Ireland To Target Wales’ Scrum In Six Nations Opener

Ireland will target the scrum in their Six Nations opener with Wales on Sunday, according to their scrum coach Greg Fee.

Ireland will target the scrum in their Six Nations opener with Wales on Sunday, according to their scrum coach Greg Feek.

Head coach Joe Schmidt has already said that scrums could form a key part of the game and called on French referee Jerome Garces not to go into the game with any preconceptions. Ireland were frustrated with several of the Frenchman’s set-piece interpretations at the World Cup.

Wales have opted to go with thrice-capped loosehead Rob Evans and Ireland will look to take advantage of his relative inexperience.

“I’ve had a look at Rob Evans, and there have been some games where he has been reasonably disciplined,” Feek said.

“But I watched the Northampton-Scarlets game, and there are some games where it turns the other way.

“On the day is exactly what Joe said, you’ve just got to take it on the day.

“And as long as the referee polices that, clear and obvious, then that’s fine.”

New captain Rory Best dismissed any idea that provincial rugby’s struggles this term would have any bearing on Ireland’s Six Nations.

“It’s important for Irish rugby that the provinces go well but it doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with the success of the international team,” said Best.

“When we met two weeks ago we were meeting a team and a squad that has high standards and expectations.

“The first thing that Joe always says is that we take a glance back to go forward, but we don’t stand and wait.

“If you can’t keep up, we’ll find someone who can.

“That’s the level we drive to.”

Source: UTV