Injuries are part of the modern game, and it's certainly true that every one of the Six Nations sides has had to deal with this year, but it's also true that Wales have had truly abysmal luck this year, but for some reason we aren't really moaning about it. We're now four Lions short of a full-strength team in positions where depth is sorely lacking, and yet it's hardly been mentioned, despite Wales' having won just one game so far this tournament. I think that's a wonderful advert for what sport is really all about - entertainment.

It speaks volumes of the mindset of the Welsh rugby fan that, in spite of the poor results and the incredibly erratic performances, we're having a great time. The rugby has been truly breathtaking, and there can be little doubt that we're getting serious value for money for 50% of the occasion at least. We might only be playing for one half, but at least it's the second one, meaning that everyone goes home with a smile on their face, even if we lose, and they sure as hell can't say that over the Severn Bridge...

But how long can the good feeling last? The Irish proved against England that if you try to throw it around against them, they can defend for as long as they need to and then punish any mistakes you make with ruthless efficiency. While Wales will clearly provide far more attacking threat than England did in Twickenham a fortnight ago, the Irish are unlikely to open the door for a Wales comeback as England, Scotland and France have. Indeed, if Wales don't start playing from the opening kickoff, the Irish have the discipline and experience to control the game and not give Shane and the boys a chance to stage a heart-pounding climax. I've tried to explain to Brian, Ronan and the Irish lads that this, frankly, is boring, and that if they do get a big lead in the first half, they owe it to the fans to let Wales come back at them at the death, but I don't think they're taking my calls...

So then, with the Irish feeling so inhospitable, it's up to Wales to finally, hopefully, start playing smart. They've had two weeks for Warren Gatland to impress upon the likes of James Hook, Richie Rees and Lee Byrne that you can't play the champagne stuff until you do the simple, basic things consistently and effectively. With no-one will this be more important than Gareth Delve, who has the daunting task of replacing Ryan Jones in the No.8 berth.

The Gloucester captain knows that, regardless of his consistently excellent club form, unless he wants this to be a brief return from the international wilderness, he needs to make an impact on Saturday. But talking like that could cause a player to try too hard - at a position where doing the simple, unspectacular stuff is essential, this could cause the whole team problems. So while Delve isn't a flashy player in the Jamie Heaslip vein, and you'd imagine he's hardly likely to be making reverse offloads inside his own 22, he would do well to remember the qualities that have led him to be parachuted straight into the starting lineup, and work from there.

Elsewhere, the news has actually been very positive for a change. Matt Rees' return can only be a good thing - his skills in the loose, at scrum time and of course at the lineout will hopefully help solidify a pack that has been patchy at best so far and faces another daunting test against the Irish lineout. Another welcome return is Ian Gough, who finally gets a spot on the bench (not that there was anyone else left now!) - the Irish will provide a real physical test, and the old warhorse still relishes these challenges like few others in the Welsh pack do.

So, how's it going to go? Would any sensible person place a bet one way or another after the wildly inconsistent performances of both teams so far? One thing's for sure though, if we keep our hands off that self-destruct button and are still within touching distance at half time, you'd be a brave man to bet against red...

Josh Gardner