Following the same script as Sam Warburton
This morning it was Wales captain Sam Warburton who was lovebombing the Irish rugby team and Joe Schmidt.
This afternoon, it was the turn of Warren Gatland’s assistant Shaun Edwards to slather us in praise.
Speaking at his press conference today, Edwards was as effusive as Warburton in admiration for Ireland.
“We have looked at our opponents, and we are coming up against the best team in Europe, the form team in Europe,” Edwards added.
“They have got two brilliant half-backs, for a start, who have got great tactical brains.
“They have a strike-runner on the outside in Tommy Bowe who maybe the best defensive winger in the northern hemisphere. He is magnificent in picking up interceptions, and we have to keep our eye on Tommy.
“The forwards are well-drilled and a cohesive unit, and play with a lot of passion and aggression, and they have got excellent coaches.”
Then Edwards turned his affection to the Irish centres and the second row.
“They (O’Connell and Devin Toner) are a very experienced second-row pairing.
“Having worked with Paul, he is a very wily operator and a guy who I have huge respect for.
“Our guys will have their work cut out at lineout time, but they have already been in this morning having meetings and looking at the different structures. They know we are in for a challenge in that area, and I am sure they are up for it.
“And I have been very impressed with them (Ireland centres).
“I knew more about Payne, having watched Ulster more than Connacht. But Henshaw is a big physical guy, and Payne has a cutting edge on the outside. It’s important we don’t give them any space whatsoever.”
It’s lovely and all, but this sweet talk from Wales is making us feel just a tad uneasy…
