So how did Ireland crush Cymru? | Six Nations 2023

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The glorious new dawn was not to be. This weekend, the number one team in the world showed just how they reached those undeniable heights as Ireland crushed Wales in Cardiff for the first time in ten years. So how did they pull it off, what's wrong with Wales, and are Ireland ready to take on France?
If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting / squidgerugby , so I can train a small army of chinchillas to be as good under the highball as Hugo Keenan

[@rhodriowens2108]

That van der merwe is incredible, not only is he running through the whole England team he’s also putting in a shift at 7 for the Irish

[@KnucksM8]

😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@relentless1989]

i knew i seen him somewhere before 🤣🤣

[@robertmartin7719]

player of the year

[@heyhey5712]

He wouldn't lace one of the Irish players boots.

[@jamieoshea1681]

@@heyhey5712 learn to listen and take a joke

[@ciaranmccormack704]

8 of the Wales starting 15 played against Brian O'Driscoll. Who retired 9 years ago

[@morgandunn8163]

Millions of youngster in the squad butt gats isn't picking them 😂

[@jamesmichaelmcdermot]

Let this be our new date numbering system. Before and after BOD.

[@MegaPatricklee]

Heard it on otb 😂

[@ciaranmccormack704]

@@MegaPatricklee yeah!😅

[@devanman7920]

@@jamesmichaelmcdermot that's a great idea 😂

[@georgeatte788]

100% convinced at this point that Sexton isn't retiring just to see how many more names Squidge can come up with for him in a video. Great to have the match analysis videos back as well !

[@bedsdavies8210]

This is hands down the best analysis out there on any media. The hours you must put in to spot and understand these playing tricks and patterns boggles me. And on top of that, managing to get these videos made in such a short time. Fair play.

[@Formakiwi]

Wibble Rugby is more in-depth, it must be said, but also completely humorless and parochially English. Squidge´s gift is making detailed tactical analysis both easily digestible and fun.

[@willpageauthor]

@@Formakiwi He came to life at the Huw Jones Scot v Eng analysis - that episode (which is still up) is the best effort ever.

[@SMacCuUladh]

@@Formakiwi fun if you like arrogant woke sheep.

[@tomjenkins4619]

Think the analysis of Biggar’s failure to pass to Adams in the corner ignores the fact he’d given away an intercept try just moments before. You can see it playing on his mind when he looks to pass initially. Doesn’t excuse the poor decision, but it’s clearly why he does it.

[@nathjones77]

Yeah, I think this was on his mind. A little kick through might have been a better option though

[@EvilFinian]

I think that the Irish player stumbling made him think he had more time and space to split them than he did.

[@tomjenkins4619]

@@nathjones77 thought the same watching it back. And confident Biggar kicks that through the gap

[@ozzy9708]

@@nathjones77 seems wiser to hold on to the ball and not do a risky grubbr

[@adammaher9506]

5:01 van der merve on the mind lol

[@Malky24]

I think we all have after last weekend. The big, dreamy basturt that he is.

[@matthewbrown2567]

Glad someone else noticed

[@shortayrtb]

Easy to get South African names mixed up sometimes in fairness..

[@conorharris2451]

I noticed that. I wasn’t sure if it was a joke or not lol

[@rugbyslinks]

Spotted that... Was wondering if it was an attempt at a dig. Unlikely as VDF is Irish/Dutch.

[@Natedawg38]

Missed you squidge! That analysis of the ruck was incredible. Once again I feel less stupider after your video. Hugo keenan was absolutely immense, great to see him get the credit he deserves. Oh and that was the best ending to any of your videos...ever.

[@Pandemonis]

Wonder what the analysis of the rucks for ITA-FRA will be ;)

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

As Brian O'Driscoll said before the game on (off the ball) I'm retired 9 years and I played with 8 of them Welsh players

[@johnmc3862]

It’s unfair to say Johnny Sexton has a bus pass, his minder takes care of that now.

[@adief7325]

Yes but 10-34

[@motomoto8383]

Good one mate you got him there!

[@johnmc3862]

@@adief7325 That's the start of his PRSI No. Lol.

[@DM-rp9ik]

What out Sexton you've been rumbled by this genius

[@tomf1dublin1]

Amazing as always . Would have loved to see analysis of the JVDF final Irish try where the Welsh defence seemed to invite him in through an open door .

[@jtsbown]

00:09 ah this was also my favorite game of the autumn nations series

[@drabisan]

You always have smart mind blowing saying, mostly about Sexton, but this one "Andy Farrell's favorite son: The Irish National Rugby Team" beats even you! Beyond great! Looking forward for your smart and funny insights on Ire-Fra!

[@welshwarrior5263]

I thought Wales were shocking. Ireland looked well oiled and drilled. The 6 nations are theirs for the taking. The World Cup is only around the corner. I wouldn't be surprised if they win that, too. I wish them the best of luck.

[@kierandoherty1600]

They're on a very tough side of the draw. Think it will be too much for them. I'd be happy if they just reached the semi tbh

[@alertedcoyote7892]

Speaking as an Irishman, we have a great habit of peaking the year before a World Cup, so to speak. However, it's looking good rn. We're as strong as we've been in ages. Would love to take it, but we'll have to see. Especially after France, this current Irish side is looking hard to beat. Will have to see a) how the rest of the SN shakes out, and b) if Ireland can keep that momentum into the world cup in September.

[@welshwarrior5263]

@alertedcoyote7892 I can only see them go from strength to strength mate. I might have been born in Wales, but my ancestors were Irish, so they will have my full support. I can't wait to see them destroy the rest of the teams. As for the World Cup, we will have to see, but there are some exciting times ahead for Irish rugby.

[@alertedcoyote7892]

@@welshwarrior5263 Thank you kindly! That's the hope here too. And best of luck for the rest of the six nations. Hope you guys can make a comeback and place well

[@perpetual_suffering1458]

​@@alertedcoyote7892oh shit mad coincidence dawg. I went to school with you. You prob dont believe me but i dont want to doxx you so ill keep it vague, the town youre from begins with L and the school you went to begins with R

[@hickeygrad]

Great analysis, particularly for the ruck prior to the Ryan try. Van Der Flier in particular did great work there, holding both Gareth Thomas and Tomas Francis in the ruck.

[@SOS2k8]

What a great analysis/breakdown, first time viewer, now down the hole. Cheers

[@VulgarHumanist]

Illuminating and amusing in equal parts as always, Squidge. It's great to have you back!

[@SmashinApes]

You make me feel so dumb, which is a good thing lol. I never thought rugby was as ever complicated as you explain it. Such great content

[@liamwilliams6651]

*Insert Spiderman meme*

[@mattrogerbyers]

That was fucking fascinating. Your simple, yet exact, observance and pattern recognition is so easy to follow. Stumbled across you, but no will follow intently.

[@rugbydaydreamin]

5:01 you just called Van Der Flier, Van der Merve…and I’m super cool being pedantic, because I love your content and understand that you gotta be exhausted 😂 Thank you to the whole Team Squidge!!

[@aldobonaso3481]

van der Merwe* - allow me to call your pedantry, and raise 😅😅

[@edwardlane1255]

are they not the same person ;)

[@jebimasta4604]

You can't blame the guy! nobody has anyone but DVDM on their mind after that game.

[@michaelmcgann4885]

I suspect that was deliberate and fully intended on Squidge's part. One of his long running jokes is that JDF is South African so calling him Van Der Merve is just a new way of making that joke about JDF (who's actually from Wicklow)

[@mackerel2002]

@@michaelmcgann4885 that was my take too that it was part of the running gag

[@charlottescott7150]

Absolutely brilliant analysis as ever thank you both!

[@JD-qn5dv]

Video made with tears and heartbreak

[@AntonoirJacques]

Small thing but I'm loving the use of Cymru in the title! Want to see more of that!

[@richie3208]

One of the maddest things I heard all week was 8 Welsh starters played against Brian O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll hasn't played for NINE YEARS

[@johnnyryan656]

🤯 BOD is an a pundit chair and the Welsh Veterans are on the pitch

[@Snookbone]

Amazing of van der Merwe to be hitting rucks in Cardiff then scoring 50 metre belters in Twickenham just an hour later

[@conorharris2451]

I Never really know what happened in the games until I see Squidge analysis

[@Harrs2]

Good call out on the IRFU's handling of women's rugby, it's a nation sport and we're better off having everyone playing than just 50%. Cheers!

[@paulnash5500]

Wow, I had to take a puff of my inhaler trying to digest this very fast verbal breakdown. Excellent 👍

[@daraorourke5798]

So it's not just me then !

[@keiththomasgenkikeith7970]

Brilliant analysis. I think Wales will do much better against Scotland because I’m sure Gats has watched this video. Really good point about investment needed and hopefully that will be noticed too. Think Welsh team should be recognized by UNESCO somehow. World heritage sports team?

[@CorkMan776]

“This was a brilliant smash and grab” 😂😂😂

[@paulcostello1807]

Great stuff Squidge thanks. Love your videos from an....... Irishman

[@tpurr]

It's good analysis, but it definitely favours Wales in that it implies Welsh mistakes really caused the result rather then Ireland forcing Wales to make mistakes

[@petergeddes6652]

I can't see Wales being that bad against Scotland I think they have the tools to cause the Scots problems. I'm going to be interested to see what you make of Scotland's kicking game in particular. I thought they were second best in the early kick tennis and Wales still have some excellent players in that department

[@c0222]

I think that's mainly due to Hogg having not played for ages to be honest.

[@petergeddes6652]

@@c0222 perhaps, hopefully he's back to his best at the weekend

[@douglasstewart3889]

Plot twist. If anything they were worse.

[@petergeddes6652]

@@douglasstewart3889 I don't think so, at least they had a better start than they did against Ireland. They managed to pin Scotland back for a bit but their attack was just utterly toothless. But yeah, they were bad, worse than I thought they'd be

[@AztecKing444]

Personally, Italy should have won on Sunday. Fix a few kicking issues towards the end and they would’ve had it. Unfortunate charge down try for France early on that hopefully they’ll learn from and adapt. Would love to see squidges analysis of the game!

[@patriciagendre1905]

No no no..mi disagree..Italy made mistakes in their game...this team has improved but not enough mature to beat the French that played à poor rugby

[@AztecKing444]

@@patriciagendre1905 totally get that! Definitely not at their peak and there are lots of things they can sort out- but I believe they’re back into contention to win matches more consistently, and challenge the top dogs when they’re on form 🙂

[@08padam]

Nah France played as always very bad for a first game in the tournament. 18 silly penalties, more of a lack of concentration than anything in my opinion. But Italy is improving for sure

[@budholeboodoo2308]

Interesting to call Tipuric an angel after the reckless contact to the eye area in the build up to the first try.

[@Nieljoyceniel]

Seeing the welsh online scrambling to his defence is embarrassing. “ it was an accident” my arsehole

[@inBODwetrust13]

Just the usual bigotry

[@johnmartin7370]

THAT was how to analyse a Rugby Match. You Sir, are a legend. Thanks as always.

[@jamesbong4928]

I'm guessing that you're joking 🙃

[@Conorohal]

Brilliant video Squidge, thanks for all your efforts !!

[@devanman7920]

These videos are just something else! The most intelligent yet entertaining rugby content on KZbin. You should be very proud of your work!

[@krumble104]

Lol… “William Webb Eliss’ dad in the second row”, that quote will live with me forever! 😂

[@justinlouismusic]

Great vid gentlemen. Thanks so much!

[@freddiewm1502]

When is the Italy video!! IMO greatest game of this 6 nations!

[@mateodedyn4087]

Love your videos, great analysis with a touch of fun. Greetings from Argentina!

[@BoomsRiddico4868]

brilliant Squidge! and I like the way you called van Der flier Der Merve😄😉

[@callumash9657]

Brilliant breakdown makes watching the rugby a lot more entertaining being able to slot subtle things like these

[@iz_echo6363]

I cannot wait for the analysis on the italy france match the were so close

[@joemoody7440]

"Irelands charmingly scary step-dad" 😂👌🇮🇪

[@crazycjk]

Yay Squidge 6N analysis starts!! I was expecting France Ireland to be the game of the tournament.. But after France Italy last weekend, I don't know now!

[@noelmaher4633]

Great analysis, Kinda figured Wales were desperate with return of Gatland.. What would Tom Jones think, My My..

[@quentinquentin6752]

Best analysis of the game !!! Well done!!

[@foodonfilm5935]

So glad you put that snippet of the interview in at the end. How do such experienced interviewers not know what to say in a complimentary situation like that?

[@duncansteedman9986]

Wonderful analysis! Thanks!

[@beerdedirish1563]

Good to have the videos for the 6 nations started!

[@AlexGogan]

Brilliant Analysis!

[@tsherwood2112]

A true servant to the game. You know Squidge is truly passionate because he's on r/rugbyunion regularly, and not to karma farm. Truly because he loves rugby and can't get enough. Can't wait to see what you have to say about England-Scotland!

[@Formakiwi]

I think it´s safe to say that both Wales and England´s form over the weekend rather suggests their recent declines in form had a lot less to do with the identity of the national coaches than was previously assumed.

[@bendaly1360]

When Johnny sexton retires, it will be a dark day for squidge and name playing

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

Never realised now good james ryan is. Some player .taking out 3 to 4 welsh players to stop him.he,s a handful. Some man.

[@Zakerius]

It’s going to be some match with France! Great video as always, very interesting!

[@LeMerch]

The analysis sounds good but has so many inaccuracies. He said it’s easy to shut Irelands game down.. yet what other team has been able to do it? New Zealand had an extremely fast defensive line, so did South Africa who are vastly better than Wales. Ireland still battered wales for over 180 minutes. It feels like the KZbin guy is saying Wales basically let ireland win. I sense some…. Bias 🥸

[@sambingham1196]

He absolutely hates Ireland doing well. And humour aside, he can hardly hide it.

[@michaelbranch3433]

Been waiting for these ❤️

[@benjichicken6929]

Thank you squidge for giving me some hope

[@benjarok101]

"A good open-side should be walking the boundaries of the law, not playing like an Angel that occasionally shoots someone in the face for no good reason". Iconic (with slight tweaks by me into a standalone quote)

[@Gillerz100]

I've been loving Keenan more and more - unbelievably clever player, reads every single phase with the speed and efficiency my girlfriend reads whatever shite Colleen Hoover churned out this month

[@ruairianderson6991]

05:02 I know people say he isnt Scottish but I'm pretty sure van de merwe isnt an irish flanker

[@Mojo16011973]

POM at the end 🤣

[@johnnyryan656]

Damn that was fast

[@craigmcdonnell9781]

"Oldboob"! Just actually choked on my tea!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@JimmysBeardT440]

Be interesting to see your analysis of how Scotland beat England

[@chugrooster2]

I used to begrudge squidge's brother getting involved. Now I'm starting to feel like... hell yeah squidge bros!

[@TrezenEN]

I had pretty much the same opinion as Gatland. Wales' discipline was poor and some players looked very rusty in the first half, but Wales were dominant in the second half - they just didn't convert anything. I reckon it will take 2-3 games but there are promising signs already that Gatland is having a positive affect.

[@DM-rp9ik]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@DavidG295]

“Tipuric played like an angel” while eye gouging James Ryan within the first 3 minutes of the game lol

[@warrust]

"who occasionally shoots people for stupid reasons" is the next immediate line

[@chr1srugby]

5:03 - That's not Van der Merwe, good sir! Can't help but feel that was deliberate 👀

[@shaneosullivan3358]

Running gag

[@peterflynn9123]

Superb analysis

[@pconcannon]

Really feels like squidge is belittling Ireland’s victory by talking about how Leinster make more money than the WRU, and by blaming the ref and accrediting the “dark arts” for how Ireland get their tries.

[@leonardodavinci7425]

I've noticed he's always biased and slightly delusional when reviewing Wales and often has an anti Irish slant. When Wales won a few years ago he was denying that the Red cards had no impact on Wales winning LOL

[@Johnd161]

Of course he is, it’s not very subtle!, this is his nature, but don’t worry, Ireland look fantastic and wales are a disorganised mess so he’ll be eating humble pie for the rest of 2023

[@daithipol]

Why would you care?

[@midgetarmy154]

I have to say totally spot on, the one thing I would say is you make it sound like a good thing that they are great at the dirty play.....whilst i know the kiwis do this as well i don't think it should be a part of the game, the liam williams knock on, I spotted immediately on the replay, where was the TMO? honestly i think Ireland would have won without the cheating so why do it?

[@Johnd161]

Cry more please

[@Nieljoyceniel]

3 deliberate knock ons, 2 eye gouges, a red card tackle that was a yellow and the constant starting a fight on Irish players while on the floor. But oh no, the welsh are squeaky clean….🐑

[@TW-ks3pn]

Attacking the same defender is very common in league so not surprised Farrell adopted it

[@mixtwitch]

The Keenan-Carpark stuff! Gold!

[@KeeTom]

The only squarespace ads I don't skip

[@dzzope]

brilliant break-down.. 👍

[@hyllaf]

this is genius analysis

[@TheKennyboy92]

I think your conveniently left out the multiple times Wales were deliberately trying to illegally slow up the ruck...

[@kr1tical41]

By far the best part of the 6 nations …. NEW SQUIDGE VIDEOS

[@SchmozzleGTO]

You're effusive praise of Ireland's evisceration of hapless Wales is so spot on... I agree, Ireland were incredible, to a man.

[@fongfeen]

there is NO ONE in ANY sport ANY where doing analysis to level of squidgy. FOR the love of GOD get this man on TV

[@jakeclough8090]

Great analysis as per usual except the first time I would 100% disagree with that intercept analysis, in my opinion that 1 second is not enough to change lowe’s decision to go for the intercept, he knows he’s outnumbered and was always going to go for it. Bigger should have passed to the adams and then he maybe would have had the chance to go through the gap as Lowe rushed out and adams would have at least caught it ahead of Lowe whereas Williams couldn’t, or biggar should have just gone into contact himself after seeing the threat of Lowe

[@mrh6221]

This video and then off to bed, lovely evening

[@gartht6536]

Don't miss the call from Gatland, he needs you working for him.

[@LJW1912]

Please let either Ireland (preferably) or France win the world Cup this year

[@johnnyryan656]

As an Irishman id be happy to just make it beyond the quarters

[@dairet1945]

No mention of Liam Williams rolling around like a soccer player.

[@arserobinson7118]

Gatland has put a different string of forwards against Scotland this week, i can see why that penalty could at the breakdown against Ireland was ridiculous. I hope they do well.

[@shaneosullivan3358]

Cheeky van der merve dig 💀💀

[@elliearmstrong9843]

i was quite impressed with Rio Dyer so i hope he gets getting chances

[@markdonovan8884]

I haven’t watched the whole vid but I assume “squidge” wants to drop him? He detests the region he plays for.

[@Nieljoyceniel]

Any analysis on the eye gouging from tipuric and north?

[@brynjones3530]

I dont think there was anything in that. Its barely any contact and it was for about a second in the middle of a ruck. Also tips is a very clean player im very confident there would have been no intent. Ireland won, be happy :)

[@Nieljoyceniel]

@@brynjones3530 oh F off about “be happy”. About what? Eye gouging? Welsh fans whinging about Porter trying to make a proper tackle but ignore eye gouging.

[@inBODwetrust13]

@@brynjones3530 Ryan, Doris and Porter were all gouged. Welsh used it as a tactic and got away with it. Should've seen lifetime bans handed out

[@johntiswell7599]

Absolutely brilliant

[@THEMRblackboy7thst]

brilliant analysis. Very good job.

[@makeperceive]

Dear Squidge, one day Wales will win big, and we'll all enjoy it with you (regardless of where we're from)

[@CG-or1re]

as an ireland fan it's alarming how unsurprised i was by our ruthless excellence. just in time no doubt to get everyone injured right in time to choke in the QF

[@PeerAdder]

Did you fall asleep in the second half?

[@aidankeane8971]

Hehehe that had to be deliberate at 5.01

[@jacquie212]

Interested to see how Ireland manage these older players when having to navigate 4 or 5 consecutive must win games on the trot with shorter turn arounds.

[@superdrog1819]

Don't be silly, Ireland won't have to navigate that many games at the World Cup. The only question for Ireland is how funny their continuing World Cup curse will be. I'm betting on Munster man Ben Healy kicking a last minute penalty for Scotland to knock Ireland out in the pool stage.

[@jacquie212]

Apologies, I meant to say, how will they manage these older players thinking that they stand a chance at 4-5 consecutive knock out games...

[@nathanoneill2362]

@@jacquie212 haha poor Welsh getting their asses handed to em by Ireland, Scotland and Italy of all teams lmfao must have left a permanent scar on ye 😭

[@Cpchurch87]

Great video. Squidge, we know deep down you love us Irish ❤

[@conorharris2451]

The love rains down on us. Wait that’s not rain! Haha

[@Cpchurch87]

@@conorharris2451 🤣

[@leonhuggins7579]

The sh!thousery is a joy to watch .....you gotta live it no matter how sly it is