Justin Tipuric

By Gary Watton
September 1 2015

It wasn't exactly on a par with the tries bonanza in Cardiff at the beginning of the month, but Ireland and Wales gave their squad a further workout against one another, as the Kiwi coaches Gatland and Schmidt tried to decide just who had done enough to earn a place in their final World Cup squads.

The rugby from Ireland was patchy, as demonstrated by the final score, but crucial game time was acquired by the likes of Murray and Sexton. Unfortunately, Paul O'Connell's last international on home soil did not have the fairytale ending, but at least his second row partner Iain Henderson convinced any remaining doubters that he is heir apparent to the Munster monster with an impressive, try-scoring performance. Dave Kearney also caught the eye, although the standout individual was undoubtedly the talented Justin Tipuric who totally outclassed his opposite number, young Jordi Murphy. Mind you, the latter is perhaps more comfortable playing at number eight.

This match was a reminder that whilst a Wales XV that fields its fringe players is too weak for an Ireland equivalent, a Wales XV that fields virtually its first-choice team is more than a match for anyone. I do hope that they can put one over on England at Twickenham, since the latter are customarily being talked up as group winners, surprise surprise. Ireland meanwhile will be stung by this second defeat to Wales this year. There is clearly no room for complacency, but at least young Henderson looks to be full of confidence and energy. I personally would upgrade him to blindside flanker at the expense of the good, but not exceptional, O'Mahony.

All that remains now is for Joe Schmidt and Warren Gatland to name their final World Cup squads. Ireland do have one final warm-up next week when they pay a visit to Twickers for what might be called a 'friendly' in soccer terms, but once those two packs lock horns in south-west London, the match will quickly transform into a full-blooded Anglo-Celt contest. It should be nothing if not interesting.

IRELAND 10 Wales 16; at Dublin; Saturday the 29th of August 2015.

15 Kearney.R

14 Kearney.D

13 Fitzgerald

12 Henshaw

11 Earls

10 Sexton [one penalty, one conversion]

9 Murray

8 Heaslip

7 Murphy

6 O'Mahony

5 O'Connell (captain)

4 Henderson [TRY]

3 White

2 Strauss

1 McGrath

Used replacements: Cronin; O'Brien; Furlong; Kilcoyne; Jackson; Jones; Reddan; Ryan.