Wales facing big challenge, insists O’Connell

Mar 3 2008 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

PAUL O’CONNELL has brushed off Jonathan Davies’ assertion that taking on Ireland at Croke Park, rather than their traditional Lansdowne Road home, is a massive fillip for Wales’ Triple Crown bid.

The British Lions star insisted the 82,300 capacity stadium is a more intimidating for opponents than Ireland’s historic old ground.

Lions captaincy contender O’Connell maintained Davies has misread the situation and pointed out there will be an extra 34,000 spectators in Croke Park ... most of them Irish, cheering on the Emerald Isle.

Ireland have only been beaten once at home since moving to their temporary accommodation, losing to France in the final minute last season to throw away the Grand Slam and the European title.

O’Connell maintained they are peaking at the right time and are ready to challenge for this year’s championship – and a third Triple Crown in four years.

Ireland are second in the table behind Wales and intend shattering the Grand Slam and Triple Crown dream of Warren Gatland’s team in Dublin next Saturday.

“Playing at Croke Park is a big plus for Ireland,” insisted O’Connell.

And he warned Wales, who are making their first appearance at the stadium, “It is hugely intimidating place for visiting teams to play at.”

Wales have an appalling record against the Irish, winning just five of their last 21 encounters.

They have not been victorious in Ireland since they beat then Gatland-coached Ireland 23-19 eight years ago.

Wales have shipped 156 points, scoring just 42, in their subsequent four matches in the Irish capital.

O’Connell believes Ireland are regaining top form after, like Wales, flopping at the World Cup.

He did acknowledge, “Wales are playing well. Shaun Edwards and Warren Gatland seem to have established a lot of confidence, but I think we are getting back to our best.

“We finished off quite well against Scotland in our last game and got some tries against a strong side.

“We were very disciplined and held them off. There was a good defensive attitude and we capitalised on that as the game wore on.”

The 28-year-old made his international comeback against Scotland as a second-half replacement to win his 50th cap after recovering from a serious back injury.

Delighted at coming through his first full match since last May but unhappy Munster lost to the Blues in the last minute at Cardiff Arms Park at the weekend, O’Connell hopes to gain a starting spot against Wales.

He made a try-scoring debut in the record 54-10 rout of Wales in 2002 – the match which ended the Welsh coaching reign of Graham Henry – and wants the chance to inflict more harm on their Celtic rivals.

“We are very much looking forward to next week and, hopefully, I will be involved,” said O’Connell.

“Everyone has been playing well and the two second rows, Donncha O’Callaghan and Mick O’Driscoll, have both been so outstanding.

“We are playing better and are gaining in confidence the whole time.”