We were told Mark Jones and Shane Williams might be fit for Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland only to find out they weren't and then the Gareth Thomas hearing seemed to go on for an eternity.

At the start of the week I was positive about Wales' prospects but injuries and the loss of Thomas through suspension has given Ireland the advantage.

I am not surprised Gavin Henson is not in the team as his form does not warrant selection but Wales cannot afford to allow him to drift away as he has talent the squad can ill afford to lose.

Wales, nevertheless, have a lot of ability with the likes of James Hook, Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones but I'm concerned about the lack of preparation against the tournament favourites.

It is going to be interesting to see how Wales work against a very talented Irish three-quarters. Jamie Robinson and Hook played together in midfield against Argentina in the summer but they will have to be very solid against Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll.

Wales usually play a very fluid game but are going to have to get the edge up front on Sunday, and that is where the game is going to be won or lost.

Ireland have a settled team and Wales are very much underdogs even though they are playing at home.