So how did Wales squeeze past Ireland? | Six Nations 2021 | The Squidge Report

After playing twice in Ireland's bedroom last year, rugby's favourite pair of squabbling siblings faced off in Wales' room, with Wayne Pivac's side finally scraping together a promising win. So how did Wales manage it, and which aspects should alarm Ireland going forwards?
If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting / squidgerugby , so I can buy some lessons in grace and decorum.

[@SquidgeRugby]

There’s been a huge influx of comments re:the way I discuss the red card in this video, so I just wanted to say a few things. Whether or not you agree with the idea Wales would win without the red card:- 1). I have a strict policy of not discussing refereeing decisions on this channel. I barely mentioned Haouas’ red card against Scotland last year, and said the same thing, that my instinct was Scotland would have won regardless. Ireland adapted their shape really simply and there genuinely wasn’t much analysis to be done on how the card affected the game from a tactical or structural point of view. B). I try my best to be objective and fair, I recognise I can’t always manage that, nobody can. I genuinely felt quite detached from the game watching it back, but knew because my objective opinion was positive of Wales, I’d get accused of bias. However, I want to note I have no obligation to be unbiased on this channel- I don’t work for the BBC or any other obligation with an impartiality clause, but I do try the honest best I can. Apologies if that wasn’t good enough today, but I stand by the fact I would have said the same if the two teams swapped performances, or, say, it was Argentina instead of Wales. iii). I cut a lengthy bit on this, but at the end of the day, the card wasn’t given out of sympathy to Wales: discipline is a huge part of the game, and Peter O’Mahony committed a red card offence. Saying ‘Wales only won because of the red card’ is a bit like saying ‘they only won because someone missed a tackle on the player scoring the winning try’. I try to provide something different and hopefully fresh in these videos from the standard conversation around a match, but a lot of comments seem to want me to instead exclusively talk about the one decision when I felt there was far more to discuss than that, and felt others had had that conversation already. I obviously welcome criticism and differences of opinion, and from the reaction I’ve come to recognise I clearly didn’t articulate my point well enough. I take that, I apologise, but I’ve also worked 80+ hours and barely slept all week trying to get three detailed and hopefully entertaining analysises of the *rugby* rather than the surrounding headlines out in the space of 6 days for you guys, so I hope a few lapses or errors are forgivable. All the best, Robbie/Squidge

[@thomasjames5192]

Go to bed Robbie, it's 4am

[@thomasjames5192]

But well done on the gargantuan effort this week, love the vids 👏

[@michealotuathaigh1228]

We all appreciate you have no requirement to be impartial man, despite that you generally do a great job of being so. As one of the people criticising in the comments I stand by the disagreement, but disagreeing on at most 2 or 3 points in a body of work that extends over huge amounts of free, excellent analysis is small change really. Tl;dr: This is a damn amazing channel, and the work you put in shows, lad

[@brendanrahlfs6236]

Maybe just stop making a video about Italy if they get blown out again? Those games are not good/interesting for neutral fans.

[@BiscuitGeoff]

It’s odd that so many people seem to want you to make a judgement about whether Wales ‘deserved to win’ or whether Ireland are, in some elemental way, ‘the better team’ despite losing. I’m glad you didn’t do that and instead analysed and explained the action on the pitch. That, and the jokes, is what brings me here.

[@garethkeane3020]

Usually when I initially disagree with squidge I find his reasoning pretty convincing, but this time...I really think his natural bias clouded his objectivity.

[@w.f0019]

“How did wales squeeze past Ireland” the awnser is one red card

[@lsdesignweb]

@@w.f0019 and they got lucky the last penalty was badly executed

[@garethkeane3020]

Just to be clear, I still think these videos are brilliant. He's completely entitled to his own opinion, as am I, and on this occasion we see things differently that is all!

[@RealEngineering]

I'm excited to see Billy Burns play on Sunday. At this stage I don't care about winning. Just want to see a new Irish squad be built. Sexton isn't making it to the next world cup. Neither is POM, Murray or Earls. Hope to see Casey, Ireland's answer to Faf, playing against Dupont. Plenty of potential, depth and youth in this Irish squad. The most we have ever had. I'll be shouting for Scotland for the rest of the tournament.

[@jimmyjackson9558]

You are the least likely person i thought I’d see commenting on this video 😂

[@nicolasfraize7552]

Nice to see "RealEngineering" commenting on a SquidgeRugby video, they are two of my favorite channels on YT Not sure if Sexton not playing on sunday is a good news for france or not.

[@Brotherbear75]

Hey... that’s my other favourite channel!

[@karlosdeevs]

Any chance you (or just the voice) could make a cameo on 1 of his upcoming vids?

[@oisinlynch3391]

Honestly couldn’t agree more

[@theophilelaurent5033]

I can only imagine the amount of work it represents to manage 3 videos a week.. but be assured your efforts are much appreciated. Much love from France (i do miss a good 10% of jokes and all but the rest is priceless)

[@kimok4716]

I'm glad we're no longer the target of these jokes to be honest

[@rossmilne9835]

Couldn’t agree more Theophile, a lot of respect for the effort this guy puts into his work..

[@vonteflon]

Don’t worry - the 10% you’re missing is just different nicknames for Jonathan Sexton.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@vonteflon just wait 'till the coq joke start flying again, can't wait to watch 'em choke on their escargot

[@xxwales15xx33]

We all know we're just here for a Sexton of references

[@TwiggShane]

Add it to the list

[@BroadwayJoe99]

A Metric Sexton of references.

[@inBODwetrust13]

You should probably look at growing up then. Most people got past that once they reached the age of 7

[@karlosdeevs]

@@inBODwetrust13 aww, now don't be mad- I don't wanna have an anger management pre the france game

[@xxwales15xx33]

@@inBODwetrust13 You know humour helps you to make you feel happier? You should try it out sometime

[@DivandBenny]

Because there was a Peter O'mahony shaped hole on the pitch for 66 minutes of the game.

[@karlosdeevs]

in an oversimplified sense. Yes

[@robplant899]

@@karlosdeevs that's not even oversimplified though that's the reason, to suggest anything else is overcomplicating it

[@davidfegan7998]

Thats why sexton had to hit more ruck than usuall

[@how2digitalowen]

@@robplant899 Not really. But ok.

[@higuk999]

@@karlosdeevs If you look at the LRZ try 1 more person in the line stops that, and it definitely wouuld have helped for the north try

[@Jack13001]

I dunno, seems a little unfair to heap praise on Wales’ defensive structure without even mentioning the attacking team being a man down for the majority of the game (which would explain the need for sexton to be clearing out rucks)

[@TheXJaOx]

Yeah bit of an oversight here. It was probably the most pivotal moment of the game and it wasn't even spoken about..

[@lars9638]

yeah its a shame he didn't talk about it at 12:52

[@colpyturn5112]

@@lars9638 there are two problems: 1. It took him 13 minutes to speak about by far the most significant moment of the match 2. When he mentions it, he says that it wasn't an impediment to Ireland - if anything, Ireland play better with 14.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@colpyturn5112 maybe. but a red card will change things up, especially in the last 40

[@thomaswong6816]

@@karlosdeevs no no, you guys are agreeing here

[@Ciaranmch]

It's a genius defensive system except it was found out by "fluke" the first time it was used, and with a team of fourteen men, and now all the other coaches know what to do.

[@nathjones77]

All it would have taken to close that gap when Ireland scored was Tipiuric (I think) moving forward, rather than to the left. Should be easy to drill against in training too

[@enwogion]

@@nathjones77 he also lost his footing as the pitch cut up

[@karlosdeevs]

@@enwogion wasn't that Lydiate?

[@samgeary6825]

@@karlosdeevs nah lydiate was brought off early

[@karlosdeevs]

@@samgeary6825 well what minute did tipuric cut it open?

[@anthonymclaughlin9222]

'Fishnet' is a good name for that defence, a better one would be 'Grasping at straws'.

[@how2digitalowen]

Did Stringer put you up to this?

[@anthonymclaughlin9222]

@@how2digitalowen I don' think Stringer believes in Wales.....

[@liamwilliams6651]

I actually can’t believe what I’m hearing. 14 man Ireland’s try was a fluke and Wales were apparently brilliant against a 14 man Ireland who dominated the game. I’m actually lost for words here.

[@benomeara424]

I agree with Omahony on the pitch and with out billy burns mistake it would have been a domination wales try’s came from overlaps that could have been plugged with and extra man

[@shanemurphy6130]

I've often found that whichever team scores the most points always wins, so despite the lackluster performance against 14 men, it was all part of Wales game plan. It was genius level play to let Ireland overtake them in points as this made them complacent. Ireland spent so long in Wales 22 not because they were playing well, but because they were playing into Wales hands. The end scoreline may have been within seven points with the game ending one kick away from a five meter lineout, but knowing Wayne pivacs master plan, he is just letting the Irish get their hopes up before crushing them just so that they are demoralised and Wales can beat them next year. He probably even was banking on Billy burns missing the kick, a calculated risk. Probably expected Peter o Mahoney to be sent off as well. No problems with Wales here.

[@benwoodhead4838]

Underrated comment 😂😂😂👏

[@henrikhartmann6693]

It's just piece of the path to welsh world domination. You are totally right.

[@robplant899]

I mean this is largely squidges commentary of events, he mentioned there was even at red card at all in the 12th minute of a 16 minute video

[@karlosdeevs]

Four words, Shane: w a l e s h a d n o p l a n none whatsoever.

[@felixdavis3451]

@@karlosdeevs think u missed the joke chief

[@kanurocks]

Squidge. I am a massive fan. In fact, I almost always just adopt all of your ideas and analysis through Osmosis as gospel. However, the fact that you do not analyse this game through the lens of 14 vs 15 for seventy minutes is a gigantic oversight and undermines all of your analysis in this game. The Welsh defence had an extra man at every phase, in a game that's all about filling space and having as many men in the line. I agree Sextpod is definitely on the wain. But essentially in every aspect of the game, Ireland were superior with 14 men. Including, the scrum and set-piece. Your analysis - which again, I am a devoted acolyte of - has never been so wrong. Please take this as loving critique, not trolling criticism. I honestly live for your videos. But you're way off the money on this one.

[@galinor7]

But think about what your saying. Wales aren't as good, (they won) and Ireland were better, (they lost). The winning team is they one where all 15 players stay within the rules. Part of being the better team, is not getting a man sent off, or kicking the ball dead at the end of the game, when it needs to stay in, or missed penalty kicks. Ireland didn't do those things. Those things that make you win.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@galinor7 oh look, another desperate attempt to sell wales as goody two shoes.. Once the english chariot rolls into cardiff all thy good standards will smoke ashes.

[@galinor7]

@@karlosdeevs You could be English, Irish or even Scottish with that reply.

[@galinor7]

@M P of course I understand the point, not as if it's difficult to understand. If a team gets a player sent off for dangerous play, they only have themselves to blame. If they kick the ball out on the full at the death they only have themselves to blame, If Sexton a very ordinary game, they only have themselves to blame. But no Ireland are fine everything is good. Bad Wales need to look in the mirror. (What they need is a different coach). You see, Ireland were poor, Wales were very slightly worse. However, when you play, poorly and get a man sent off you lose.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@galinor7 I could just be the crowd that said 'betting on yer defense and red zone efficency to win games' is as low an excuse as they come. But regardless, you could bank a donkey over a thoroughbred and still cash the grand slam. My last question remains if wales even need pulling off that one proper display in paris or if a half game will do, cuz it's france with all the setbacks needing a champion effort to see through 3 rigorous tests on the bounce with limited prep..

[@jamesmegarry8242]

I think this is a bit hard on Sexton- and probably needlessly personal. It wasnt so long ago that he was judged to be the best player in the world. Very difficult to judge the gameplan on this performance, as it obviously went out the window as soon as O'Mahony went off. Id be worried for Wales if I supported them. They only just won, and there is no doubt that the flukiest try scored was North's.

[@ciarandonnelly1598]

Agreed. North's try came from Ringrose trying an out the back offload in his own 22 instead of clearing their lines from an Irish scrum. So a silly and totally unnecessary and avoidable Irish mistake was why Wales even had the ball in an attacking position. Even then the try was admittedly allowed by a silly decision by Lowe. The Irish unforced errors were much more noticeable then any impressive play by Wales.

[@robplant899]

AWJs been living off reputation since the world cup but there's no mention of that and like AWJ is a total moaner as well, not as bad as Sexton granted but hardly stoic either

[@michealohaodha9351]

It bordered on a personal attack on Sexton IMO - completely unwarranted. I honestly cannot think of another player he critiques with such venom (even Huget was treated in a jokey matter)

[@karlosdeevs]

@@michealohaodha9351 guess that's why so many irish, scottish, english & even a few welsh folks took to commenting in order to give him right ol' smack up the arse..

[@michealohaodha9351]

@@karlosdeevs Probably.....just wanted to put my view on record too. As a Munster fan I'm not a Sexton fan but no one else gets this treatment.

[@jordannangwala4608]

wait isn't that why Scotland beat England in round 1 because they kept them in their own 22m line for 80 min and scored closed few points per entry only 11 and that was considered dominating but Ireland marshalling wales around for a whole half almost is considered the contrary sounds very contradictory

[@eoallan1]

Depends on the opposition I guess?

[@TheMickydowling]

Depends on the result of the game

[@benjo270]

Yes, thank you!! That's exactly what I thought. Maybe the only difference is Scotland won in the end whereas Ireland lost so Squidge draws different conclusions from the same outcome?

[@aaronsamuel501]

yes, but Scotland were actively going forward tiring a blitz defence with an attacking game plan and creating opportunities whereas Ireland's attack was just blunt in comparison.

[@jackdoleary]

I was confused too but I think the distinction is Scotland had accepted low red zone efficiency as part of their plan. For most teams getting to the 22 is exclusively to get past the 22 to the tryline. For Scotland it was (I'm not gonna say *more* important because points win games duh, but) just as important to simply hold england in their own 22 and let the pressure gift scotland a penalty or break. If scotland had spent that much time in the 22 last week purely trying to score tries in attack then yeah they'd probably have been dusht. Does that make sense?

[@catherinekiely5290]

Ireland had 14 men. How did this escape the first half analysis? Ireland had one fewer man, and still dominated the game in the first half. This should surely be a criticism of how poor Wales are with the ball

[@vonhaig]

Yeah, tbh it seems a bit insincere to spend 10 minutes praising the Welsh defence without mentioning that they had an extra man for basically the entire game. I'm ready to be proven wrong but I really see very little to be optimistic about with Wales atm, at least Ireland showed some attacking ability and have some young lads coming up.

[@Mattay20]

Wales did fail to fire on all cylinders but they done enough. It all comes down to points.

[@catherinekiely5290]

@@Mattay20 they did do enough. but "just doing enough" has to be considered poor, when playing against 14 men. There's no point in being overly harsh on a distinctly average Welsh team, but Squidge rugby fails to point out just how uninspiring, bland, even turgid, this Welsh team was against Ireland. To start bragging about great defense , when up against a team playing with a man down, is a load of rubbish

[@JoshuaJones-te1ef]

He mentioned it, Ireland have won every match they have had a red card in. He said he still believes without the red card Wales still would have won

[@catherinekiely5290]

@@JoshuaJones-te1ef that is meaningless conjecture, and fails to get to the point of what the red card meant. what it meant was that Ireland still dominated a Welsh team that doesn't know how to step up and properly take control of the game. soaking up pressure against 14 men is the sign of a team with zero confidence in its forwards. Wales should have won by 15 points. Instead, they couldnt, they were bullied by a better forward pack, and scraped a slender win. Wales have nothing up front. Sad, but true

[@gavinkelly7458]

Welsh defence was so comfortable because they had an extra man for 60+ mins....fatigue sets in and the 2 errors that lead to the 2 welsh tries. Even with the extra man, wales offered zilch in attack

[@galinor7]

Pretty comfortable. Maybe Ireland should try a bit more discipline next time and not get a man sent off.

[@dadabler8714]

Agree, bad red but come on man 😂 you think getting dominated by a 14 man team was comfortable, pom made a mess of himself without a doubt, but it wasn't a win that made Wales look great

[@gavinkelly7458]

@@dadabler8714 i meant the welsh defence was comfortable.... Believe me, ive played matches with 14 men for that length of time and its absolutely sapping at any level nevermind international test standard 😂

[@eamonodea9588]

Sorry Squidge I just completely disagree with the assertion that Wales would have won regardless of the red card, Ireland absolutely have problems I just think they are currently a better team.

[@stefanlosty5394]

I like Squidge but I can't believe a man so keen on micro analysis can claim being a man down for 70 minutes made no difference

[@eddiefarrell5760]

@@stefanlosty5394 I agree I think his welsh bias is showing a bit in this video

[@galinor7]

But that's like saying we would have won except for the red card and therefore Wales have the problem and we don't. He was sent off. That's part of the game. As was the that last kick. Whether Ireland would have won or not is irrelevant. They lost, and if that was because of having a man sent off they still deserved to lose.

[@stefanlosty5394]

@@galinor7 I'm not bringing deserved to win or deserved to lose into it, it was a definite red card. However Squidge said Wales still would have won 15 vs 15. That's all anyone's responding to

[@karlosdeevs]

@@galinor7 maybe that's the whole point. Wales could afford to play more lavish against Ireland & Scotland and therefor haven't play an entire proper game against a full 15 yet. Yh i know it's most basic & repetitive thing, but if it's the full deal then wales are in for an almighty shock against England

[@conornolan4111]

Saying O'Mahony's influence would be negligible is a bit ridiculous to be honest, with him Berine and Henderson on the pitch I think Ireland would have had a field day at the breakdown, not to mention his leadership/captain credentials. The red card, which was the correct decision had a massive impact on the game IMO. Love the vids but I think this one was made with red tinted glasses.

[@alpirl2921]

It absolutely was, having one less man is a huge disadvantage, granted he said irish teams play well with 14, but this was 65+ minutes against an evenly matched team, losing one of their better players. Hard to imagine that extra man wouldn't have made the difference.

[@roboconnor8079]

@@alpirl2921 Honestly the match was lost when O'Mahony was shown red but we lost all chance of winning when Ryan went off

[@alpirl2921]

@@roboconnor8079 yeah James Ryan was a big loss, but Iain Henderson played really well when he came on

[@roboconnor8079]

@@alpirl2921 yeah completely

[@kylejones8891]

Wales had a shite game and came away with the win. Wales could have beat Ireland with 15 men. Thankfully we dont live in a world of what ifs

[@jackharvey143]

I really enjoyed this match, felt like a proper six nations match with loads of phases and solid defence. No doubt in my mind that Ireland would have won with 15 men but this might give Wales the confidence boost they needed.

[@hickeygrad]

Love your videos Squidge. Didn’t agree with almost all your views in this one but still entertained the heck out of me. The analysis here was taking a glass half-empty and thinking it’s overflowing. If you are right and this was Wales playing to a well executed game plan (in fishnets or whatever) then Welsh fans better get ready for a lot of pain. Ireland “controlled” the vast majority of that game with 14 men and the North try ultimately stemmed from a bad offload from Ringrose, and not from any sort of genius Welsh play. 14 man Ireland probably should have won. 15 man Ireland would have won (in my humble opinion).

[@karlosdeevs]

*very* valid points there.

[@thottobot7444]

Should of called the video ‘how did wales not lose’

[@benm1308]

@@cuanfenton9132 did you not watch the video

[@BRACEY12345]

Twice

[@benm1308]

@@cuanfenton9132 none of the other comments are saying anything to actually back it up. Show me some substance like Squidge does and then you might have a point.

[@berennicholas5003]

@@cuanfenton9132 is that why wales is leading?

[@SuperJimmyo1]

Quality analysis as always but quite generous to Wales, they were made to look very average and could have lost it in the end against a team who looked considerably off the pace (I'm an Ireland fan) and played 66 odd minutes with 14 men.

[@MrFuzzydumplings]

I agree, they barely won against 14 men and almost bottled it at the end.

[@roxymarks9636]

Did you listen to what he said?

[@turg4874]

@@roxymarks9636 you have to admit that this analysis was a little biased

[@roxymarks9636]

@@turg4874 yeah true but he did make some interesting points

[@robplant899]

@@roxymarks9636 Yeah but he's entirely undermined the impact of the red card, because Irish teams are good at winning with 14 it made no difference to Ireland but both Welsh tries came from overlaps. Then he discusses Irelands red zone efficiency.....it's not crazy to say that trying to break the line with 15 is easier than with 14. He sort of ignores all that, he even goes into how good the Welsh red zone efficiency was but then it's much easier to score in the 22 against 14

[@MrDOB1000]

Good analysis of Sexton but 14 men vs 15 for almost 70 minutes...Wales should have finished us off comfortably. Wales were extremely poor overall

[@georgeovia]

I agree and his analysis bout Ireland being in the 22 and not scoring meaning Ireland being poor but when Scotland did it against England it’s seen as good work, a bit contradictory in my opinion. Wales I thought offered nothing offensively just really hoping Ireland would make enough mistakes for them to score

[@danhadley4242]

@@georgeovia offered nothing but two scores to Ireland’s 1 and wales won I’ll take that 😂

[@georgeovia]

@@danhadley4242 easy to score against fourteen men, but yes a win is a win so congrats

[@danielrogers3070]

@@georgeovia Scotland were winning opportunities to score though. They missed two penalties and turned down a few more

[@karlosdeevs]

@@danielrogers3070 this'll mean nothing in the long-term.. once england put on a score at the millenium the dust will settle on wales again.

[@olliehubbard114]

We can praise the Welsh defence but Ireland’s ball retention was superb.

[@jamesm5497]

And it got them nowhere against a rather shaky Wales defence.

[@ianoconnor787]

@@jamesm5497 with a 14 man team

[@jamesm5497]

@@ianoconnor787 did you watch the video. Did you hear the stats of Irish teams winning even when they're down a man. Besides, who's fault was it they were down a man? All that possession for what?

[@jamesm5497]

@@ianoconnor787 Wales had to bring on Nick Tomkins. So it was basically 14v14 anyway.

[@ianoconnor787]

@@jamesm5497 still another man in defence

[@roboconnor8079]

Oh my god a 14 man attack couldn't break through, how amazingly insightful.

[@karlosdeevs]

it's the joke of the day

[@ronomoto]

Elephant in the room...13 mins in...cmon man 😂 you can’t stand by stats on winning with 14 can’t be stood by and also stand by the stats that are impacted by that eg the red zone effectiveness with 14 vs 15

[@Ninjapiratewizard]

elephant who swings his trunk into the side of the room

[@karlosdeevs]

@@Ninjapiratewizard this elephant has set welsh-irish relations back by about 400 or 500 years..

[@RevuitNet]

Come on... don’t be bitter because you blew your opportunity at a grand slam!

[@karlosdeevs]

@@RevuitNet don't you get it? This goes beyond the 6n or the wales-ireland rivalry, it's been damming up since the channel started with it's lavish approach toward non-welsh sides. At a certain time, one has to make a choice: either roast everyone outside ur home b-cuz one can't resist or start giving them the same respect you're home nation gets from you any day of the week. No pressure.

[@kylejones8891]

I stand by the stats... the points scored... Wales scored more... You can only beat whats infront of you

[@O12port799]

I'd say that the 10 wouldn't need to be in 1st phase rucks so often had the open side flanker been on the pitch, but still correct that sexton is past it in how he handles the ball & organises the back line It's funny how the sexton loop around was a meme but it was literally the best way to get him moving & turn him into a valid danger instead of a ball distributing statue

[@andrewphilip4963]

So how did Wales squeeze past Ireland? Answer - Ireland got a red card at minute 14

[@karlosdeevs]

@Murray David more like sheer dumb luck..

[@OliCM3]

@Murray David People fly into rucks all the time, just as people fly into big tackles all the time, an inch is the difference between a brilliant clear out/tackle and a red card. Unfortunately, O'Mahony was on the wrong side of the very thin margin - nothing to do with discipline.

[@OliCM3]

@Tom Johnson Give me a break, Wales have been extremely lucky. England and Ireland were clearly the better sides, Ireland lost a key player after 10 mins, England saw the most abysmal refereeing in the history of the sport. Yes their discipline was an issue, but it was greatly exaggerated by a referee insistent on stopping the game every 30 seconds, who also gave utterly shameful biased decisions on every marginal call.

[@berennicholas5003]

@@OliCM3 hahahaha luck. Ur exactly like that woman doing the interviews. Plus it's Ireland u would guess they would be the most lucky plus luck doesn't make it so it team is leading

[@OliCM3]

@@berennicholas5003 Come back when you’ve got something constructive to say that actually makes sense.

[@remyrdd]

"So how did Italy batter England by 80?"

[@ryanhealy9342]

I see what your doing

[@Franksoldcodclips122]

500 to 1 on Skybet.. might stick a tenner on

[@moobusman5617]

Wouldn’t be that surprised

[@karlosdeevs]

@@moobusman5617 i'll stick to the

[@turg4874]

I Genuinely see an upset on the cards. Despite the Scotland loss England are still way too comfortable with there game plan imo which I feel Franco smith might have discovered how to crack it. This is all just a theory but for some reason it makes sense to me

[@karlosdeevs]

I'm gonna be completely honest when i say i'd rate this a 1 from 3. No.1 The call that a red card after just 14 mins didn't change a thing's just utter bogus, ireland and others might've seen other games through like that but such a situation changes *everything* cuz a team then has to go into a lower-risk mode and essentially dig in to dampen the onrushing opponents. No.2 Henshaw's break that led to the try ain't b-cuz of a plan-less counter but by the fact Henshaw (as we saw at 2020's 6n final in Paris) has the strength and creativity to back himself when changing the point of attack. Whilst No.3 yes, you're right on sexton's effect on the quick ball but that's more a grey zone. And on wales' composed defence and red-zone counters but those visits were a stretched few & I think overall Wales' effort was wobbly and were sturdied narrowed-down on enough to get over the finish.

[@Nob0dy420]

Let's be honest we was shocking they had a man down and we still couldn't do much , hopefully we can do something against scotland .

[@karlosdeevs]

if the lightening can strike twice, well then a get-out-of-jail card can work again..

[@scrumpoxjnr]

Snuck past Scotland 👌

[@jakemiddleton5266]

@@scrumpoxjnr Another red card, this one entirely undeserved.

[@Nob0dy420]

@@jakemiddleton5266 nah

[@scrumpoxjnr]

@@jakemiddleton5266 Both Scotland and Wales played pretty well. It was a good game. The red card is just what happens when you go charging into a ruck without full control under these new laws. Players have to adapt.

[@sndgames6313]

U can’t say Wales had great defensive structure when Ireland were 6 down with a man down at 20 minutes and yet Ireland went in ahead at half time and bat an unlucky mistake the game would have been irelands

[@karlosdeevs]

this man's thin ice is melting as fast as Beast from the East's rate passes..

[@fleshen]

But you only got that unlucky mistake because of a stupid mistake and you weren't guaranteed to score from that lineout of yours! Yeah maybe you feel hard done by but it's not Wales's fault POM got over excited, it's not like he hasn't done it before!

[@karlosdeevs]

@@fleshen ah, yes go on over to Andrew Forde and have a lark on what POM's done to spite the earth. Every player i know get's excited and jittery in the first 20 and i can guarantee you o'mahony's only lashed out after someone starts with the faulmouthery. Otherwise, like the shoulder on Francis and on those 'many' other occasions these incidents weren't intentional - i repeat: non intentional they happen to every player

[@samothemano]

Awesome videos this week Squidge! Great dedication and it’s much appreciated. I get al giddy when a notification pops up about a new squidge video

[@snowandstuff1]

The fishing net i.e the 'playing against less men'

[@AndyKB90]

Not the best analysis this one tbh - Wales clearly the second best team despite having extra man for most of the game - their tries all came from Irish errors (ringrose loose offload and earls kicking it out on the full). Also fairly sure it wouldn’t be any team’s gameplan to allow possession in their own 22 for so long - Ireland’s inability to score again more down to their lack of bodies and own lack of efficiency rather than anything Wales were doing in my view -fairly sure Ireland would have won that game 9 times out of 10 and I’d be worried for Wales vs the rest. Ireland toothless as usual yes but Better with ball in hand than lately I thought and sexton perhaps needs to be moved on by now but bit of an unnecessary personal attack on him given he was far from the worst Irish performer and Ireland don’t have anyone obvious in the wings ready to take over so perhaps explains why he’s still there

[@Probablykieran]

That's literally been Wales' game plan for the last 15 years. Also, I don't think there's ever been a less influential red card in a game of rugby ever.

[@pacman4568]

Second best LOL Wales were in control the guy is spot on. TWO TRIES from open play by Wales tells you every thing you need to know. Look carefully at the Irish try and notice the player blocking that allow the try to be scored. Ireland are the worst cheats in the game. Check out George Norths eyes from many gouging attempts by Ireland.

[@robplant899]

@@Probablykieran So if you camp out in the opposition 22 it won't be easier to score with 15 ?

[@karlosdeevs]

@@pacman4568 calm down, this is a site for real adults not some self righteous inner pre-teen. So clear off and do the kicking & screaming in gran's garden will ye?

[@johnfjones8961]

Love the videos! Thanks for working hard, staying up late and giving us the quality rugby content we all want

[@drnagrom]

Great analysis Squidge. I look forward to your feedback on all the games and really appreciate the long hours you put into all of them. I hope you don't burn yourself out but selfishly I still want you to cover all the games. Thanks again

[@senanoneill7202]

I think it's a little unfair to say the red had such a small impact seen as both tries came down to a lack of numbers.

[@senanoneill7202]

@ed marks I certainly think Lowe was at fault for the second one I don't know what he was doing. But the first was definitely more Henderson's fault he was ball watching and didn't look at the welsh attack at all.

[@liamnuge428]

This is the 1st timeI haven't liked one of your videos, I don't understand. Ireland had less men and proceeded to control possession and territory for the majority of the game. They made wales make way more tackles in the 1st half because (a) that's the gameplan anyway and (b) and they had to conserve energy since they had less men and defending is harder than attacking. Wales were terrible, couldn't hold onto the ball, didn't seem to have an attacking structure and couldn't win the set piece against a 7 man pack. No other wales fan I've spoken to things they were good in any way. I actually think their apparently good defence was more ireland not being clinical than anything else, but they again had less players soooo

[@kylejones8891]

Wales won, they absorbed the pressure and were clinical in taking their chances. Not every game you play fluent rugby, this was Wales. Yet, they came away with the win. Cry about the red all you want... You can only beat whats infront of you

[@felixdavis3451]

@@kylejones8891 squidge did say wales would of won anyway, addressing the dispute. Ireland were the better team undoubtedly for eighty minutes, but due to some bad decision and mistakes when it mattered, they weren't able to capitalize and turn their many chances into points. on the other hand props up to wales for turning their very few chances into points. you are degrading your argument by spitting insults like go cry, when somebody is trying to make a valid argument to a point in the video.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@kylejones8891 people are addressing squidge's littered errors, the red card is only scratching the surface..

[@kylejones8891]

@@felixdavis3451 All I've had these past two weeks is people crying about the reds. Yeah Wales played shocking and came away with the win. Let's just give them credit for that, yeah? The better team wins. That's how rugby works. At the end of the day they could have bottled it on sooo many occasions but held firm and took their chances. You can't say oh Ireland had 14... that's their own fault.

[@kylejones8891]

@@karlosdeevs I find it unusual how people are acting like Ireland were hard done by. They and Scotland put themselves into that situation. When running a marathon you don't chop your one leg off and say "ah I would of won if I had two legs" when you finish last

[@mwbreen]

Holy shit, the work to get this out at 6am is crazy, man! I hope you enjoy the weekend, you deserve it. Fantastic video as always!

[@osiang7356]

Great analysis as usual, Squidge - excited for the next video 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@davidhughes2453]

How did it take 12 minutes to recognise the only reason Ireland lost😂

[@karlosdeevs]

losing marbles

[@Derekconlon]

Love your work Squidge but definitely feel the Wales bias coming through on this one. Usually take what you say as a lesson but can't agree with you on this one. Wales given insane amounts of credit for barely beating 14 men.

[@karlosdeevs]

Very heartfelt, but i doubt he'll take note in the long term.. the guy's been stitching up for wales come hell or high water, and i don't expect him to change a thing now. Sure how can you, if you never hear from a neutral ear.

[@eoallan1]

Squidge - top quality as always, great analysis and good range of balanced material and comic but also serious delivery. You’re very much like Lanterne Rouge in cycling (which is a huge compliment!). Hope this really works out for you fella

[@cbyod]

Actually it was terrible analysis. And this guy wouldn't be fit to lace lantern rouges laces.

[@eoallan1]

@@cbyod Thanks for letting me know!

[@karlosdeevs]

@@eoallan1 i second him

[@djbillybopdjbillybop2817]

balanced material my arse.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@djbillybopdjbillybop2817 keep 'em coming..

[@oisingaffney9930]

I'm a stubborn Irish supporter, but, by god, are you a joy to watch squidge!

[@XGNSpiNz]

With all due respect I normally 100% agree with you but you’re trying to say that Wales planned on letting Ireland attack in their 22 and half which is quite frankly a stupid and biased statement, fair enough wales did very well to defend but that whole video was biased.

[@conorplunkett7786]

Harsh on sexton I know your not a fan of him and he didn’t have the best game but it’s evident his presence is missed when ever he leaves the field

[@karlosdeevs]

@@samuelyates9165 dunno, what ur selection would be if u were ireland coach. But as for now he's one of 3 and the best of the 3..

[@karlosdeevs]

@@samuelyates9165 yh sorry, I thought you were another one of these guys endlessly moaning 'bout him

[@conorplunkett7786]

@@samuelyates9165 it was an unfortunate finish for burns but he has potential

[@karlosdeevs]

@@samuelyates9165 with nothing to lose for rest the championship, it's almost an evite to stick with burns & the byrne bros. for the rest of spring..

[@karlosdeevs]

@@samuelyates9165 well, then just have harry behind billy or bring in healy or carty if you may. Not like there're a whole lotta options beyond 5 or 6 guys

[@AntonoirJacques]

Love your reviews Squidge! Please keep it up, ya beautiful man

[@littlenick2559]

As always, loving the match reviews 👌

[@thereader6667]

Love you dude, but I feel you have contradicted yourself a bit and not really dug in to Wales's performance. I think you should take this down and have a play around with it, the weird bias doesn't suit you nor your channel.

[@Stereo_mike]

Yeah it doesn’t feel like an accurate review of the game. Wales were poor like very poor

[@thereader6667]

@@Stereo_mike Its a shame, because it under values how well Ireland played. They were the more exciting team and played the better rugby for 80% of the game.

[@robj1510]

@@thereader6667 I’m pretty sure Squidge is Welsh so there’s always going to be a bit of bias towards his own team

[@pacman4568]

@@robj1510 He is surprisingly english. Sour grapes from Irish supporters I am literally bathing in your tears

[@thereader6667]

@@robj1510 Yeah, I mean he's usually pretty critical regardless. He is still the best an analysing gameplay but he could have been a little more aware of 1 man advantage throughout the vid. To be fair, Davis's kick at the end was abysmal.

[@Dreyno]

The take away was Wales scraped a win at home against a team of 14 men for 66 minutes. Not “fishnetting”.

[@chriswaters9497]

Thank you. Just great content as always

[@CuppaTea97]

Quality analysis as always

[@ewanm5530]

You can’t call Beirnes try a bullshit fluke and not call north’s try a fluke 😂

[@pacman4568]

What was fluky about G Norths try? It seems perfectly legit to me. Blummin snowflakes invading rugby now.

[@skybluebill1185]

How was it flucky ?? It was 2 on 1

[@karlosdeevs]

@@pacman4568 oy trolly

[@owyn4799]

@@skybluebill1185 Off an offload from a crash ball what he spent half the vid criticising Ireland for doing it

[@oisinheffernan6438]

Usually when I disagree with squidge I find his reasoning pretty convincing but there was nothing convincing in this video other than his clear bias. And many sexton wouldn’t have to hit so many rucks if the flanker was on the pitch. Which wasn’t mentioned till the 13 min of the video

[@yodebih]

Awesome job, one of the best analyst out there

[@DROWE943]

Phenomenal work mate, keep it up

[@benjaminmuller9473]

the amount of variants you have for ol' sextant is make benedict cumberbatch blush bro

[@brucekirk2948]

You are great...no question, keep them coming

[@ciarancahill6650]

Massive fan in general but Christ this was shocking analysis hahahah

[@akosg4057]

I feel like the 6 nations just ended and now we have another year. Got to love rugby

[@DaxSports1]

Covid sucks and I hate it And this gonna sound terrible But we did get more games.

[@karlosdeevs]

@NormalSodaGuy u must be a sour red grape, ey?

[@rossquinn8336]

So we just not gonna mention that Norths try was just an overlap which was there the whole game because Ireland had 14 players. Like how many international teams who have a red card that early actually have a chance of winning the game in the last play

[@eoinh3816]

Video is biased. Ireland were at a complete disadvantage throughout. Henshaw being in the scrum ruined any chnace Ireland had of striking from scrums and led to second try by Ringrose carrying into contact which he isn’t used to. O Mahony is a major lineout option and plays in wide channels for Ireland meaning they had one less man who would’ve made a big difference in attack. Ireland were also on their feet as seen with Tadgh beirne who is usually comfortable with going 80 mins but was gone after 70.

[@rossquinn8336]

@@eoinh3816 how long is POM gone do you know I saw three match suspended but it that confirmed

[@eoinh3816]

@@rossquinn8336 yep three matches

[@rossquinn8336]

@@eoinh3816 wales just got blessed again with another red card win

[@rossquinn8336]

@@eoinh3816 can’t wait to watch another biased video about how wales were the better team

[@kimok4716]

Indeed congrats for uploading all these videos before the second day begins.

[@michaelwaller342]

Kia ora from NZ big fella! Just to say amazing to see in the post trophy 🏆 moments. AWJ picking up the podium and carrying it off the feild!!! He saw there was a job to do and cleaned it up himself. Can't see many of the other captains doing that!! Speaks volumes of his character and a beautiful metaphor for his dedication!

[@michaelwaller342]

In todays game. Sorry.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@michaelwaller342 he has no clue..

[@parawhat2459]

I feel it’s harsh to judge players decisions at the breakdown in the 20 mins after their number 6 gets sent off. Also I always looked at Ireland’s play after the red card was more about getting to half time not behind than scoring tries in that time.

[@woodykinsella254]

Great video thanks

[@asktoseducemiss434]

This guy has the same curtains as me lol

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

So strangely wonderful and just Rugby🦙

[@actingconstablecuddy2163]

Ireland would have won if not for the red card fairly sure better overall but that grinding style of attack really doesn't make the space it needs to and it really cost them in defence

[@pacman4568]

If could haves and would haves were ever taken seriously every one should have or could have won every game. Sour Grapes Paddy. To the video author a new name for Sexton "Sextapes"

[@karlosdeevs]

​@@pacman4568 the only 'could have' is you and yer drag-load

[@orandarcy530]

I think your forgetting that Ireland got a red card. That’s why Ireland had barely any attacking options and u said that Wales had good defence, that’s only because Ireland had a red card

[@toby2979]

Great video Squidge.

[@ajmacconville1]

love this video Thanks

[@Claggyt]

This is a surprisingly poor analysis. The sending off after 15 minutes was the single most significant event in the game and the only reason why Wales barely scraped the win. They were not good. Strange too how Ireland's try is seen as a "system failure" rather than....well, just a good bit of play from a team with a man down who still took the game to the hosts.

[@darragh47]

Can't wait to hear Squidge try to explain how wales were actually the better team against scotland

[@virtualgibbs]

Herculean effort this week Squidge and much appreciated. This championship is shaping to be the most competitive in years. You have given me a new way to enjoy rugby. I get excited to watch England cause of their animal defence even though i cant stand the sight of them! haha Buzzing to see Ford and Slade either side of Faz and 2 back rows on the bench. Italy looked far better than Ireland with ball in hand on opening weekend. What is the craic with Irish 10 shirt? I am open to correction but I believe Burns is only the 6th man to wear 10 for Ireland in the 6 nations. I have no doubt Sex creams Ireland career will end like O'Gara's, he'll will cost us a few matches before being put out to pasture

[@briansheahan8621]

Absolutely no need to apologise. Another sensational piece of work. Ireland ineffective in converting possession and territorial domination, and the cause detailed. There is an argument to say they'd have been more effective at doing so with the full complement of players, but as you rightly point out it was Irish player that did a bad thing. The Sexton stuff also cracks me up. Fly halves are there to be hared. The kid at school we all wanted to be. All good.

[@pearseferguson1031]

first time i’m saying this - first analysis of squidge that is just incorrect esp first half wales are not playing good rugby a

[@thewarden9608]

Spending time analysing a Welsh defence that played against 14 men is irrelevant

[@ethanevans1496]

@NormalSodaGuy 100% agree man and tbh I love squidge and all his vids but man he’s kinda biased. He barely mentioned the red... I know they train for it but man to do it for that long

[@conorfarrell8642]

@@ethanevans1496 Ireland had to double their workload and were tired after an hour

[@zyaicob]

I'm glad you didn't talk about Burns' last kick

[@mrwelshmun]

Good episode Squidgey boi! Without your analysis, I might not have seen how Jambo Sexbot was hindering Ireland's play.

[@karlosdeevs]

you weren't the only one, in fact he was practically invisible most of the time.. and now wooly boi might've broken the fence & reaped the effects

[@swxy2471]

Idk if he forgot Ireland had a red card

[@ricedup]

Released at the last minute so Gregor can't use the info. Safe.

[@aidanmorgan2560]

Honestly love your videos mate, such a laugh especially when you mention sexton :)

[@lucascou6598]

Hey squidge, as always a very good video! While many comments here are negative, I feel that your videos are always food for thought and one can make up his opinion better after your insights. Also, take care of yourself man, I don't care if I don't have all three analyses before the next 6N weekend as long as you don't wear yourself down! Anyways keep up the amazing job, at any rate you feel best for you

[@karlosdeevs]

sorry mate, but these ones were *rushed* and i can't even begin to note the inaccuracy..

[@AlwaysAC]

Think squidge has his rose tinted glasses in here. Would have won with the 15th man? Mate they would have lost if billy burns could find touch.

[@ianlawrence1832]

Or green, red, and white dragon-shaped-lense classes, one might say.

[@ianlawrence1832]

*glasses

[@ninianpark1329]

If Davies hadn't kicked the ball away silly Billy would never have been in the position to embarrass himself. Game of ifs eh.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@ninianpark1329 it didn't matter in the did it? the 15th man made the difference throughout almost the entire 66mins.

[@ninianpark1329]

@@karlosdeevs Discipline is a big part of the game, maybe Ireland and Scotland should learn to improve theirs. That Scottish prop was pathetic this weekend, in fact the Scottish team were - spewing the position they were in. The Scots have slated Gatland over the years for not picking many of them for the Lions, but players with weak minds do not play for Gatland's Lions.

[@thewarden9608]

2 mins in and this already feels very wales biased. I’ll persist.

[@karlosdeevs]

will ur shotgun persist?

[@Franksoldcodclips122]

How on earth does this guys get 3 of the most detailed videos ever in under a week 😅

[@andrewshannon4390]

Squidge, you do make some very good points about Ireland's attack and particularly Sexton's performance. Mike Catt has been very ineffective of implementing any kind of attack that can carve up a team and we resort to one up runners off 9 or pass it down the line like children. But you really do go out of your way to avoid praising ireland in any meaningful way other than "ireland cope well with 14 men" and that Beirne played well. Not the fact that ireland were in the game right to the death with 14 men for 70 minutes, yet you will praise Italy to the roof for a 50-10 thrashing. I do agree with you about the positives that italy showed last week but your clear dislike of ireland across your last 3 ireland videos is becoming tiresome.

[@RottingYoda]

Squidge has consistently dislikes Ireland. Years at this stage. Still entertaining videos though

[@gforce4893]

Firstly yes I am Irish and a bigfan of these videos but you have completely down played the impact of the red card and 65 mins of 14 men. Comparing pro14 club level to international level is like comparing a Nissan micro vs an F1 car. Yes both bars but operate at completely difference pace and intensity. Wales did well to win that game. As you clearly demonstrated in your video, Lowe made a mistake for the 2nd try by biting in which ultimately made the difference. Sexton entering so many rucks would be as a result of loosing a backrow. Genuinely don't know the answer but how many rucks does he hit like this in a game with 15 men. This analysis seems the exception and not the rule. Too add, any of the phase play attacks would have to be modified to account for a backrow out. I am a huge fan of the videos and appreciate the Welsh hat being on but this is misrepresentation of where Ireland and Wales are at due to the red

[@pacman4568]

For ever more history will record a Wales win. There won't be any subtitles explaining why Ireland should have or could've won. Just the Facts Wales won. Suck it up Paddy and move on.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@pacman4568 yes, but the real question is if this win will go down as a blessing or a curse, cuz if Wales' only other win by the end is against Italy..

[@richardsmith2825]

Another great one Squidge. The whole rugby world relies on you for this exacting analysis. Far superior to the pap we get on national television. 6am in the morning though. Ouch!

[@lliamq12]

I think my favourite bit about this video is Squidge accidentally calling his hero Alun Wyn Jones, Thomas Francis

[@henrygillis1362]

Since full time I was dreading this

[@hughfitzpatrick306]

Scotland spend lots of time in the English 22 and score 11 points = tactical genius. Ireland spend a lot of time in the Welsh 22 and score 16 points, with a man down = not capitalising on opportunities. This video really isn't up to your usual non-bias standard.

[@RottingYoda]

He actually has consistent bias. Ireland is his least favorite team in the 6 nations with Wales his favorite.

[@j.p.dunphy4348]

This is so true, he criticized what he said was great in the Scotland video

[@karlosdeevs]

@@j.p.dunphy4348 what exact part of the scot. vid did he critisise, just wanna know?

[@j.p.dunphy4348]

@@karlosdeevs The part where you stay in the 22 without scoring points.

[@vonteflon]

I was wondering why it was taking so long for this video to come out. Now I get it: a day to make the video, five days coming up with Jonathan Sexton nicknames. Time well spent, I would hasten to add. 👏

[@garethnoble3378]

Love you Tips!

[@Squigeoth]

Love vids Squidge, I reckon the bias has you a little ahead of yourself on this one though.. Also Burns came on the pitch and had more than those two kicks as blunders for example his pass when the clock was red that sent Ireland back 20m after ringrose break on the right wing. You made him out to be the better alternative to Sexbeans, which is definitely not the case 😂

[@unmistified2251]

'jaw breaking sexpolarity'- for chemistry people this guy obvs has too many dipoles edit: thx for 69 likes again :)

[@vonteflon]

I was about to hit like on your comment, then saw the edit so will refrain.

[@31vox]

Brilliant !

[@boydy1310]

Wales 2nd try only came from a earls mistake on the kick which wasn't mentioned. Putting henshaw in the attacking scrums was a massive drop off, if omahoney is on sexton is in a lot less rucks (but you're right he shouldn't be in them anyway) and just the general cover for the first try also changes with an extra man. Yes we adapted well but that wales team was shocking, any other tier 1 nation put us to the sword and if Wales had any aspirations at all to win the 6 nations they needed a bonus point there

[@leeofdoom4452]

In general I enjoy these videos, but regularly your analytical stance is let down by what I can only assume is lack of practical application experience. 3 points here: 1. Teams have done and will always send 10's into the ruck from crash ball, especially on a set up play where the next 2 phases don't involve the need for a playmaker. See every game Jamie Roberts played for Wales, dragons, Quinns... it's a very effective way of generating quick ball, for another 2-3 speed carries then revert back to the 10 against a rabble D. 2. Losing a player hasn't become less important, statistically it might seem that way, but teams in the current age train so hard on strategies to nullify 10 mins, it creates a mini game within a game. Winning and losing the yellow has become a side quest! The most potent strategy is domination of possession, which ireland did, and took a nice lead into half time! It just isn't manageable for 60+ mins. 3. The Billy Burns analysis, just silly mate! There's a huge difference in psychology for a starting 10, looking to implement a specific gameplan, at the start of a new tournament, and a 10 off the bench for 10 minutes having been told to there are no errors, only attempted match winners! To compare shows huge nativity! As always good vid (without the politics thank God), but maybe touch base with someone with some higher level coaching experience to help with context, scenario and current coaching practice advice.

[@jimboslice4468]

I've watched so many of your videos on Johnny Sexton and his green counterparts that my brain registers any short phrase fitting the formula ADJECTIVE + SEX + NOUN as him, quicker than it does if someone says his actual name