Six Nations / Ireland v Wales: There is likely to be sharp contrast between the game plan of the teams tomorrow, writes rugby analyst,  Donal Spring.

For some time Ireland have played a very structured, planned, conservative game relying on set-pieces and training-ground moves. There has been a distinct lack of individual initiative. Against France, we clearly intended to keep the game as tight as possible and managed to do so for about 20 minutes.

We were also, understandably, fearful of the French pace and flair in open play.

But during the World Cup we also took the conservative option in the important game against Argentina, when a more adventurous approach may have served us better.

We can compete with the best in the set-pieces, and we kick the ball as good as any of them. We don't, though, look comfortable in broken play whether we are in possession or in defence. France did most of their damage in broken play last week.

Wales will want to play an open game and will be keen to keep it as loose as possible. They know the tighter game will suit Ireland, so we can expect them to move it around from the start. How effectively they do it will depend on the quality of their possession and the strength of the Irish defence. It all adds up to making the game exciting.

I expect our lineout to be comfortable, but Wales will compete far more in this area than France, who were happy enough to let us win our ball. Wales looked vulnerable against Scotland here, but the return of Robert Sidoli to their second row should strengthen them in this area.

They have signalled their intention to attack the Irish scrum. I felt we were fortunate in Paris that France were penalised so often in this area, as I thought we were under pressure for the start. I hope the Irish camp has put some time into their scrummaging in the past week. Concentration is a huge factor in this area.

Neither back row looks likely to impose itself, but overall I expect the Irish pack to have the upper hand. Their strength with the maul from the lineouts close to the line could be decisive.

The alignment of the backs is curious. Brian O'Driscoll undoubtedly benefits from the greater freedom of the outside position. The temptation must exist to use Shane Horgan like a third centre, particularly to take the ball up the middle just as the Australians did so effectively against New Zealand in the World Cup. Horgan's physique, ability to break tackles and off-load are his strengths.

I hope O'Driscoll will not be used as a battering ram in the way the effective Kevin Maggs was for so long. Nothing would make the Welsh happier.

We looked vulnerable last week when we moved the ball out wide. Having picked two attacking centres, it will be interesting to see how our possession is used.

I think it will be a close game but expect Ireland to shade it.

The match will probably decide who finishes in third place, or, as someone said, "the best of the rest". I read with interest Syd Millar's comments during the week that the IRB need to narrow the gap between the top nations and the rest to make the World Cup more competitive. I fully agree, but how they will achieve it is another matter.

I would change the law at the breakdown and make it more competitive. Players caught in possession should be at greater risk of losing the ball. If so, the game would benefit.

In an interview with Johnny Watterson.