Blood & Mud

RBS 6 Nations Preview: Ireland

"Mr Meehan wants the money today, otherwise I'll have to hurt ye"

When you look at it, Ireland have arguably the best first fifteen in Europe.  Their scrum, for so long a greater source of amusement than Andy Powell, has sorted itself out; notwithstanding the question marks over O'Brien as a genuine seven, the back-row is a match for anyone; they have a choice of half-backs who are all either decent or excellent, even Ronan O'Gara; and the backline has finishers, hitters and runners even without the injured BOD.  

Added to this, their domestic teams are carving a mighty harp-shaped swathe throught the Heineken Cup with three in the quarter-finals, compared to one team each from England and Wales. So far so optimistic for the championship, eh?

But, cast your mind back to the not too distant past.  In 2011 Leinster won the Heineken Cup; the top three teams in the Celtic League were Irish and the grand final was contested by Leinster and Munster. Yet, leaving aside the victory over Australia in the RWC group stages, this domestic and European dominance did not translate to success in national colours.  Throughout the summer Ireland were stunted and bullied and in the RWC they were generally frustrating before being shamed by Wales.  Why should it be different now?

Given their personnel this must be a mental problem, and we will see if Kidney had found the right inspiration amongst his blarney-laced patter for his team to realise the sum of its parts.  We think they'll fall short unfortunately, but only just.

Prediction: 2nd

Best Named Player: Leo Cullen - even if you didn't know what he looked like, that name sounds like a 1930s Chicago gangster boss's most trusted muscle.

We All Want A Look At: Andrew Trimble.  For so long a peripheral figure, can he translate his magical Ulster form to the green shir? 

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RBS 6 Nations Preview: Ireland

"Mr Meehan wants the money today, otherwise I'll have to hurt ye"

When you look at it, Ireland have arguably the best first fifteen in Europe.  Their scrum, for so long a greater source of amusement than Andy Powell, has sorted itself out; notwithstanding the question marks over O'Brien as a genuine seven, the back-row is a match for anyone; they have a choice of half-backs who are all either decent or excellent, even Ronan O'Gara; and the backline has finishers, hitters and runners even without the injured BOD.  

Added to this, their domestic teams are carving a mighty harp-shaped swathe throught the Heineken Cup with three in the quarter-finals, compared to one team each from England and Wales. So far so optimistic for the championship, eh?