Irish are ready for party-pooping finale

EVEN in the professional era, with international players well remunerated for their efforts, the driving force for anyone worth his salt is the quest for trophies.

It is only in the long nights of retirement that one appreciates the collective satisfaction of success in team sports. That is why the pain associated with last Saturday’s defeat at Lansdowne Road will have left such an empty feeling for the Irish players last Sunday morning.

With the elusive Grand Slam gone for at least another season, it is imperative that the Irish squad forget their disappointment and look forward with relish to the prospect of lifting the Six Nations trophy this Saturday. The fact that this achievement would also secure a second consecutive Triple Crown is something worth fighting for. With each day since the French defeat, I have no doubt that the Irish players will come to appreciate this.

There is a distinct possibility that a few members of the current squad may be playing their last Six Nations game in Cardiff. Given the fact the nucleus of the team has been together for the past five years, there is a collective responsibility to ensure they sign off on a positive note. Despite the fact that Wales are unbeaten in the championship and are gripped with Grand Slam fever, there is significant evidence to suggest that Ireland are more than capable of winning this clash.

Given it is only two years since Wales were beaten in all five championship games, the turnaround has been remarkable. However there has been ample evidence to support the growing maturity within their squad since the 2003 World Cup. At one point, the fitness levels of many of the Welsh squad was well behind what is required for international rugby. Over the past 18 months their physical preparation has improved immeasurably. This was seen to best effect in the final 20 minutes of their remarkable victory against France in Paris two weeks ago.

While the introduction of regional rugby was frowned upon by many in the valleys, the tangible benefits of their restructured club game are now bearing fruit. While there is no Welsh team in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, there is no question that the quality of their revamped sides is improving. More significantly, Welsh coach Mike Ruddock has learned from his time spent in Ireland coaching Leinster, by applying the IRFU model to his national squad. Throughout this year’s international campaign, very few of Ruddock’s men have taken part in the Celtic League. As a result the Welsh squad have had more time to prepare for their international fixtures.

As a former back row forward, Ruddock has always appreciated the necessity for his sides to have a solid set piece platform. In this respect the Welsh scrum has improved significantly. While their line out has also shown advancement in the past year, it is still a possible achilles heel. From an Irish perspective, this is where Saturday’s game could be won or lost.

In the first half against Scotland last Sunday, Wales played some breathtaking rugby. Their ability to offload in the tackle was reminiscent of France at their best. Scotland’s defensive performance in that opening period was naive in the extreme, but Wales had the skill to exact maximum punishment. There is no way that Ireland will offer the same latitude to Shane Williams and co. in Cardiff.

Despite a difficult day in the line out against France, I have every confidence that Ireland will dominate this sector in the Millennium Stadium. Last weekend, Ireland allowed the French to collectively close the space that is normally available to jumpers in the modern game. When it was clear that referee Tony Spreadbury was unwilling to address this issue, Ireland needed to take corrective action. France got away with murder.

In Murrayfield, the Welsh line-out looked vulnerable and Ireland need to attack the second row pair of Sidoli and Cockbain in the air. In this respect, Malcolm O’Kelly and Paul O’Connell have the opportunity of causing havoc on the Welsh throw. Without the ball, there is nothing the Welsh backs can do.

Throughout this championship, is it clear that Wales are at their best when the game is loose and unstructured. Eddie O’Sullivan is well aware of this and will plan accordingly.

While Ireland have been fortunate in terms of the number of injuries that have received in the tournament, the loss of both Shane Horgan and Gordan D’Arcy at the same time has had a major influence on the potency of the Irish attack. In D’Arcy’s absence in the autumn internationals and against Scotland, Horgan proved an ample midfield replacement. On the wing, his physical presence against the diminutive Shane Williams will be sadly missed. While Williams has been quite brilliant with the ball in hand, against the larger presence of Rougerie and Lamont he has been found wanting in defence.

With Wales leading 38-3 at the break last weekend, the prospect of Ireland winning the championship looked remote. If Ireland beat Wales, then this year’s championship will be decided on points difference. As a result, the mini comeback by the Scots when Wales lost concentration and conceded three tries could yet prove significant.

With the Lions squad due to be announced on April 11, next weekend presents the last opportunity for Irish players to stake their claim on the international stage. Despite last Saturday’s defeat we are still on course for a significant representation on the trip to New Zealand. In many positions, players from both Ireland and Wales are vying for the same tour number. Therefore both on an individual and collective basis, Ireland have every reason to finish off the season on a high note. If anything, last weekend’s defeat should increase the collective desire for success within this squad.

The Welsh will never forgive us but I think we are about to spoil their party.