Sole predicts good year for Irish
Wood all but ruled himself out of the reckoning yesterday but former Scottish captain David Sole believes Ireland are capable of a glorious year anyway.
“They looked pretty good against us and Scotland don’t lose too many matches by that margin, home or away. It didn’t seem to trouble them that they had to line out without Keith.
“Sure, he is a world class player but there is life after everyone and Ireland have developed into a top class team without him.”
Wood is still sidelined with a shoulder injury and admitted: “I’m not sure if I will make it back for any of the games. But even if I am fit later on, it looks as if it will be difficult to break into that team. Of course I would like to be there but I won’t have any complaints as long as Ireland keep on winning.”
Sole, meanwhile, believes Ireland have strengths in every department. “They have very good set pieces, are physically tough and rugged and have some great backs. And, of course, they have Brian O’Driscoll.
“He is the central figure in that back division, but the encouraging thing is that there are very good players inside and outside him as well. They have the type of side capable of mixing up the game. They can grind out victories through their pack and use the backs as well. That will keep opposing sides guessing.”
Jubilant Irish supporters are already talking about the March 30 clash with England at Lansdowne Road, but Sole warned: “Ireland shouldn’t think too far ahead and I’m sure they won’t. I would advise them to take one step at a time, get over the Italians first and then think about the likes of France and England. One way or another, I think Ireland will have a good season.”
His views were echoed by another former Scottish great, John Jeffrey, who blushed at the thought of having tipped Scotland to win by 15 points.
“You cannot take it away from the Irish. That was a very fine performance. Scotland were well in the game midway through the second half but I always feared for them if Ireland managed to pull away.
“I was very impressed with the Irish defence. They hunted in packs and guys put in a huge number of tackles, telling tackles, during the game. Scotland passed the ball twice more than Ireland but rarely looked like going anywhere quickly.
“Taking the game as a whole, maybe the scoreline was just a little lopsided, but based on the last 20 minutes, when Ireland absolutely hammered us, there can be no complaints.
“The difference between the sides in the first 60 minutes was Brian O’Driscoll. Apart from the fact he is a brilliant individual he is also a great team player.
“I’d like to complain about the referee but he didn’t make any difference. Eventually, we were well and truly stuffed.”
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