| IRELAND SET TO SLAY THE WELSH DRAGON
BY GRAHAM CLIFFORD
 Welsh Rugby is in
disarray —just a year after winning the Grand Slam the side find
themselves at the centre of a Six Nation’s storm.
As they prepare for their third clash against Ireland, many pundits believe
this is a terrific chance for Eddie O’Sullivan’s men to get
their Triple Crown hopes off to a flying start.
Having decided to terminate Mike Ruddock’s contract as coach in
the middle of the current campaign the Welsh Rugby Federation has come
in for further criticism this week.
Gareth Jenkins, now director of rugby at Llanelli, was overlooked for
the manager’s job in 2002 when Ruddock was appointed. Highly regarded,
he believes the core of Welsh Rugby leaves a lot to be desired and said
he wouldn’t take the job as next coach “as long as these people
are still in charge”.
The task facing interim boss Scott Johnson then is enormous. And news
that Paul O’Connell could be back for Ireland will deepen Welsh
angst.
Ireland team doctor Gary O’Driscoll says O’Connell’s
shoulder injury is making “good progress” and “if his
rehab continues on this present curve, we are reasonably confident that
he will be available for the weekend”.
One of the few Irish Players to emerge from the French defeat in Paris
with his reputation still in tact his participation on Sunday could be
crucial.
It was feared that the Munster star could have been out until at least
the end of March so the news from the treatment room will come as a huge
boost for Eddie O’Sullivan.
Also Welsh captain Gareth Thomas may miss the game with Ireland after
he collapsed at home with a migraine. The extent of the incident which
occurred after an intense BBC interview was clearly revealed when Thomas
said after: “I was looking around the room as I slid off my chair
fearing that I was seeing my family for the last time.”
Medics say Thomas is not a migraine sufferer and it is believed the stress
of the previous week and the ongoing rift between players, management
and officials in Wales contributed to the attack which caused temporary
paralysis.
Elsewhere, Newport-Gwent Dragons back Ceri Sweeney is another confirmed
non-starter on Sunday because of a groin injury
One positive piece of news for Welsh fans is that pin-up boy Gavin Henson
is likely to return to the 22 after serving a 51-day suspension.
But as the recriminations and finger-pointing continues in Wales it is
highly unlikely that the defending Champions will run out onto Landsdowne
Road with their eyes firmly focussed on the task at hand.
Ireland will be hoping to take full advantage after a sloppy performance
against the French when they lost by 43-31. Heads rolled after that loss
as the Irish management team attempted to steady the ship.
Nothing other than a win will do for O’ Sullivan’s men. And
if Scotland can give a display against England akin to their wonderful
opening victory against France, then Ireland would be right back in the
frame for Six Nations success.
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