OLLIE CAMPBELL AND Tony Ward often battled for the Irish number 10 jersey but the former international out-halves are in agreement this week about a crucial topic – Ireland’s game against Wales is a must-win.
Campbell, who played 22 times for Ireland and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, feels Declan Kidney’s men can target a Six Nations title if they depose the reigning champs on Saturday at the Millennium Stadium.
Speaking to Club Rugby Magazine, Campbell declares Ireland have a great opportunity to end Wales’ current stranglehold over Ireland.
The 46-24 win over Argentina last November has left him “hopeful” ahead of ‘the most crucial game of 2013′ for the Irish.
Campbell notes that Welsh morale is low after a poor run of international results and due to the ongoing struggles of their sides in the Heineken Cup.
Ollie Campbell was speaking to Club Rugby.
Make or break
Ward, in a separate interview in the magazine, calls the game against Wales, under the caretaker charge of Rob Howley, will make of break Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
The Dubliner, who was part of the Munster team that defeated the All Blacks in 1978, believes the injury to Tommy Bowe will see Craig Gilroy called into service on the wing against the Welsh.
Ward likens Gilroy to Arsenal’s Theo Walcott due to his willingness to trust his attacking instincts and run at defenders.
He points out that the fixtures fall into place for Ireland and a win over Wales could deliver similar momentum to Kidney’s men as the boost they got in 2009 – a Grand Slam-winning season – by beating France in the first game.
*The full interviews with Ward and Campbell will be available to read in Club Rugby Magazine [in the Irish Independent] tomorrow.
