Wallace wary of Welsh backs
Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:57
Irish flank David Wallace is wary of the challenge that Wales will pose in their Six Nations clash at Croke Park.
Ireland re-ignited their Six Nations campaign with their 20-16 victory over England and could move a step closer to securing the Triple Crown with a win over Wales on Saturday.
Although Wales have lost two of their first three matches, they have a potent backline at their disposal who have looked dangerous with ball in hand this season.
"Wales have been unlucky at times and we know that against them you must expect the unexpected," said Wallace.
"They like to pass the ball and if the game gets loose they can cause you a lot of damage. Some of their backs are very quick and agile and it can be hard to stop them."
Wallace's opposite number in the match will be experienced openside flank Martyn Williams who will also be Wales' captain in the absence of regular skipper Ryan Jones.
The two flanks were in competition for the starting berth in the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa last year and with Wallace being preferred to Williams in the first two Tests before the Welshman was given the No.6 jersey in the series finale.
"Martyn is a very good footballer, said Wallace. "He's very good at poaching balls. 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.
"It's hard to pick faults in his game," Wallace concluded.
AFP
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