Warburton wary of Ireland’s ‘big performance’

Welsh captain Sam Warburton believes he and his Welsh team mates will need to be on top of their game if they are to match the performance of an in-form Ireland in next weekend’s World Cup quarter final.

Warburton wary of Ireland’s ‘big performance’

Welsh captain Sam Warburton believes he and his Welsh team mates will need to be on top of their game if they are to match the performance of an in-form Ireland in next weekend’s World Cup quarter final.

With the English camp getting involved in off-pitch scandals and the French limping to defeats against New Zealand and Tonga, Wales and Ireland have been the standout Six Nations teams in the World Cup so far.

The southern and northern hemisphere sides have ended up on different sides of the quarter final draw and the Welsh captain admits the familiarity with their opposition adds an extra dimension to next weekend’s game.

"Both players know each other as a lot of were in involved with the British and Irish Lions in 2009," he told BBC.

"That makes it more exciting for players.

"Ireland have great players and everyone knows they have that one big performance in them so we must be switched on.

"But we must believe we can beat anyone now."

Having tallied a combined score of 147 points in their last two games, Wales have displayed no shortage of attacking flare while Ireland managed to keep both Australia and Italy from crossing the try line.

Wales won the last competitive meeting between the sides 19-13 in March but skills coach Rob Howey admits that next Saturday’s game in Westpac Stadium could go either way.

"They have qualities and world-class players but it is going to be tough to call. On the day Ireland can beat us and we can beat them.

"Some people might say we have achieved something getting to a quarter-final and coming out of the pool of death.

"But I know we have an ambitious and quality group of players."

South Africa’s Craig Joubert will take charge of Saturday’s showdown in Wellington.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Jack Crowley 26/3/2024 Rowntree includes returning big guns in Munster side to face Cardiff
England v Chile - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool D - Stade Pierre Mauroy England internationals Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam set to join Toulon
Leo Cullen 28/3/2024 Developing cohesion the biggest challenge for Cullen
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited