Time to give youth its fling

HAVING been universally acclaimed as the favourites for this year’s championship, it is inevitable that Ireland’s sense of disappointment is more acute than any of the other participants.

Over the last decade, France and England have dominated the competition to such a degree that, at this stage, they are content to look forward in the knowledge that their rebuilding process will ensure a collective drive for honours next season.

Overall, the quality of rugby on offer was disappointing. It was fitting that the game of the championship, France v Wales in Paris, decided the top two teams.

Wales deserved the silverware on their second-half comeback and character alone.

Given a very favourable fixtures schedule and the fact that Ireland possessed the most experienced squad in the championship, Eddie O’Sullivan picked his team very much for the here and now.

Unfortunately, the niggling doubts that emerged from the early rounds of the Heineken Cup ultimately proved Ireland’s downfall. That, and the loss to injury of Shane Horgan and Gordon D’Arcy.

In Europe, both Munster and Leinster qualified for the knockout stages without ever reaching their peak. In the final pool game against Harlequins, Munster seemed strangely one-paced and lacked the spark that has driven them to the dizzy heights over the previous few seasons.

Likewise, Bath dominated the Leinster pack to an embarrassing degree when Declan Kidney’s side visited the Rec.

The national coaches of our Six Nations opponents took note.

Quite why Ireland looked so leaden-footed in recent games is hard to reconcile. Unfortunately, for some players it looks like the collective demands of constant competitive rugby over the past seven seasons is beginning to take its toll.

The yearning for ultimate championship success has delayed the introduction of new talent to the Irish team. The withdrawal of the ‘A’ internationals has also led to a lack of opportunity for fringe players.

With just over two years to prepare for the next World Cup, is it vital Ireland seek more exposure for the second string players on the international stage. With a number of players set for New Zealand with the Lions, the forthcoming tour to Japan affords an opportunity for the younger brigade.

However, given that Scotland managed to score 100 points against the Japanese in the autumn series, one is unlikely to learn a huge amount from the experience.

While Welsh rugby received a massive boost from their success, one also feels that France have stolen a march in terms of World Cup preparation. From the outset of this year’s tournament, Bernard Laporte was prepared to endure the dissatisfaction of the general public in favour of blooding new players.

In this respect, he has unearthed two gems in back row forward Yannick Nyanga and Benoit Baby. They will form the backbone of the next two World Cup campaigns for the French. The introduction of Laharrague, Marty, Bonnaire, Bruno and Mas has also added significantly to the depth of their squad.

England finished the championship in their lowest position (fourth) for over 18 years.

However, Andy Robinson will console himself with the fact that Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindell, Will Greenwood and Jason Robinson will return.

For him, Matt Stevens, who played with equal efficiency at both tight head and loose head, has emerged as the most influential young addition to his squad.

For Ireland, the only new face to acquire significant game time in the championship was Johnny O’Connor. He went from strength to strength and was Ireland’s best forward last Saturday.

Of the other inductees, Denis Leamy was lost to a hamstring injury after the Italy game and Gavin Duffy’s brief cameo against Scotland resulted in a try. Ulster’s Tommy Bowe showed again on Friday night at Musgrave Park that he has the skill to perform at the highest level. He deserved a chance in the last few weeks.

With the World Cup looming, it is vital the IRFU entices the likes of O’Connor, Duffy and Geordan Murphy home. For Ireland to continue competing at the top level, it is imperative the four provincial squads are filled with more Irish qualified talent.

Given the low numbers playing adult rugby in this country, it is amazing how Ireland have managed to punch above their weight on the international stage. The re-emergence of Wales has coincided with their move to regional rugby.

Only two years ago, Welsh talent was spread over nine teams. As a result, with the exception of Llanelli, they failed to make any serious impact on the European stage. The reduction to five teams has enhanced the competitiveness of their squads and they are contemplating reducing it to four.

With the Lions tour squad due to be announced in a few weeks, it will be interesting to see just how costly the last two games have been to Ireland’s fringe candidates.

Four years ago, at least two Irish players lost the opportunity to cement their place due to the untimely outbreak of foot and mouth disease. With the team sidelined, others seized the opportunity.

This time around, Ireland’s under-par performances at the tail end of the competition will cost places. The fact that the squad announcement has been held over until after the Heineken Cup quarter-finals provides a platform for the likes of Donncha O’Callaghan and Gordon D’Arcy among others for one last push.

There is still plenty to play for.