The Six Nations Championship kicks off again on Saturday, and recent tournaments have been wide open with a number of teams all capable of lifting the trophy come mid-March. The last two Championships have seen green ribbons adorning the famous silverware with Ireland reigning supreme in Europe.
The past 12 months have not been vintage for Irish rugby, however. Only Leinster reached the knock out stages of the Champions Cup last year. This was followed by two poor results in World Cup warm up matches and a comprehensive World Cup quarter final exit at the hands of Argentina in Cardiff. Can Joe Schmidt’s men overcome their disappointments and perform in the 2016 edition of rugby’s self-styled greatest tournament?
How bad is the World Cup Hangover?
The Rugby World Cup was undoubtedly a disappointment for Ireland. They had one of the most settled sides in world rugby and were led by the legendary Paul O’Connell. There was also an abundance of experience from the front row to the back three, and the talent to match. The wins against Canada and Romania were a formality but gave them a positive start before tougher matches against Italy and France.
It was against Italy that the seeds of disappointment were first sewn. Although Ireland beat the Azurri 16-9, they only just did enough to secure their quarter-final place. With indiscipline came a lack of rhythm, which was not helped by a strong maul defence from the Italians.
Against France, the Irish responded emphatically to their previous performance securing a well deserved 24-9 victory, but the match was costly and tinged with sadness. A hamstring injury to captain and talisman Paul O’Connell ended his illustrious international career, and he was not the only one who succumbed to injury. The World Cups of Ireland’s lieutenant Jonny Sexton and flanker Peter O’Mahony were ended in Cardiff, and flanker Sean O’Brien was suspended.
With so many key players unavailable, Argentina was never going to be an easy game, but the Irish capitulated. With a lack of leadership through losing O’Connell and Sexton, Argentina proved too strong and their 23-point victory was no less than was deserved.
What is the cure?
Despite their underachievements at the World Cup, Ireland’s hangover doesn’t have to last. They have a new captain in hooker Rory Best and his wealth of experience will be invaluable. Jonny Sexton is also available once more following injury and concussion.
With little change to their squad since this time last year, there is no reason why Ireland can’t do well in this season’s Championship, especially if their key players like Sexton, Best, Jamie Heaslip and Conor Murray can rediscover their fine form and lead from the front.
Two players to watch
Sean O’Brien
In the pack, Sean O’Brien is a player to look out for. Tipped as a possible leadership successor to Paul O’Connell, the Ireland flanker excels at the breakdown, winning turnovers all over the park, and is a huge asset going forward with ball in hand.
Robbie Henshaw
Henshaw is a young player who springs to mind as one to watch this Championship. Against France at the World Cup he was a safe pair of hands and defensively strong, nullifying the threat from battering ram Mathieu Bastareaud. His finest moment came against England last season, when he scored a skilfully executed try by leaping above Alex Goode, and set Ireland on their way to victory. Fresh from injury, he will be looking to cause havoc for opposition defences.
Prediction
The last two seasons have seen Ireland crowned “Kings of Europe” before a difficult World Cup followed. That is now behind them, however, and with a new captain at the helm it is the start of a new era. Wales are tournament favourites considering the solidity and consistency of Warren Gatland’s side following their positive England 2015 campaign. Tough trips to Paris and Twickenham await the Irish, but a home win against Wales in Round 1 could set them on a path to success this year. With visits to Dublin from Italy and Scotland awaiting the Irish in the final two rounds, they should finish strongly – the opening weekend and the trip to Twickenham, however, will define their campaign. Predicted finish: 3rd
By Sophie Freestone (@selfreestone10)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
9 replies on “The Pre-Six Nations Status Report: Ireland”
One to watch ….. Stuart McCloskey , nailed on to get his first cap during the 6N, he has seemed to come from no-where but has been immense for Ulster this season, great ball carrier and tackler, he has a huge future. Just hope he doesn’t start against Wales ….
Jamie, no state of the nation report for Italy or France then? Thought TRB wasn’t just UK focused.
Maybe it just too hard to write about where Frnace are because no one ever knows til they turn up.
Reading between the lines France 4th and Italy 6th
We’re going to be focussing primarily on the home nations this tournament, Leon. Time & manpower, etc.
Time and manpower?
Italy:
How bad is the World Cup Hangover? terrible they struggled against weak opposition and never looked like threatening the QF’s
What is the cure? There isn’t one but Connor O’Shea might improve things slightly in the future
Two players to watch:
Carlo Canna – good running 10 yet to fully convince with the boot
Sergio Parrise – a bit like Hercules is capable of carrying the weight of 14 men on his shoulders
Prediction: 6th they will only have gotten worse since last year and their historic area of strength the front row is undergoing a changing of the guard
France:
How bad is the World Cup Hangover? terrible after qualifying from a weak group in second they were still holding vague hopes of giant killing in the quarter finals but instead just received emphatic confirmation that whatever spark of french flair that previously lingered has finally been extinguished
What is the cure? Guy Noves brings a new ethos of attacking rugby from Toulouse and has already selected a squad filled with players of attacking intent
Jonathan Danty – After some huge performances in the top 14 this young player will get his first shot at the big time
Virimi Vakatawa – The Fijian born 7s player has been lighting up the sevens circuit but can he bring those skills to bear in the 15 man game
Prediction: 4th although much improved from PSA France the years of mismanagement will not be forgotten overnight and it will take time for Noves to stamp his mark. However expect this team to grow into the tournament climaxing with a humdinger in Paris against England
Reckon this was a pretty good shout managed to pick three of the try scorers as my players to watch. Got any jobs going Jamie?
Probably because it doesn’t require any insight or reading between the lines to know that Italy will finish 6th. Conversely no amount of foresight or psychic ability will enable you to predict where France will finish…
They still have enough to beat the Welsh side that is going to Dublin this weekend.
It sounds like Ireland aren’t going to start McCloskey. I just don’t understand why they wouldnt start this 6ft 4ins 17st centre with lovely hands. He is the best 12 in Ireland, no doubt.