THEY TOOK THE best that Ireland could throw at them in the World Cup quarter-final of 2011 in Wellington and emerged deserving winners.
Less than a week later, they battled manfully against France after captain Sam Warburton was sent off.
Penalty and drop goal attempts went agonisingly close but the French held on to reach the final, where they would be narrowly pipped by the All Blacks.
It has been 15 months since Wales defeated Ireland 22-10 at the Westpac Stadium. TheScore.ie looks at the form and fortunes of the starting XV from that day:
Leigh Halfpenny
Halfpenny’s penchant for long-range penalties came in handy on 27 minutes in Wellington when he made it 10-3. Took over the kicking duties in last year’s 23-21 Six Nations win over Ireland and clinched the game with a late penalty. He has been one of the few shining lights for a poor Cardiff side that were sent packing from the Heineken Cup this season.
George North
North was excellent in the World Cup and made Ireland pay in last year’s Six Nations opener when he battered Fergus McFadden out of his way before setting up Jonathan Davies with a perfect, flick pass. Also touched down in the corner. Started the Pro12 season well with Scarlets but was nullified in the Heineken Cup and made to look foolish, under a crossfield kick, by Isa Nacewa of Leinster in a home defeat.
North flicks a try-scoring pass to Davies while McFadden takes a seat. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy)
Jonathan Davies
The man who delivered the nail in Ireland’s RWC coffin scored twice against the men in green last February. Part, and occasional captain, of a Scarlets side that faltered badly in Pro12 and European competitions after a decent September opening. Missed the November defeats to Argentina and Samoa but returned at centre for the losses to Australia and the All Blacks. Just one try in his last nine outings.
Jamie Roberts
The burly centre set the tone in the quarter-final win by claiming a high ball and toppling two Irishmen. Started every one of the Grand Slam games for Wales last year and scored a try against Italy. Could not get on the scoresheet in the four home losses last November and December. Reported to be joining Racing Metro from Cardiff this summer.
Shane Williams
Dived over for the early try against Ireland. Williams waved goodbye to international rugby a month later in a home loss to Australia. Saw out his Ospreys club career with a Pro12 Final win over Leinster at the RDS. Now provides insights to the likes of the BBC.
Rhys Priestland
Wales looked to have discovered their outhalf for the next decade as Priestland looked a natural at the RWC. His form dipped considerably afterwards and Halfpenny took over the kicking duties. Started each game of the Grand Slam but contributed just three points with the boot. Also started home defeats against the Wallabies and ABs but has been ruled out of the Six Nations with an Achilles’ injury.
Mike PhillipsPhillips was a tour-de-force in New Zealand a scored excellent tries against Ireland and France, in the semi-final. Started at scrum-half for each of the Grand Slam games. Got into trouble this season for ‘unacceptable off-field behaviour’ at his new club, Bayonne, in France. Started six of Wales seven defeats in their current losing streak.
Gethin Jenkins
Missed the Lansdowne Road win over Ireland last February but started the four remaining games in a successful Six Nations. Lured to France, from Cardiff Blues, and joined up with Toulon, who are having a brilliant Heineken Cup campaign to date. Will hope that his club commitments will not impinge on a Lions call-up this summer.
Huw Bennett
The hooker got the starting spot for the Welsh at the RWC due to injuries to Richard Hibbert and Matthew Rees and performed admirably in their stead. Was a sub for 29 of his first 41 caps. Has not played internationally since winning his 51st cap at home to Scotland in last year’s Six Nations. Matthew Rees will start against Ireland today.
Adam Jones
The bearded wonder was one of Wales’ outstanding forwards of the World Cup. Now 31, Jones played each one of the Grand Slam games last year but has not played for Wales since last summer’s disappointing tour to Australia. Starts at tighthead today.
Luke Charteris
Charteris took a while to establish himself on the international scene but made a real impact on the Welsh journey to the semi-finals. The 6″ 9′ lock only appeared twice for Wales, as a sub, in the Six Nations campaign. Was recalled for the November internationals but is ruled out, at present, through injury.
Alun-Wyn Jones
Wales’ lineout leader pitted his wits against the best in New Zealand and emerged with much credit. The British & Irish Lion missed the start of the Six Nations last year but stepped into a winning team when Bradley Davies was banned. Last played in the shock, home capitulation to Argentina in November and misses out today through injury.
Toby Faletau with Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)
Dan Lydiate
Lydiate was a revelation at the RWC and formed a devastating back row that out-fought and out-thought Ireland in Wellington. He missed the return win at Lansdowne Road but contributed to Wales’ four other Grand Slam-clinching victories. Looks set for Racing Metro next season after securing a move from Newport Gwent Dragons. Last played for the Welsh in Australia last June and will miss the start of this campaign – replaced by Aaron Shingler – after suffering a broken ankle.
Sam Warburton
Warburton was on top of the World and tipped for the Lions captaincy after the Ireland win but, less than a week later, cost his team a place in the final but dump-tackling Vincent Clerc to earn a red card. Displayed massive humility by facing up to the press, public and blame after that loss. Missed the Scotland and Italy triumphs last year but was back at openside for the championship-winning game against France. His form has dipped since the summer and he was lucky to hold off Justin Tipuric, of Ospreys, for today’s game.
Toby Faletau
Softly-spoken Toby Faletau was an unadulterated success at the World Cup and appeared set for a Lions tour berth after his back row heroics. He started each of Wales’ Grand Slam games and his tackling was called upon more than the line breaks he made at the RWC. Has yet to kick on in his latest outings and has been a muted member of a terrible Dragons team this season. Needs a positive Six Nations to make that plane to Australia this summer.
*Wales v Ireland kicks off at 1:30pm on Saturday and TheScore.ie will be reporting on all the live action.
