Turning point for Grand Slam dreams

THROUGHOUT the week, Irish players have attempted to dampen the expectation that has gripped the nation in advance of tomorrow’s RBS 6 Nations clash with England at Lansdowne Road.

And with good reason. Having stumbled to victory over an Italian side that was subsequently destroyed by Wales, Ireland went to Murrayfield and capitalised on a series of Scottish errors while creating few chances of their own. They romped home by 40 points and, coming on top of a defeat of South Africa in the autumn, things were never so good for Irish rugby. Compare and contrast with England’s losses to Wales and France, a host of injury problems and the perceived wisdom that they are in transition; it all points to an easy touch, especially at Lansdowne Road, for Eddie O’Sullivan’s men.

At first glance, there was a lot in what the optimists were saying. England will be without several key men through injury, not just out-half Jonny Wilkinson and centre Mike Tindall, and are going with their third choice tight head prop, after Julian White and Phil Vickery were ruled out.