Wellington: The stakes could scarcely be higher for Ireland and Wales when they meet in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals tomorrow.
Not only do the Celtic rivals have a blend of talent that may dilute with the post-tournament retirement of veteran players, but they have experience of only one World Cup semifinal appearance between them — way back at the inaugural tournament in 1987.
Familiarity between teams can often result in dour tactical wrestles as intimate knowledge of opposition tactics allows sides to comprehensively counter the other's strengths and smother attacking outlets. But probably not this time.
"In the past couple of matches, the Welsh have racked up a huge amount of tries and they're playing some great rugby," Ireland winger Tommy Bowe said.
"A lot of their individuals are really stepping up. We'll be expecting them to be playing an exciting and expansive game of rugby.
"And hopefully the rain will stay off and we can play a bit of rugby also."
Ireland is arguably the narrow favourite going into the match, having won four of the last six meetings and nine of the last 12. The Irish also beat Tri-Nation champion Australia, hammered Six Nations rival Italy and topped its first-round group for the first time at a World Cup, scoring 15 tries in the process.
But Wales did win the most recent encounter 19-13 in Cardiff during this year's Six Nations and, although it lost its World Cup opener to defending champion South Africa, it was only by a single point at 17-16.
Wales also eased through to the next round with 23 tries in its favour — a total only fewer than host New Zealand and the Wallabies.
"They've always been known for playing brilliant rugby but there's a great balance at the moment," Bowe said. "They've got some great young players in the backline, young guys who have come through and are really stepping up to the plate."
With Wales coach Warren Gatland having been undecided for much of his tenure between the steady hand of Stephen Jones and the head-up playmaking of James Hook, much of that balance comes from the emergence of Rhys Priestland a player who exhibits hallmarks of each.
