The Counter Ruck: Youthful Wales show signs of life ahead of Ireland game

Despite being tipped by some as wooden spoon contenders for this year’s Six Nations, Wales have lost their opening two matches by a combined margin of just three points.

A second half comeback against Scotland and a strong opening 40 minutes in Twickenham vs England have allowed Wales to already exceed the expectations. Ahead of their trip to Dublin to take on Ireland this weekend, Mike Bubbins, a former Cardiff and Wales underage backrow, joins Gordon D’Arcy and host Nathan Johns to talk through Wales’ resurgence of sorts.

The panel discuss Wales coach Warren Gatland’s decision to rely on a younger cohort of players, the attacking brand of rugby displayed by domestic sides and how the country looks to recover from a turbulent 12 months of financial trouble, administration controversies and middling performances on the pitch.

Produced by John Casey.