaluable. That is as good as a try. A second leaking

head for Wales. This time it is Gethin Jenkins who is going off for

coming into half time, what are you going to say to Wales? -- you on in.

They want to get George into the game. At the moment, I think they

are just doing such a good job in the contact area. They are slowing

the ball down, stealing the ball. They have got to take the positives

for going in front of Cuthbert. -- Warburton. Will Sexton fancy this?

It is looks like -- it looks like errors. They are uncommonly high.

That might be a sign of brittle confidence. So, a last chance for

Ireland. What a half it has been for them. Two converted tries, two

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penalties. 20 points. Matthew Rees penalty for Ireland. It is not

releasing at the breakdown. Shingler is going to say he

couldn't move. Ireland are showing an appetite here. They could have

wound the clock down, but they want to really wrap up the advantage

they have here. It looks like another three point opportunity for

Sexton, who has been 100%. He has been striking the ball really

difficult to argue against Ireland's lead. O'Mahony has gone

the extra few yards. They are justifiable to be 20 points up. It

is a long way to go. The Welsh side can come back. But they need a big

start to the second half. Sexton So, Declan Kidney's team are

turning up the heat on Wales. Panic in the Welsh defence. Brian

O'Driscoll may have lost the captaincy, but has not lost his

silky skills. Simon Zebo, a great footballing skills. Wales, at the

moment, quite frankly, are all over the place, despite Leigh

Halfpenny's penalty. Johnny Sexton nailed another penalty just before

half-time. Ireland are turning the It has been a fantastic first half

performance from Ireland. Rob Howley has got some serious talking

to do at half-time. Those are the to do at half-time. Those are the

stats. Miserable for Wales. They stats. Miserable for Wales. They

have been out muscled in all areas. Ireland are clinical with the ball.

Ireland are clinical with the ball. Grim reading for Rob Howley. Nobody

expected that, to be honest. We thought it would be a close game.

They have dominated every aspect of the first half. Martyn Williams

said control the tackle area. Turnovers, missed tackles and

penalties conceded - you cannot make a national rugby team at this

level and expect to be in the game. Ireland have got a quicker tempo.

They have tested them. I have to say, total control throughout.

goes down to attitude of self- belief. The Irish attitude is

energetic, positive, going for it. They all seem to have the self-

belief trademarked by some elements of great skill. Wales, on the other

hand, just seemed to be a step off the pace, as if they are uncertain.

I love to look at it in this view, the body language of the players.

Some of the Welsh guys are downcast. That is putting the rest of the

team under pressure. This is early on. They know the blitz defence is

coming. Look at the depth on the Irish. They keep it deep. They know

he is going to give and take. Georgian off -- George North, he

has to go in. This is good hands again. Depth, depth. They have got

an extra man. It is the pace of the ball from the tackle area that is

the difference. They are on the front foot, asking questions all

the time. In the World Cup, when Wales beat Ireland, they beat them

because of the blitz defence. Ireland were five yards too flat.

You have got to get everything right, and the energy has to be

right. It has not been right for Wales. Some of them are going half-

heartedly to make the hit. other aspect of Ireland's

performance, Keith, is this caused some fantastic tries against

Argentina in the autumn, and they seem to have picked up from that

game. -- date scored. Just watch this. Once he is on the outside,

you have got to commit or stay out. You can't do nothing and turn your

back. Simple as. Brian O'Driscoll may have lost the captaincy, but

look at that. That is class. The amazing skill of catching and

giving but not knowing... Cuthbert is in the way of the pass, but he

makes it anyway. Is passing to somebody, hoping it will miss. That

his magic. All you need to do you shift your body weight. The

decision is made for O'Driscoll. The decision is made for the pass.

Cuthbert does not go in. He turns. You cannot turn your back in

defence. He is letting ball's bounce into touch. He is throwing

it high. I just want to ask you, Jonathan, about Dan Biggar. I

wanted to ask you, it is all very well to be playing well at pro 12

level. At this level, you can't make these mistakes. Just watch. He

runs towards the guy who is charging down. The difference is,

he just watches steps. He is making it all easy. From here, it is skill.

Watch this pass. Oh, that is just rugby and sex! That is fantastic.

He is carrying, carrying, getting himself into a good position, try.

It is also a mismatch. Dan Biggar, there is a big step up, pace wise,

international and regional. You do not have the time in international

rugby. Unfortunately, he paid for it. Wales are looking like a side

who have lost seven on the bounce, aren't they? They are doing all the

things they did so well in the Grand Slam. But it is not happening

today. They are not securing possession. They are forcing things

a bit too much. They have lost a sense of composure. Mike Phillips

is taking too much time. There does nothing to be any urgency in his

own player. Evans lost the ball there. He has not played since

November. He is on his own, isolated. The main clearing out

have not been doing their job. -- the men. Rory Best stole the ball,

and nobody was there to go and clean him out. He stood there, got

the penalty, and that has been a problem. They have isolated the

ball carriers. Again, it goes back to attitude. This is great from

Simon Zebo. This is running all the way in to smash a big number six.

For me, it is attitude. This is one period where Wales had the

opportunity. Rory Best was in four different Brookes. Not only did he

get the penalty, but he slowed it down to stay on his feet. The

attitude was, they will not get the ball easily. That is phenomenal.

Thank you very much for now. It is a fascinating Six Nations because

there are so many Lions places up for grabs. Where better to debate

it than at the House of Commons? To get the call was fantastic.

Walking in, just the scale of the houses of Parliament is

extraordinary. Surprised but delighted to be here. It is good to

get recognised was something you have done over the years. For a boy

from the valleys, yes, you have got to pinch yourself sometimes.

Every year, it seems to keep growing and getting better.

underdog can put in a performance and caused hell.

I hope Wales, obviously, and if not, I think the French will win.

French look like the Ford despite When you have been a Lion, it

really all comes to the fore, all the memories come flooding back.

The challenge to play there, 30 or 40 players coming together, art of

then you have knocked seven bells out of during the season, and now

you have to play with a red shirt on. Hopefully, there will be 15 or

20 guys putting their hands up at the end of the tournament and

saying, I have just produced the best rugby I can, I have got to be

on the tour. If you perform well individually and your team does

well, it announces a chance of going on the best rugby trip a

rugby player can do one. I think we all really believe we were very

part of a very exclusive club, probably a bit like being an MP,

quite honestly. It was a great night at the House of Commons,

Martyn Williams, they let you in! It was good, a surreal experience

to meet people like that, a great night. What has Rob Howley got to

say to these players now? Look, it is a difficult one, I would not

want to be in his shoes. Looking at the substitutes warming up, I would

put James Hook on, Tipuric, because at the moment it is not working.

Ireland totally dominated that first half, and they need to do

something different in the second half. We want to congratulate you,

you have just had your third child, mother and baby doing well? Yes,

good, you can see the bags under my eyes! Lucky I am here. We would get

make up UCU in a moment! Rob Howley has got a big team talk, what is

his approach this far? Well, you have just got to go for broke now,

that is it. Six-year the tackling area, make sure you do not lose the

ball. -- secure. You have got to throw Tipuric on, he has been the

form player, wrote Hook 1, caution to the wind, give it everything. --

throw Hook on. Ireland have shown intensity. Pretty much more of the

same for Ireland, key attacking with the nine and 10, get them

involved as much as you possibly can. Do not be afraid, do not sit

back, they want to go for it, continue to go for it. More of the

same, pretty much. I know it is a cliche, but the first score in the

second half is crucial! I think if we get a try, it will bring some

confidence back. We have just got to give it everything now, but a

couple of mistakes. I'm not sure whether the Welsh boys are aware of

this, but if they lose today, they will lose five games on the trot at

home for the first time in Welsh rugby history. Let's rejoin Eddie

Butler, Phil Matthews and Martyn face the kick-off from Jonny Sexton,

knowing that Wales trailed by 20 points at home in the opening game

for Wales, it has been a glorious first half for Ireland. It is only

a job half done. George North in putt that -- put-in at the scrum

with that show can hold tackle. Wales have to be careful with that.

They do need to take the game to Ireland, they need to attack, but

they have to be more careful in possession. Ireland are very adept

in that contact area, and that is a bad place to turn over a ball like

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this. It is, it is an Irish scrum and make the tackle. Brian

O'Driscoll to Rob Kearney. He is Brian O'Driscoll, back in

international rugby, who scores, try No. 46! Oh, that is the sign of

a player who makes things happen. Most centres, you would say, what

the hell is he doing there? But he puts himself into positions where

the ball is going to be, how many times have we seen him scoring from

rucks and mauls, normally the domain of the big, heavy forwards.

You sense he is fired up, he really wants it, he is there, waiting, and

there is no better man from one yard out. Not giving up, he has got

one thing on his mind. So quick half-time, to Wales. Now, I know

myself, what does Sam Warburton say? You are looking at all the

senior players, the leaders. They have just come out, Ireland, and it

goes back to the kick-off. Wales should clear their lines early in

the first half, 20 points down, do not give Ireland the opportunity to

do what they have done. It is so uncharacteristic, Wales missing

tackles, Ireland dominating physically. Peter O'Mahony is

making us hard yards again, the way he started the half, quick feet,

able to make that extra yard and give Ireland that momentum.

change to be made by Wales, Justin Tipuric is on. It is Aaron Shingler

who has gone off. Keith Earls in possession, he is on for Ireland.

He is on for Gordon D'Arcy, who has it quickly. First touch for Justin

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back for the original penalty. -- off. You delayed to release, the

player and the ball on the ground, twice. Have a word about that,

showing good discipline, starting to make those hard yards, really

pushing the Irish defence, forcing them to give away the penalty to

slow the ball down, and they have got themselves good field position

now. Now, if they are going to perform a miracle, they need to

come away with something, and nothing short of seven points will

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score! Patient build up, deadly finish! Alex Cuthbert, first try

for Wales, is it too late? His there life yet in this game? There

is if they can reproduce that, that field position, the discipline on

the ball. That was the threat that we saw was alive in this Welsh team

if only they could release it. It is a wonderful line by Alex

Cuthbert, his pace and his strength, there is no way a flailing arm of

Keith Earls was going to stop Alex Cup but as he cuts an angle like

that. -- Alex Cuthbert. Now it is game on, and now Ireland really

need to consolidate. Keith Earls got himself a little bit exposed, a

little bit too far forward. That The deficit is back where it

started at the start of this second half, 20 points. Yes, that was

really energy-sapping, because there is nothing more tense than

defending ruck after ruck on your own line, and then eventually, once

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the ball went wide, something was opened up. The two reasons. Wales

are going for broke. Ireland have gone inside themselves a little bit.

I would like to have seen the ball count said. What Ireland can't

afford to do is sit back. Wales have got their confidence back.

This game has just come alive again. It is strange to say, but you can

be too far in front. Psychologically, you can switch off.

But there's still 30 minutes to go. Talking about Brian O'Driscoll, he

is reading the game. It is the small things that make a difference.

Wales have got a chance with 13 minutes to go. -- 30 minutes.

did not need -- need to make the hit. This is interesting now. Wales

have their tails up. O'Mahony is going off. He took a knock to the

head, and it looks like he is going off now. He will be replaced, I

would imagine, by Henry. He has been outstanding all year. If the

game is going looser, there's a seven for you. He is not a bad

replacement at all. Matthew Rees is heading for the exit as well. Owens

is back on. Henry is a different sort of player. Straight away, he

has got the ball in his hands. He is such a clever player. 10 arrears

Andrew Coombs. He has been fully game, which is becoming more and/or

helter-skelter. You ride committed himself -- more and more helter-

skelter. Craig Gilroy committed change the way you play and give

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A scrum. How could you say that, that it was deliberate?! They have

really got their tails up. Halfpenny used that well. It could

have been given. It is still a good attacking position for Wales. Their

scrum has been solid all day. Ireland, surprisingly, making more

of the tackles. I sense that these that has climbed ahead in the

second half. -- the statistic has climbed ahead. How many scrums have

Wales had? A good question. I think they have had one scrum all game.

They would have fancied themselves but they have not had an

opportunity. That is how the game changed a bit. Wales will look to

expose it if they can. Mike Phillips has to go and do some

be a yellow card. The referee holds it back. Mike Phillips express

Romain Poite. Three metres, right? He explains that he was three

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metres away from the mark. It was referee across the field. Wales

take it quickly. Evans... Stopped in his tracks by the wind and only

are still in possession, through tackler. A penalty advantage for

Wales. They will want to take it quickly again. The referee stops

is a yellow card for Rory Best. is going off. A key player as well.

But what defence. Ireland coming out to the line to try to get man

and ball. They have been thinking about it all week because of the

size advantage that the Welsh midfield has. That is why the

penalty came now. Wales 1 to come away with something. -- want to.

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Here is the Craig Gilroy tackle, 0. we may have an instant buckle --

battle. Whale seemed to have skied -- scored the try through Leigh

Halfpenny. But the referee and line it has not been seen. The opinion

is that Leigh Halfpenny got it down. Yeah, it is good. Wales are right

back in this. We are performing -- they are performing the miracle we

thought they might. You may award laboured, in the end. This is a big

kick. If he gets this, they are within two scores. It is a huge

Conversion for him. Plenty of time But there is very much a game on

here at the Millennium Stadium. We approach the one hour mark. Wales,

suddenly and for the first time, are with their tails up. Yeah, and

Ireland's heads are going to be frazzled at the moment. They need

to look to their big players, the likes of Brian O'Driscoll, just to

do the right thing. That was a let off for Sexton there! That was

are showing their experience. difficult for Ireland because it

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the Sean O'Brien who is going to first time in this match, until

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and Ireland earned the penalty. Ireland are bringing Wales on, they

are not dealing with the kick wealth. Gilroy has probably fielded

more kicks than any of the last three. They are just bringing Wales

on to them, and Wales have really found their shape now. All those

penalties that hurt Wales in the first half, this is the first they

have conceded in the second half. Incredible turnaround, you have

never seen anything like it! The speed of the Welsh ball, Ireland

cannot cope, they are very narrow in defence. Interesting to see how

Sean O'Brien will throw, he will throw to the front. The momentum

far touchline. Another substitute, could play all the remainder at his

Penalty de Wales! Sean O'Brien was very much on his own there. Dan

Biggar wanted to take it quickly. That is a crucial mistake by Sean

O'Brien, he threw himself recklessly into that. What is

needed now for Ireland is cool heads, and there was a rush of

second half. Here is Leigh Halfpenny's tackle. He is running

into that tackle too fast. If he slows down and steadies himself, he

is not going to go to ground as quick, and he will give himself an

extra second for the support to get there. Ken Owens at the line-out.

Oh, hesitation, that is... Oh, that Wales. A higher one for Leigh

Halfpenny, he can market. -- Mark it. The thinking was, we cannot

have a scrum, no hooker, so they have to make the Garryowen, that

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that will be good. -- his ball. They are saying it is a late

tackle. Do you know, that is the first penalty Ireland have conceded

that is not at the breakdown. the second significant error that

Sean O'Brien has made in the last five minutes. The needs to keep his

head on, he needs to be thinking a little bit more, because that is

will be their throw. Ken Owens, Paul James's on. That is for

getting Jenkins. -- Gethin Jenkins. Ireland do enough messing to put

Wales will have the scrum put-in. They are looking for another

penalty, but may be a scrum is the better option. Well, again, Simon

Zebo gets himself flat-footed year by just over committing himself.

They have got to make those first tackles, because once Jonathan

Davies getting behind, it is a scrambled defence. Ireland at sixes

and sevens at the moment. Just a decision for the repeated

infringement, all right? You can see the panic, turnover of war, he

just welly did down the field. It was a poor kick, straight to the

one man you do not want to kick two, George North, and they are under

pressure again. Two bits of good news for Ireland, they still lead

by 15 points, and Rory Best is back this! You might say, follow this,

England, Scotland! And tomorrow, Italy versus France from Rome, the

Olympic Stadium. Shia the hooker who is back. Wales will have the

put-in. -- here is. The first feed for the new scrum-half, Lloyd

Ireland have lost... They are frazzled at the moment, that his

lack of concentration. They have not been under a huge amount of

pressure. There is a case to be made for taking the three points,

Wales have got to score three times. And the clock is ticking. As much

as they are on top, they need to score to stand any chance from this

game, they must score from this towards the touchline. -- wondering.

Declan Fitzpatrick comes on to huge amount of game time, but

Declan Kidney is aware he has got to give them some time to develop

and get back in. He is a little bit over-reliant on Mike Ross at the

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try for Toby Faletau, surely, against the base of the post?! The

referee gives a penalty to Wales. The Welsh players are talking to

how positive have they been? If that makes contact with the pad, it

is a try, and it looks like it would more than likely have made

contact with the pad at the base. If it makes... Now, it doesn't,

actually, that is a better angle. good refereeing decision! Still

Ireland are not off the boot. Oh, the pressure, no scrum half! Conor

danger with taking the scrum, it is eating into the clock. They should

have kept the ball in play, you are taking two or three minutes off the

clock, and that is time that Wales close, they have dominated the

second half, ever since Ireland stretched their lead and then took

their foot off the pedal, it has been all Wales, as much as it was

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all Ireland in the first half. Biggar, Cuthbert, Toby Faletau in

the way! The whistle goes, knock on by Wales. Ireland have held out.

I do not know how much more I can take of this! Martyn, what is it

like down there? I am shattered! You have got to take your hat off

to the Irish defence, they keep covering the inside man, fantastic

defence from Ireland. Yes, that is when I will always feel it, 152

tackles against 93, that is getting bigger and bigger now. They did the

right thing, as Martyn said, take it quick, really starting to

stretch Ireland, but Craig Gilroy are at the line really quickly,

trying to get on the ball. Good hits, putting the man down early

when they can, trying to get somebody in to steal the ball. Sean

O'Brien has led the tackle count for Ireland. Mike McCarthy has done

a lot of unseen work, backed up by Donnacha Ryan. Cian Healy, that is

uncommon for a prop, 15 tackles, but it shows the pressure that the

Welsh side have been putting on in the second half. So many changes

year, Olly Kohn is on, the Harlequins second row forward, he

comes on for Ian Evans. He declared he had a grandfather from the

Rhymney Valley, he is on. Craig Mitchell in the front row for Wales.

Donncha O'Callaghan is on for Ireland. And David Kilcoyne is on

in the front row. It is an Irish but in, the clock is on again.

James Hook is on, too, for Dan Biggar. And he was putting the ball

in at the scrum? The wells? Brian O'Driscoll. He couldn't do anything

else. He is finished, voice, he is finished! Do you think he wants

still need three scores. It is a the world, but again, the clock

ticks on. That is typical of the man. It is leadership personified.

That is what he has always been. can do most things, but he can't

box kick. But you know what, he will probably practise it for the

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going to go upstairs. By the look of it, don't tell me Craig Mitchell

has come on to score? He is going back to the halfway line at a fair

old lick. That is Lloyd-Williams being taking down short. It looks

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actual grounding. It is a try. is it there. That is the angle. It

is down and he knows it. If I was Leigh Halfpenny, he hasn't put the

ball down yet. This conversion have to be taken quickly. -- has to be.

I may award the try? It is awarded. The clock starts running again.

Well, we could not have had two more different halves. What was a

horror story for Wales is going to look like a horror story for

Ireland in the second half. Wales are within eight points. They still

have to score twice. It has been a remarkable game for the Six Nations.

Ireland were so far ahead, so far in control, but a comeback by Wales

seemed impossible. But Wales have dominated this second half. The

Irish defence has been unbelievable at times. They have leaked to the

try. What is just as important, this man of the match, Philip.

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There's a few contenders, isn't it started with passes going wild.

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contenders, and I was going to go with Rory Best, but my man of the

match is Brian O'Driscoll. I am not going to call it a comeback, but

there's some romance in it. An outstanding performance. Typical of

the man. The clock stops. It is going to be an Irish victory. Wales

will have the scrum but no time to score twice. It is no surprise that

a player has gone down with cramp. Simon Zebo is going off. Ireland do

have this incredible record of winning in Cardiff. Debt 11th in 30

found a bit of momentum in the second half. That will give them

some solace. Hopefully they will be able to bring the momentum into

their second match. They have shown what a good side they can be.

Ultimately, they have lost their first game at home. Everybody spoke

all week about how important that was. They have got to take great

heart from the second half but they have got to be disappointed as well.

on that note. Ireland have held out. What a game it has been. Oh, a

breathtaking second half. The Irish controlled in the second half. The

Welsh came back, but Ireland held to do in the second half. They

nearly did it. Ireland will not be happy with the way they capitulated.

They were in danger of getting turned over. One of the classics.

Could not agree more. What a game. It is the opening match of the Six

Nations. Great for the spectators. But Wales will be disappointed.

Ominously, Wales now face three away games on the bounce. Ireland

A super start, then, to the 2013 Six Nations. Yet another stunning

performance from Ireland's greatest, Brian O'Driscoll. We are running

out of things to say about him. will keep doing it for a while yet.

He took the opportunities. Lets hear from the man himself.

This championship is so much about momentum. How important is it to

come here and to get that victory? It is hugely important. The first

game is a must win, otherwise you're chasing your tail for the

rest of the competition. We started well today. Wales have done a job

on us in the last three games. We came out of the blocks and played

well. We sat back and defended, in fairness. They put it to us in the

second half. What caused the swing to the end of this second half?

was just our discipline. It has a knock-on and the momentum. They

just tired us down. Rugby is a game of momentum. If you can build it,

it is hard to stop. Congratulations and welcome back. You are the RBS

man of the match. Thank you. Fantastic player.

A game of two hearts, isn't it? Rory Best was amazing. To be

Ferlito was amazing. -- Toby Faletau. Thank you very much. Wales