Gatland: Ireland are favourites

Wales coach Warren Gatland has admitted that Ireland are "probably" favourites to take the Six Nations title.His side need can upset Irish dreams of a first Grand Slam since 1948 when they meet in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, but will need to win by at least 13 points if they are to retain the crown."We are confident we can come up with a win and who knows what will happen if we can get ourselves ahead," said Gatland, who has made eight changes to the team that beat Italy in their last outing.Gavin Henson has retained his place in the line-up, but will be partnered in the centre by Tom Shanklin as Jamie Roberts drops to the bench.Declan Kidney, meanwhile, has made three changes to the Irish side, who are 1/7 favourites for the title with Boylesports.Scrum-half Tomas O'Leary replaces Peter Stringer despite the latter's man-of-the-match performance against Scotland, while Jamie Heaslip and Jerry Flannery come in for Denis Leamy and Rory Best respectively.

Written By:- Nick (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 18/03/2009 - 17:00 PM
Filed in:- Rugby Union Betting News