Ireland’s frenetic philosophy meets Welsh grit in Six Nations arm wrestle

We’ve been here before, haven’t we? A year out from a World Cup and on the eve of a Six Nations Championship, Ireland look capable of beating any side they face. Andy Farrell’s relentless commitment to keeping the ball in play saw them average more passes - 187.4 - and more rucks in possession – 113.1 – per game than any other team competing in the Six Nations or Rugby Championship last year. Commanding wins against England and New Zealand proved they can marry flair with fortitude.

The 29-20 triumph over the All Blacks was particularly impressive, likely the best performance from Ireland under Farrell. By committing two men to every breakdown they risk losing the ball on the ground but they keep 11 players on their feet and free to attack. The image of New Zealand’s Codie Taylor and Dalton Papalii looking shattered before the half-time break in the autumn told a story. This is the result of Ireland’s frenetic philosophy.

Wales aren’t too dissimilar in their approach. Both teams utilise a 1-3-2-2 formation, staggering pods of forwards across the width of the pitch. But Ireland are more consistent, more devoted to the ideology and rarely stray too far from it. This has a lot to do with the man standing at first receiver. Johnny Sexton, captaining the team in his 102nd appearance for his country at 36, is as solid as any fly-half in the world and is metronomic in his delivery. Though he can straighten the line and is dangerous when deploying a give-and-go with a midfielder in what has been dubbed the “Sexton loop”, his game is defined by reliability and consistency.

In many ways he encapsulates all that is good about this Irish unit. He is also one of 11 Leinster representatives in the starting 15. His partner at