THE Ireland selectors will do some soul searching, watch some videos and assess some players before they get together next weekend to choose the team to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday week. The Ireland side will be announced at 11.30 a.m. next Sunday in Dublin. The Welsh side will be announced in Cardiff next Thursday.

The matter of defence, especially on the short side and when the side is under pressure near its own line, and limitations in attack will be matters that will come in for intense discussion after the lessons of last Saturday. And another issue that should be clarified is that hasty decisions are not taken by any player about what to do when the side is awarded a penalty in front of opponents posts. Ireland threw away three points at a crucial stage last Saturday because Eric Miller decided to run a penalty.

Three English Cup ties will be watched next Saturday before the selectors travel back to Dublin on Saturday night. Manager Pat Whelan will watch Newcastle play London Scottish in London. The men under observation there will be loose head prop Nick Popplewell and Newcastle hooker Ross Nesdale, who came on as a replacement for Ireland A last Friday. Wood's unavailability is obviously a factor in having another look at New Zealander Nesdale.

Coaching adviser Brian Ahston will be in Rotherham to see Harlequins play Rotherham and the form and fitness of full back Jim Staples will obviously be of primary interest to Ashton.

The Ireland squad will again be in Limerick from next Monday until the following Thursday to prepare for the match.

Ireland also play at A and under 21 levels against Wales on Friday week. The disappointing performances given by both last Friday are likely to be reflected in the teams chosen for the visit to Wales.