Wales legend Jamie Roberts has reflected on his experiences playing against Ireland, recalling both the highs and lows ahead of their upcoming match. Roberts, who retired from rugby in 2022, says he experienced both pain and ecstasy against Ireland during his Wales career.
Painful Memories of the 2009 Grand Slam Loss
Roberts remembers the 2009 Six Nations loss to Ireland vividly. Only 22 at the time, he came off the bench in Wales’ 17-15 defeat, which sealed a first Irish Grand Slam in 61 years.
“I think the majority of my memories against Ireland have been bad,” Roberts told the Ireland Rugby Social.
He recalled Ronan O’Gara’s late drop-goal in the 77th minute. Roberts said seeing Ireland parade the trophy around the stadium motivated him to never feel that way again.
Roberts added that half the squad who experienced the pain of 2009 were determined to avoid a repeat when they faced England four years later.
High Points: World Cup 2011 and the 2012 Grand Slam
Roberts also enjoyed better days against Ireland, including the 2011 World Cup quarter-final win in Wellington. He also remembers the dramatic 23-21 victory in Dublin the following year that set Wales on their way to the Grand Slam.
Roberts said the pain of Wales’ 2009 loss to Ireland fuelled their memorable 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-final win.
Optimism for the Future of Welsh Rugby
Wales are currently in the midst of a 14-game losing streak in the Six Nations that stretches back to March 2023.
Despite this, Roberts is optimistic about the future, encouraged by their performance in the loss to Scotland. He believes Wales are developing a style of play similar to the great Ireland sides, with ball movement, running lines, and quick ball.
“We’ve seen the way Wales are going to play moving forward, especially coming up to the World Cup next year,” said Roberts, who won 94 caps for his country.
Roberts believes Wales showed some great stuff against Scotland and deserved to win. “The scalp is coming. It’s just a question of when and if it’s going to be in this tournament.”
Impressed by Stuart McCloskey
Roberts also spoke about Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey. Roberts said he was hugely impressed with McCloskey’s display against England.
While Roberts is hoping for a shock Wales win in Friday’s game in Dublin, he admits he was “blown away” by Ireland’s resounding 42-21.