Shane Williams’ ‘fearful’ prediction for their clash with ‘impressive’ Ireland

Shane Williams is concerned that Wales could be in for a long afternoon when they take on an in-form Ireland in Dublin next weekend.

Warren Gatland’s men are currently in a transition period after naming a youthful squad for the 2024 Six Nations.

They have succumbed to Scotland and England in their two matches so far, but the World Cup quarter-finalists pushed both of those teams close.

Big ask

Wales eventually went down 27-26 and 16-14, respectively, but despite showing positive qualities in their opening matches, they face a tough task to avoid a third successive defeat at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland have been excellent in their encounters against France and Italy, and Williams has been mightily impressed by Andy Farrell’s outfit in the Six Nations.

“I’m fearful of this game, I really am. I’m hugely impressed by how Ireland are playing the game. Even on Sunday, although Italy didn’t score a point, they didn’t play poorly,” he told the Evening Standard Rugby Podcast.

“I thought they had a real go, I thought they kept the ball really well, they were just massively frustrated by a well-organised defence.

“Even in attack, Ireland had to work really hard for their tries; it wasn’t as if they were scoring 70 or 80-yarders untouched.

“They’re going to play through 20 phases plus, that’s how they do it. They grind you down, get lineouts five metres from the line.

“We would go on about the hooker, (Dan) Sheehan, becoming the all-time top try-scorer ever for international rugby, that’s how they work.

“They made Italy look quite poor, but I was quite impressed by Italy, so it may be the same thing for Wales up there.”

Williams’ bold call

With games against Ireland and France to come, it is feasible that Wales will go into the final encounter against Italy without a win to their name.

But Williams has been pleased with elements of their play and has boldly predicted that they will defeat Les Bleus in Cardiff.

“Warren Gatland will be happy if they continue their progression, if they look like they’re getting more organised, if they’re getting their game plan together,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ll win out in Ireland, but there’s two home games after that. Certainly, this French side aren’t as scary as they were in the World Cup.

“Without Dupont, they’re not as scary or intimidating, so Gatland will target that match, and I believe that is a game they are capable of winning.

“Then it’s Italy last, and if you’ve just gone and beaten France, you should beat Italy.

“If Warren Gatland comes out of this Six Nations having won two games, and there’s a progression there, I think he will be relatively happy with what he’s done in the Six Nations with such a young squad.”

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