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Gatland reveals how he plans to nullify Sexton and Murray
By Peter Thompson
Warren Gatland wants his Wales side to "attack" Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray when they attempt to derail Ireland's Six Nations title challenge in Dublin on Saturday.
Gatland knows all about the threat posed by the half-back pairing, who were in his starting line-up for two of the three British and Irish Lions Tests in New Zealand last year.
Wales need a victory at the Aviva Stadium after losing to England at Twickenham before the break and Gatland knows they can ill afford to let Sexton and Murray pull the strings.
"We’ve got to attack them. We've had some pretty good success not allowing Johnny too much time and space on the ball." said the Wales head coach.
"Our line-speed defensively has got to be good. We have got to put Conor and his kicking game under pressure - we have to be prepared to be pretty physical against them.
"I thought the way Wales played at home against them last year was outstanding, the kind of model and benchmark to take to Ireland.
"We have got to be physical against them up front and stop the running power of someone like CJ Stander, who's a big go-forward player for them and stop allowing Murray and Sexton to dominate the game.
"If we can do that we have got a chance."
Gatland has recalled Dan Biggar, Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny to his starting line-up.
Rob Kearney tries to ramp up pressure on Dan Biggar
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Latest Comments
It's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to commentsThe Stormers sloppiness show that they are a poorly coached side. Fortunately for them, so are the Sharks.
There are tougher opponents waiting and they will be punished heavily unless the coaching improves dramatically.
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