Wallace wary of Wales

Flanker warns team-mates against unpredictable approach

Last updated: 11th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wallace wary of Wales

Wallace: Expecting the unexpected

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David Wallace has warned his Ireland team-mates to be wary of Wales' unpredictability in attack when the two clash in the RBS Six Nations at Croke Park this weekend.

Last year's Grand Slam winners are favourites to score a third successive win against Warren Gatland's side, who find themselves battling to avoid the wooden spoon in spite the entertaining performances they have given so far.

In three consecutive matches, Wales have conceded a big leads before mounting a late fightback; however, only against Scotland have they managed to claw back a victory.

Even so, Wallace thinks that the unstructured approach of Saturday's opponents makes them dangerous.

"Wales have been unlucky at times and we know that against them you must expect the unexpected," said the Munster flanker.

"They like to pass the ball and if the game gets loose they can cause you a lot of damage.

"If the game becomes open and free flowing, they'll take quick taps and try and run it from anywhere.

"Some of their backs are very quick and agile and it can be hard to stop them."

Saturday's match is the penultimate occasion the home of Gaelic sport plays host Ireland's rugby players, who will then head back to the renovated Lansdowne Road.

Wales' first visit two years ago saw them depart Dublin with a 16-12 victory as part of their Grand Slam-winning season.

"They did a number on us at Croke Park two years so I don't think going there will be a factor for them," said Wallace.

"But we're confident that we're a different team now. We've learnt a lot over the last two years and an awful lot of talent has come through."

Eager

Wallace is also eager to do battle with Martyn Williams, with whom he vied for the Lions' number seven jersey in South Africa last summer.

The first two Tests saw Wallace make the XV but he then had to swap places with Williams for the concluding match of the tour.

Williams leads Wales this weekend in the absence of Ryan Jones, who has been ruled out because of a calf injury.

"Martyn is a very good footballer. He's very good at poaching balls," said Wallace.

"If you don't have good numbers around rucks you leave yourself open for him to pilfer the ball.

"He can play like an outside-half or winger at times - he has soft hands and can kick too. He has a wide range of skills. It's hard to pick faults in his game.

"He was struggling with an injury out in South Africa but I've played against him a number of times dating back to the Under-21s.

"I've also done two tours with him. He's a good leader and guys want to play for him.

"Ryan is a player of huge experience so it will be tough to have lost him. But Gareth Delve has come in and he's a good player."