Quinlan warns Wales after Blues shock

Mar 3 2008 Western Mail

ALAN QUINLAN has vowed Ireland won’t let Wales off the hook like his Munster gifted victory to the Blues to do serious damage to their chances of Magners League glory.

The veteran international flanker is predicting a firecracker of a Six Nations clash at Croke Park next Saturday.

“It has all the makings of being the game of the championship,” declared the 33-year-old Ireland squad member.

“Certainly, Wales will come with a lot of confidence this time after the way they put Italy away in the second half in their last game.

“It’s a massively important fixture for both countries and there is an eager anticipation for it.

“It has got a lot of the hallmarks of being a cracker. You cannot hide the fact that the World Cup was a disappointment for both nations, but they are coming back.

“Wales will win the Triple Crown if they beat us and we will be within one game of it if we can defeat them.

“There’s a lot to play for. It’s going to be a huge match and very tight. Wales are probably slight favourites,” suggested Quinlan.

But, following a pause to consider that statement and reflect on Ireland’s dominance over Wales in recent years, he added, “Maybe, they are not favourites, but they are in form and playing very well.

“But we also played pretty good in the second half in France and against Scotland. I think it will be much tighter against Wales this year than it has the last few times they have been to Ireland.”

Quinlan was fuming at the way Munster conceded 14 points in the final 15 minutes to lose 25-22 against the Blues at Cardiff Arms Park at the weekend.

And he rapped, “We made a few mistakes in defence and they came back to beat us. We let them off the hook, but I’m sure Ireland won’t do the same if they are in a similar winning position next Saturday.”

Defeat at the hands of the Blues has almost certainly dashed Munster’s chance of doing a Heineken Cup and Magners League double.

The Blues, who climbed to second in the league table, are better placed to complete the feat, although it must be said Leinster are firm favourites for Celtic honours.

“We needed to win this game and defeat has made life very difficult for us,” said Quinlan.

“The Blues winning means they moved into a challenging position. We have got seven games left and are going to have to win the lot to have a chance of the title.”