by Ryan D Jaeger
The atmosphere in Wellington, New Zealand is reported to be at fever pitch on
the eve of the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals and what better way to kick the
weekend off than a clash between two old foes.
The Irish are the only team from the Northern Hemisphere to have beaten a
Southern Hemisphere team and their win over Australia sees them ending up on the
opposite side of the draw. They were tipped to play in a Quarter Final showdown against the
World Champion Springboks.
This game has the makings of a classic. Ireland has been priced by the
bookies as the odds-on favourite with
Totesport quoting a price of 5/6. Wales are 11/8 in the winners market with
Paddy Power. The battle of the back rows promises to be something special.
Why the Welsh Can Win
The Welsh have never looked fitter and are playing with the enterprise
promised by their Kiwi coach Gatland for several years. Their backs caused South
Africa all sorts of problems but their game is built on a solid forward foundation that will be
even better with the return to the starting lineup of Gethin Jenkins.
They played fantastic rugby against Fiji and stood firm against a spirited
Samoan onslaught with a solid all round game. They have the forwards and backs
to win in a tight encounter like this is tipped to be.
Why The Irish Can Win
Wet weather is forecast for Wellington and even were this not the case, we
still back the Irish pack to get up over the Welsh, and Ronan O'Gara to dominate
territory. Ireland's resolve was questioned when they had to back up the
stunning Australia performance in their final pool match against Italy. They
came through with resounding success, building up important momentum in the
second half with enterprising attacking play.
They have the game to play knockout football.
Our Tip and Best Bets: Ireland Vs Wales
With such a narrow margin betting predicted by the bookies, it is likely that
the game will be decided on a moment of individual brilliance. Ireland are
an even money chance to cover the two point handicap at
Paddy Power bookmaker.
The margin markets present interesting opportunities. At
Ladbrokes, The Irish are 11/8 by more than five points, 15/8 to win by eight
points but we see there is value in the 1-5 point margin being offered at 4/1 by
bet365.com
Ireland/Ireland is a 13/8 chance in the Half-time/Full-time market whilst
Wales/Wales is at 2/1 at
Betfred in the same market. We see value in the former for the simple reason
that the first half will likely be tight and low scoring.
Tommy Bowe heads the First Tryscorer betting at 12/1
Sportingbet with Welsh youngster George North priced at 14/1.
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