Eddie pins hopes on flying start
The Irish face Italy, Wales and Scotland at Lansdowne Road, but their schedule also consists of trips to Paris and Twickenham, so the Grand Slam appears beyond them.
However, O’Sullivan, who names his side for Saturday’s opener against Italy at lunchtime today, believes that by picking up early momentum Ireland could become serious title contenders.
“For us to win the Grand Slam we would have to beat England and France away. That’s the way the cookie crumbles,” he said.
“We have a good record at Lansdowne Road but to win in Paris and at Twickenham is a big ask.
“We’ve had Italy first up almost every year. It’s a very difficult game because, traditionally, they’ve enjoyed their greatest success in the opener.
“The Six Nations is about momentum and you build that by winning games, knocking each team off as they come along.
“If you’re three games in and you’ve won three games then you start thinking about bigger things. If we get past Italy we’ll see what happens when we get to Paris.”
Ireland experimented with a new style for the November internationals without much success as New Zealand and Australia registered routine victories.
Their kicking game took a back seat, especially against the All Blacks, with the emphasis on attacking through the backs and O’Sullivan accepts the correct balance has yet to be struck.
However, the Ireland coach has ruled out using the Six Nations as a testing ground for new ideas with the World Cup in September next year.
“The autumn was a transitional period for us. What we need to do is get the balance right, give players their head and play the style we need to win games in the Six Nations,” he said.
“You always have one eye on the World Cup, but, when you come into the Six Nations, you focus on that. This is a benchmark for the year.
“It’s the biggest competition of the season and it’s our bread and butter. You don’t muck around with it,” said O’Sullivan.
Meanwhile, Ireland and Leinster second row Malcolm O’Kelly has agreed a new contract that will keep him at Leinster until the end of the 2007-2008 season.
O’Kelly is Ireland’s most capped player, after eclipsing the great Mike Gibson’s previous record of 69 caps during last year’s RBS Six Nations Championship, with 75 appearances for his country.
Philip Browne, chief executive of the IRFU, described the signing as timely and welcome, while Leinster Rugby chief executive Mick Dawson spoke of his delight with the news, describing O’Kelly as “a true leader both on and off the field.”
O’Kelly said he anticipated exciting times for both province and country. “The next couple of seasons with both Leinster and Ireland are going to be very important. With the new coaching set up in Leinster and the 2007 World Cup fast approaching, I think these will be very exciting times for the province and the Ireland team.
“I am happy to have agreed my new contract, allowing me to concentrate on the upcoming RBS Six Nations and the visit of Italy this weekend.”
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