The 2008 Six Nations is upon us! Can France defend their crown or will there be a new champion? Let's assess Ireland's challenge...
Irish attempt to put the misery of the World Cup behind them
The 2008 Six Nations is upon us! Can France defend their crown or will there be a new champion? Let's assess Ireland's challenge...
A year ago Ireland were tipped for a Grand Slam and were even amongst the favourites for World Cup glory. As it turned out, Irish fans were left feeling greener than their wigs after their side fell short of Six Nations silverware - losing out to France on points difference - and then failing miserably at the World Cup.
Ireland struggled to get past RWC minnows Namibia and Georgia and were swept aside by France and Argentina as the World Cup's 'pool of death' turned all too quickly into a two-horse race.
The core of the Ireland squad that embarked on that dreadful Webb Ellis Cup campaign now returns to make amends for the embarrassing performance and turn the wrongs into right, and, above all, win back the respect of their disappointed supporters.
Whether it was a case of over-confidence or no confidence at all, Ireland need to shake off their World Cup shackles and rediscover the form that made them a joy to watch a mere twelve months ago.
Coach Eddie O' Sullivan has stuck with his tried and tested troops - in all there are 22 survivors from the original World Cup squad - but that's not to say this Ireland squad is destined for World Cup
déjà vu. In fact, they are far from it. Along with the old, O' Sullivan has also trusted his instincts by introducing some young blood into the mix and there now appears to be an even balance to the side.
The form of Leinster and Munster also bodes well. Both sides have been in sensational form in the Magners League and Heineken Cup respectively, with Leinster currently number one in the league standings and Munster qualifying from the Europe's 'pool of death' to reach the quarter-finals. If O' Sullivan can tap this provincial prowess, Ireland might have what it takes to leave their opposition spellbound.
Fixtures
Sat, 2 Feb: Ireland v Italy, Dublin - 14:00 GMT
Sat, 9 Feb: France v Ireland, Paris - 17:00 (16:00 GMT)
Sat, 23 Feb: Ireland v Scotland, Dublin - 17:00 GMT
Sat, 8 Mar: Ireland v Wales, Dublin - 13:15 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar: England v Ireland, London - 15:00 GMT
Coach
Ireland's record-breaking coach Eddie O'Sullivan has become a popular figure with the players and has also won plenty of fans outside the Ireland camp since taking charge in November 2001. However, the public view has changed somewhat since Ireland's early World Cup exit and O'Sullivan is feeling the pressure to perform. Once acknowledged as one of the game's most professionally thorough and innovative coaches, the 49-year-old now attracts criticism over his selection policy and the way in which he prepared for the World Cup. Whether this is warranted is debatable - let's not forget O'Sullivan's achievements includes ten successive victories in 2002 before defeat the England that deny a green 'Grand Slam'. He has also coached Ireland to three Triple Crowns, and so nearly secured Ireland's first Championship since 1985 at the end of last season. With O'Sullivan's head firmly on the chopping block, his belief in himself and in his side will now be tested to the full.
Captain
Leinster superstar Brian O'Driscoll commands the respect of his team-mates and opposition with his never-say-die attitude and inspirational play. The Dublin-born talisman first made world headlines with his hat-trick of tries against France in 2000 that guided Ireland to their first win in Paris for 28 years. O'Driscoll captained Ireland for the first time when winning his 31st cap against Australia in November 2002 and took over as skipper of the squad for the 2004 Six Nations after legendary hooker Keith Wood's retirement. In 2005, O'Driscoll became Ireland's first Lions captain since Ciaran Fitzgerald in 1983 but a dislocated shoulder ruined his tour of New Zealand. He returned to full fitness to lead Ireland to two more Triple Crown triumphs in 2006 and 2007, and was named as the Player of the Six Nations in both years. He beat Keith Wood's captaincy record of 36 Tests when Ireland defeated Italy in their last game of the 2007 Six Nations.
Key Man
Munster playmaker Ronan O'Gara did his country's Six Nations chances the power of good with an accomplished display at fly-half for Munster throughout the Heineken Cup and the Magners League this season. The 30-year-old lost his way at the World Cup and was made Ireland's fall-guy after less-than-impressive performances against France and Argentina. But evidence that the World Cup is now just water under the bridge for Ireland's talented pivot came in the shape of a wet-weather masterclass in Munster's recent Heineken Cup win over Wasps.
New Hope
Wasps scrum-half Eoin Reddan earned his first call-up to the Irish squad for the 2006 Six Nations opener against Italy and made his Test debut soon after as a replacement against France, and he hasn't looked back since. The lightning-quick scrum-half has hit a rich vein of form over the last season and will be sure to restrict Peter Stringer's contributions to the cause - just as he did in the World Cup. Reddan reads the game well and his bullet-like pass, ultra-competitive nature and telepathic understanding with his half-back partners will be a major threat to any opposition.
Strengths
This crop of Irishmen is without doubt the most talented that the Emerald Isle has ever produced. Not only that, they have experience and understanding from one to fifteen. Whilst the likes of England and France have decided to take a broom to their sides, O'Sullivan has kept faith in his old mates.The side is also blessed with a natural leader in Brian O'Driscoll who, on his day, can single-handily turn a game.
Weaknesses
After last year's Six Nations, Ireland's structure was lauded as the secret of their success - now it is accused of being the biggest weakness: to much pampering, too little rugby. The management could be a cause for concern, with Eddie O' Sullivan considered extremely lucky by some to keep his job after the team's shambolic display in France. The squad as a whole will have to learn to trust their coach's vision once again. There is also niggling doubt about their big-match temperament after crashing out heavily to France and Argentina at the World Cup. Also, with an injured Paul O'Connell and a ban for hooker Jerry Flannery, Ireland are deprived of two of their most potent forwards.
Prediction
This Irish team, lauded as the nation's best ever, has yet to win either a Championship or a Grand Slam. With away matches against England and France, the Irish dream may have to wait yet another year. But don't rule out another Triple Crown.
Squad
Backs: Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Girvan Dempsey (Leinster), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Gavin Duffy (Connacht), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster), Shane Horgan (Leinster), Robert Kearney (Leinster), Geordan Murphy (Leicester), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain), Ronan O'Gara (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Wasps), Peter Stringer (Munster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Paddy Wallace (Ulster).
Forwards: Neil Best (Ulster), Rory Best (Ulster), Tony Buckley (Munster), Leo Cullen (Leinster), Simon Easterby (Scarlets), John Hayes (Munster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Marcus Horan (Munster), Bernard Jackman (Leinster), Denis Leamy (Munster), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster), Johnny O'Connor (Connacht), Mick O'Driscoll (Munster), Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster), Alan Quinlan (Munster), David Wallace (Munster).
Championship History
Grand Slams: 1
Championships: 10
Triple Crowns: 7
Most championship appearances: Mike Gibson (1964-1979) - 56
Most championship tries: Brian O'Driscoll (2000-2007) - 17
Most championship points: Ronan O'Gara (2000-2007) - 390
Biggest championship win: Ireland 60 Italy 13, 2000
Biggest championship defeat: England 46 Ireland 6, 1997
