The RTE panel began this evening's game by arguing that the needle is greater in games between Ireland and Wales than in matches between ourselves and England. There argument may have been strengthened minutes later, as Joe Schmidt used his pre-match interview with Clare Macnamara to point to some Welsh gamesmanship ahead of tonight's clash.
With the roof closed, it was fair to expect the pitch to be pretty dry. That, however, hasn't transpired, as Wales have heavily watered the pitch ahead of kick-off, something that Ireland were not briefed on.
Schmidt seemed unimpressed with their tactics when speaking to RTE:
Two years ago we played with the roof open and the ground was a lot drier than it is right now. For us, we will adapt to the situations.
It's very wet, which is a surprise to us, which could create difficulties handling the ball and getting into the game early.
Watch the full interview below:
Joe speaking with Clare ahead of tonight's clash with Wales and the importance of continuity in the squad #rterugby pic.twitter.com/VoR28cMid1
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) March 10, 2017
Slow starts have hampered Ireland in this year's championship: while it ultimately didn't cost us against France, it did in the opening game against Scotland, and it would seem that Wales are planning on ensuring Ireland start slowly once again.
