Ireland v England - Player RatingsOVERVIEW
Ireland always seem to promise more than they deliver, but could 2001 be the year when the men from the Emerald Isle prove they can become a force to be reckoned with?
After a hugely encouraging campaign last year – in which the Irish finished joint second after beating Italy, Scotland and sensationally, France in Paris, Warren Gatland’s team have high hopes of offering a realistic challenge for the title.
While the bookmakers rate Ireland way behind England and France – Corals have Ireland at 13-2 compared to England’s 4-6 for example – the team has enough talent to make those odds a mockery if consistency can be found.
Much like their Celtic cousins Scotland and Wales, consistency has always been a big problem for the Irish – the men from the Emerald Isle can be relied upon to shock the big guns from time to time but doing it year in, year out is an entirely different matter.
However despite another frustratingly inconsistent year – big wins against USA and Japan and an encouraging display losing narrowly to South Africa were offset by defeat against Argentina and a meek draw with Canada - there are reasons to suppose the Irish could be this year’s dark horses.
The first and most telling factor is talent – the Irish have possessed a solid forward pack for years but now they have the backs – and one in particular springs to mind – to add cut and thrust to the packs’ efforts.
The jewel in the Irish crown is of course centre Brian O’Driscoll. The 24-year-old burst onto the scene last year with a string of magnificent performances crowned by a sensational hat-trick against France in the Stade de France.
The Blackrock centre has the ability to dominate the world game for years and could be the man to turn Ireland from nearly men into winners.
Another factor weighing in Ireland’s favour is the fixture list – although Gatland’s team face three away fixtures, both England and France must come to Lansdowne Road.
Should the Irish manage to upset the favourites on their own patch a title challenge would be a very real possibility indeed.