Time for new green wave to step up

The things Ireland need to prove in this autumn series

1. Emergence of a new leadership group

Less than two years out from the 2015 World Cup, the time has come for a new generation to take ownership of this Irish side. For the last number of years, three powerfully strong characters in Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara were the totems and everyone else was happy to play a support role. With O’Connell the only one of that trio with aspirations of appearing in the 2015 tournament, the time has come for new generals to emerge.