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Recap: Wales vs Ireland LIVE | Summer Series
By RugbyPass
Follow all the action from the World Cup warm-up match on the RugbyPass live blog as Wales host Ireland at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Keep up to date with the latest score, stats and join the conversation from anywhere in the world in our Live Match Centre (click here).
Wales skipper for the day, Josh Navidi, has hailed Warren Gatland's "second to none" contribution ahead of his final game in Cardiff as their head coach. Gatland takes charge of his 117th Wales Test in the warm-up clash against Ireland.
A Dublin return follows next weekend before Wales head to the World Cup in Japan, after which Gatland will end a 12-year tenure. Back row forward Navidi captains Wales for the first time and he readily acknowledges Gatland's impact that is highlighted by three Six Nations Grand Slams and World Cup semi-final appearance.
"He has been massive - what he has achieved has been huge," Navidi said. "He's been a big part of rugby, and what he has brought to Welsh rugby is second to none. Hopefully, we give him a nice home send-off and then can concentrate on the World Cup."
Gatland's priority is the game and then selecting his 31-man World Cup squad, which he will reveal on Sunday, but he is certain to receive a rapturous Principality Stadium send-off. "It will be quite emotional," Gatland said. "I've had an unbelievable time here in Wales, the people have made my time incredibly special.
"I'm trying to keep it in perspective. It's something I will be thinking about, but it's not about me. I will just have a personal reflection and look back on how memorable it's been, without making a big fuss about it."
Gatland has made 14 changes from the side that accounted for England a fortnight ago, with only Scarlets flanker James Davies remaining. Meanwhile, Ireland have made 11 changes from their side which lost to the English last Saturday, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Jacob Stockdale and Bundee Aki their four survivors.
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Latest Comments
France got a typically french 14 point try last week and they'll need to look for chances for another couple to be comfortable in the win against Argentina.
Fiji could actually be the ones for upset of the week. Typically clunky with players always in and out of their team this would be about the time they put another England beating performance in against Ireland.
SA to be as strong again this week carrying away from their opposition. Probably an underpar performance though.
New Zealand will be determined to actually put the triple figure score on the Azzurri this time. In actual fact a tired and physically beaten AB side has been chosen for this one so expect to see some space and free flowing rugby from both teams but still nothing more than a 30 point gap between them.
Aussie will be thwarted by a draw in their Slam attempt, otherwise another 1 point game either way.
Lets hope Japan is selecting more of its stop starters like France's Tavita Tatafu's cousin, Tavita Tatafu, otherwise it could be the biggest scoreline game of the weekend.
Go to commentsBack then, Jen it was respect and tremendous rivalries even in provincials! Scores didn't seem to matter exactly! 🙃
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