Sport

Vox pop

Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY

Sat Feb 04 2012 - 00:00

Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY

Who are in better shape – Ireland or Wales?

Will Ireland play any differently?

Minus Brian, how will we fare in the Six Nations?

Simon Best (23 caps, 2003-7)

We have a full deck, bar Brian, obviously, whereas Wales have, I think, eight injuries to frontline players, so if you picked one team Ireland would have the majority of players in the starting XV. Over the last 10 years Wales have tended to underperform when they are favourites.

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I still think Ireland will target the Welsh tight five. It didn't tell in the World Cup game because of the pace Wales played at.

We have a lot to be confident about. The French squad indicates they are blaming Lievremont for most things, while if England are stuttering, the Scotland game is make or break for them; a trip to Twickenham won't be as daunting as it has been in the past.

Ollie Campbell (22 caps, 1976-84)

The World Cup is history. I think it hasn't any relevance whatsoever for the Six Nations. Sunday is about the future. Wales have lost three Test matches since beating us in that quarter-final.

I would think they will be looking to play a little more expansively, certainly, than they did in the quarter-final.

On the back of Heineken Cup results, I would make Ireland second favourites behind France to win the championship. We’ll beat Wales but six days later in Paris is the real test.

Jonny O’Connor (12 caps, 2004-06)

I don’t see any evidence of either team suffering from a hangover. Certainly, Heineken Cup performances bode well for us but Wales played a fantastic brand of rugby during the World Cup.

Ireland were perhaps over-criticised before the World Cup but they played really well. Of course, the players were disappointed with the Wales game but the way they beat Australia was so enjoyable to watch. I imagine a small bit of change but nothing drastic.

Brian is a warrior, with the whole set of what a rugby player is, but I feel there are three teams in it – Ireland, Wales and France. I don’t feel anyone will win a Grand Slam but there is nothing wrong with just winning the championship. That is within Ireland’s reach.