| Ireland's backline is known for being the | | | | |
| most dynamic and creative in the sport of | | | | Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan called in Paul |
| rugby, but now the team is not going through | | | | O'Connell and hooker Rory Best to replace |
| a very good time since there are several | | | | Mick O'Driscoll and Bernard Jackman; as well |
| players with injuries; situation which | | | | as Luke Fitzgerald who had been on the bench |
| forced to develop a brand new plan for the | | | | to fill in the spot left by Horgan |
| Six Nations game on Saturday versus Wales. | | | | |
| | | | For the next clash, Ireland remains as the |
| Among the injured we have fullbacks Geordan | | | | favorite specially because they are the home |
| Murphy and Girvan Dempsey who will not be | | | | team and the strongest candidate to win the |
| able to be part of the match and whom are the | | | | championship. Unfortunately, Ireland won't |
| major leaders from the backs. | | | | count with its top class players and are |
| | | | under a bit more pressure. |
| Ireland's has had two victories against Italy | | | | |
| and Scotland and only one defeat against | | | | On the other hand, we have Wales which is |
| France; and the team hopes to win the title | | | | coming off from a stunning victory against |
| despite the current situation. | | | | Italy 47-8; everyone agrees Coach Warren |
| | | | Gatland is the new gear stirring the team |
| Rob Kearney will move from left side to fill | | | | since he took last December; he has managed |
| in at fullback and Tommy Bowe who scored two | | | | to restore the pace and has made things right |
| tries against the Scots, switches sides to | | | | for everyone. |
| take Kearney's place on the left. Shane | | | | |
| Horgan will play at number 14 for Ireland, | | | | "There is a clear distinction between the |
| which is second in the Six Nations standings | | | | coaches and the players," inside center Gavin |
| with four. | | | | Henson said. "The coaches are pretty strict, |
| | | | which is good. They command respect and |
| Murphy's non appearance is a major concern | | | | players are on the edge. Training is so |
| for the Irish team as he is the key person in | | | | intense that you are one bad session away |
| the game and this was clearly seemed when | | | | from being dropped." |
| they played Scotland as he was Dempsey's | | | | |
| replacement who got injured in his Achilles | | | | For now, Mike Phillips is replacing Dwayne |
| tendon after a game against Leicester. | | | | Peel the only change to the backline while |
| | | | Gatland recalled hooker Huw Bennett, tight |
| "Ireland will be confident about winning the | | | | head prop Adam Jones and lock Alun-Wyn Jones. |
| game as historically the fixture has been | | | | This match will provide Gatland a chance to |
| good to them," Wales winger Mark Jones said. | | | | show the Irish team that they were wrong to |
| "But we are comfortable with being underdogs | | | | dismiss him from his roll and promote |
| so we must weather the storm and grind out a | | | | O'Connell. |
| result." | | | | |