Although the two men played together against France after Aaron Wainwright was injured in only the fourth minute, it will be the first time they have been selected to start together since the World Cup quarter final defeat to Argentina in 2023. The duo have also played together at under-20 level.
Head coach Matt Sherratt has opted for the twin threat of two of the best poachers in the tournament to try to negate Ireland’s speed of ball and Leicester Tigers openside Reffell can’t wait to get stuck into the action.
“Jac is a fantastic player and I’m looking forward to playing with him. People have an opinion on the two of us playing together, but it can work both ways,” said Reffell.
“You can have more threat over the ball and also as an attacking threat around the field. You can also nullify their threat as well.
“We’ve played together a couple of times, so it’s going to be interesting to go out there together this weekend. It’s our job to slow down their ball
“Ireland are a very cohesive team. They have been brilliant over the last few years and they always seem to be on the same page.
“It will be a tough job, but we’ll see if we can slow them down a bit. That’s all about technique, getting over the ball, but looking after yourself as well.
“They’re a fantastic team and the way they shift the ball makes it hard to play against them. We’ll give it a go.”
In the build-up to the sold-out game in Cardiff Reffell says talk has been about being brave and backing yourself.
“There has been a lot of change and new ideas and we have had to try and wrap our heads around that as quickly as possible. But it has been good learning,” added Reffell.
“We’ve said that we’ve got to back ourselves and be brave. Mistakes will happen, but it’s how we rectify those mistakes and move onto the next job.
“Matt has been great. We’ve talked about the finer details of the game, the attacking details and the skills around those details – it’s been great to have him in the camp.
“He’s come in with fresh ideas and given us the licence to be brave. He wants us to have a go, but doesn’t want us to be reckless.
“There is a plan in place, but we are at the Principality Stadium and we have to go out and enjoy it as well.
“Rugby is a massive part of Welsh culture and everyone definitely wants to see the team do well. We really want to change things and go in the right direction”
