Irish can triumph in war of attrition

AFTER the heroics of Brave Inca, Newmill, War of Attrition and all the others at Cheltenham and the excitement and colour of St Patrick's Day, it now only needs Eddie O'Sullivan's men to beat England today to put the crowning touch in the 2006 RBS Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

After a series of largely average RBS Six Nations Championship games, riddled with juvenile errors, they find themselves in the surprisingly happy position of going in search of the Triple Crown and just possibly the title itself as well. By the time Ireland and England lock horns at 5.30, France, in all probability, will have beaten Wales in Cardiff and that means they will have already been crowned champions unless Ireland beat England by 30 points or more.

However, no matter what happens in Cardiff, the incentive for O'Sullivan's men could hardly be greater.