Campaign Sport
Phillips aims to torment Ireland again
11:20am Saturday 4th February 2012
IRELAND v WALES (Tomorrow KO 3pm)
MIKE Phillips has been Ireland’s tormentor-in-chief in their recent clashes with Wales, stealing the show against them twice last year.
But the world class scrum-half believes Wales will have to be at their best if they have any chance of winning their Six Nations opener in Dublin tomorrow.
The Bayonne star loves playing against Ireland and his try-saving tackle on Shane Horgan in 2008 helped Wales win the Grand Slam.
And Phillips scored a try that should not have been allowed against the Irish during last season’s Six Nations tournament that paved the way for a rare victory over them in Cardiff.
He raced away to touch down in the corner after hooker Matthew Rees had fed him from a line-out with a different ball to the one kicked into touch by Irish stand-off Johnny Sexton. Wales hung on to win 19-13.
Phillips broke their hearts again during the autumn’s World Cup when a superb individual try early in the second half helped tip the balance in Wales’ favour.
Sam Warburton’s team went on to beat Ireland 22-10 in that quarter-final in New Zealand with a fantastic performance.
Phillips, 29, said he has plenty of time for Ireland who go into tomorrow’s game as big 4-9 favourites with Wales at 2-1.
“I’ve enjoyed playing against Ireland over the years,” he said.
“They’re a great side and they’ve got some great individual players.
“A few of their players have won European Cups, so they know how to win games. We’ll need to be at our best to win.
“The first game is always a massive game. If we can win the first one, it can create momentum for the rest of the tournament.
“We’ve been quietly working hard and we’re all just itching to get out there.”
Speaking about Wales’ last two victories against them, Phillips, who wins his 61st cap this weekend, said: “Ireland won’t be happy that we have beaten them in the last two games. We’ve got to be confident about that.
“Hopefully we can go there, create some pressure and take our opportunities.
“Last time we made few mistakes and we were very disciplined. Discipline away from home needs to be squeaky clean.”
Speaking about his first season with Bayonne, who are bottom of the French Top 14 table, the former Ospreys No 9 said: “I’ve enjoyed being in Bayonne. It’s been great to experience a different feel of rugby.
“I’ve loved it. We’ve had it all – there’s been new coaches almost every week and fights on the pitch. But it’s been great.”