“Wales have deserved all the credit they have received for the type of game they are playing and Stephen and Dwayne have had such a huge influence on that style,” said Easterby. “They are being noticed by others because they are in a winning but I think they have both been playing some superb rugby for Wales for the last few years.
“They have both put their hands up for the Lions and their personal battles against Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara will not only go a long way to deciding the outcome of this game but also who will start for the British Lions.
“Stephen has proved how well he can control a game at this level but has also shown a real spark in attack and I think he’s benefitting from the Welsh principle of keeping the ball alive at all times.
“Playing inside him, Dwayne has been just outstanding though that is probably no surprise to the people who know him. His pace is electric but he’s also maturing with every game and has gown with the rest of the Welsh team.”
Meanwhile Easterby had far less complimentary things to see about Ireland’s – and his own – performance against France last weekend that cost them their own Grand Slam ambitions. So he offered no apology for admitting they are out to spoil the Welsh party this weekend.
“We will have to improve because clearly we were not good enough against France,” he said. “Going to Cardiff is our chance to put it right. We still have the Championship and a second Triple Crown to play for so we will be looking to spoil Wales’s day.”
