RWC 2011 QF1: Ireland v Wales (W Pool C v RU Pool D)

[grievous]

Why couldnt we play this smart against the Irish

 

[Set piece magic]

More attacking team is through to the semi final <3

 

[AngrySeahorse]

More attacking team is through to the semi final <3

THANK F**K FOR THAT! I'm starting to feel more optimistic about the RWC & life in general. Thanks Wales!

Edit: Ma & I both agree its great at least one Celtic side is going through.

 

[Ruggo]

Good Stuff Wales. If we can't win the cup, I hope they do.

The more experienced side is going home. Hopefully that is an omen for us.

 

[jollyswagman]

WOW! Congratulations to the Welsh boys. What a solid performance. All the big words in there - accurate, direct, disciplined, aggressive & controlled. All done with a very low error count and an equal amount of possession. I hope our boys can defend with 100% commitment from start to finish tomorrow. They showed great patience and took their opportunites when they were made available. Now, can they make it to the final? I would love to see them there.

 

[jollyswagman]

I thought Joubert had a good game in the middle? Could have possibly blown a few more for slow ball but I would prefer to see the game flow. One of the better reffing efforts I have seen this Cup.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

I cant believe a lot of us thought it would have been better for us to play this mob than SA (not that I'm real confident against SA given when it comes our performances we've got a real "Forrest Gump box of chocolates never know what your gonna get" style).

 

[redstragic]

It's games like this that restore my love for the sport. It had everything and more. Well played both teams. I hope this is the beginning of a great era for the Welsh.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Belter of a game to kick off the QF's.

Paddy's had plenty of chances to win but credit to the Taffys who absorbed pressure and took their chances when offered.

Knockout footy is about making the most of the 4 or 5 chances you get each game. Taffy's too smart, too good. Looked vulnerable at times, but well placed to go all the way to face Men in Gold in the Final in a couple of weeks.

 

[jollyswagman]

Is it to much to ask for our boys to do the same thing tomorrow? The Welsh performance tonight is what I have been hoping to see from AUS all year. Sure there was no razzle-dazzle stuff but it was great to watch nonetheless.

 

[cyclopath]

I cant believe a lot of us thought it would have been better for us to play this mob than SA (not that I'm real confident against SA given when it comes our performances we've got a real "Forrest Gump box of chocolates never know what your gonna get" style).

When we lost to Ireland, I thought that, but I reckon Wales would have beaten us today, and probably SA too. Ireland were no mugs, but Wales belted them up pretty damn well. At least we know what we gonna get tomorrow. Countering it is the next step.

 

[Groucho]

This is a fantastic result. Wales winning the tournament would be almost as good as the Wallabies winning it.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

My prediction for Semi Final 1. CardiffBlue to remain silent due to celebrating until late Monday pm, then acute apoplexy interspersed with angst, panic and visions of glory in the lead up.

My MOM was #9 Wales = Mike Phillips. He made a real difference to the Welsh attack, always troubling the Irish defence. Intelligent distribution of ball to backs.

HM to Ireland #7. Bit disappointed with rest of Green loose forwards. Shame not to be seeing more of SO'B.

 

[Tangawizi]

Took Wales by 1-12 at the TAB so well done to Priestland for hitting the post twice like that... absolute genius he is!

Great match, Wales outstanding, defended well and took their chances. Ireland will be disappointed in some of their decision making.

 

[Ruggo]

Cardiffblue's anxiety is going to hit the roof next week.

Halfpenny was my man of the match.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Took Wales by 1-12 at the TAB so well done to Priestland for hitting the post twice like that... absolute genius he is!

Great match, Wales outstanding, defended well and took their chances. Ireland will be disappointed in some of their decision making.

Congrats on the pick, nothing like raising the stress/excitement levels of Rugby by putting on a bet, especially margin & line bets, lol.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Note on Halfpenny he may not have stood out like some of the others but his boot was solid & he was very calm under pressure there at the back, good cover for Hook (as great as Hook is). Leigh would've been my MOTM too.

 

[Richo]

Wales looked deadly, didn't they? Their sliding and aggressive defense was a really highlight. I thought Ireland was foolish not to go for goal early, even though those kicks were wide out. Gave the Welsh defense tremendous confidence to hold them out both times. Whoever wins QF2 has a very nasty semi in front of them.

 

[light]

HM to Ireland #7. Bit disappointed with rest of Green loose forwards. Shame not to be seeing more of SO'B.

Ireland #7 was SOB, but if that's what you meant than you are certainly right. It's a shame now as in nearly every game from now on we are going to be losing some bloody good players.

 

[Skippy]

Well done to the Welsh but something struck me at the end of the game. Recently I was reading George Gregan's book and he talked about how he was not happy the team 'over celebrated' when they beat the All Blacks in the 2003 semi final.

Did anyone else think the Welsh 'over celebrated' their victory?

What I mean is... was that their final? Will they be able to mentally get up for another 2 wins? It looked to me like they were thrilled to win that game, that they have exceeded their expectations etc. Mental preparation is vitally important and I was suprised the Welsh didn't keep a lid on things and remain focussed on the fact they have a long way to go just yet.

A more sombre 'celebration' is called for in QF's and SF's so that the team appreciates the job is not done yet and still has a long way to go. Keep your head etc.