Deep impact
But in a couple of weeks the new condensed Six Nations swings into action and provincial loyalties will be (hopefully) forgotten as Ireland go in search of their first title since 1985.
However, this Northern Hemisphere competition always a has a strange feel to it in World Cup year.
Next October's joust Down Under looms large over this season's Six Nations and both France and England would gladly swap success this spring for ultimate glory next autumn.
But what of Eddie O'Sullivan and his men? Where do they stand vis-a-vis the World Cup?
After a magnificent Autumn, when O'Sullivan finally silenced his doubters and cemented his position as coach, the answer is in a very healthy position.
But things can change very quickly, injuries or loss of form in the Six Nations can mean an entirely different scenario come the World Cup. So what of the back-up boys, the men who will step in?
If we assume that the first choice XV is the team which downed World Champions Australia last November, who are the understudies and how many changes, if any, will we see next November?
Let's have a look:
1. Reggie Corrigan
HAD a wonderful autumn and is proving an inspirational leader with all-conquering Leinster.
Although now well into his 30s, he is in superb physical condition and brings great commitment and passion to the cause.
Bubbling Under: Marcus Horan:
Now that he has stepped out of the sizeable shadow of Peter Clohessy in Munster, Horan has blossomed. Does not look the bulkiest, leading to questions about his scrummaging in the past but there can be few doubters after his display against the Gloucester, England and Lions prop Phil Vickery.
Should be sub prop as his ability in the loose gives definite impact qualities.
2. Shane Byrne
With Keith Wood's future in doubt, the affable Byrne is the man in possession and given his consistency, barring injury or Wood's return, he should still be there come the World Cup. Has a wealth of experience, a tremendous work ethic and his lineout throwing has been impeccable in recent times. Byrne's performance against Australia was the finest of his long career.
Bubbling Under: Frankie Sheahan:
Rehabilitation man. After a horrendous season in 2001/2002, when everything from his mental stability to the size of his fingers was called into question, Sheahan has bounced back with some style and those that wrote him off then are now conspicuous by their silence. Nonetheless, hooker remains a problem position because if either Byrne or Sheahan were to join Wood on the injured list, Paul Shields would be up next and he can only get on the bench for Ulster.
3. John Hayes
Looks destined to go down as one of the great Irish props. A model of excellence and consistency, Hayes is one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Bubbling Under: Emmet Byrne:
A solid back-up to Hayes. Paul Wallace would be the better option but his injury position looks ominous. Bench-wise, Byrne will probably be behind Horan come the World Cup but if he is called on, he will always do a job for you. Peter Bracken has the potential but not the games to prove himself before the World Cup.
4. Gary Longwell & 5. Malcolm O'Kelly
Since he became a regular starter, Longwell has confounded those who had dismissed him as merely a capable provincial performer. That being said, the Ulster veteran's World Cup position hangs on the availability of Paul O'Connell. Has done nothing wrong but you suspect that if the Munster man is fit, Boat will lose out.
There is a touch of the Neil Francis about Malcolm O'Kelly. Supremely talented, when he is humming he dominates the skies but he also has a tendency to go missing. At his best, he would merit consideration for any team in the world. One hopes he is fresh physically and mentally come the World Cup because Ireland need the possession he provides.
Bubbling Under: Paul O'Connell, Leo Cullen:
Given his excellence it seems strange to have O'Connell on an Understudy XV, but his chances of starting the World Cup depend on how many games the injury prone second row plays. Cullen, though he resembles a kid on the 'mitch' from school, has answered every question asked of him to date. Second row is an area where Ireland are well served. Jeremy Davidson has shown signs of a return to form while Mick O'Driscoll and Donnacha O'Callaghan have been superb for Munster.
6. Victor Costello
Has taken his opportunity superbly.
The experienced barreling backrower is the foundation for Leinster's attacking ploys.
The World Cup may be a long way off and he is not getting any younger but as long as he keeps producing the goods he will keep his place.
Bubbling Under: Eric Miller:
If he can stay free of injury, Miller is surely the man to step into Costello's slot should it become vacant. The selectors seem to have a lot of time for Simon Easterby and his lineout ability but when Miller is really motoring there are few more dynamic backrowers in world rugby.
7. Keith Gleeson
Unchallenged at the moment as Ireland's scavenging openside. Vital to continuity play and brings confidence to Irish backrow.
Bubbling Under: David Wallace:
Has had a terrible time of it with injuries but that will leave him fresh and ravenous for rugby. Most of Ireland's finest days over the past few seasons have come with Wallace at openside, and though not your typical number seven, there are many who would select him ahead of Gleeson for the all-round abilities he brings to the team.
8. Anthony Foley
The Denis Irwin of Munster and Ireland. In the past, he's been called too old, too short and too slow but Foley is not yet 30 and always seems to take the right option.
Bubbling Under:
No number eight to challenge Foley at present with Des Dillon one for the future. If he were to get injured, the selectors might consider switching Costello to eight and bringing in Easterby or Miller, but if he stays fit, Foley will be there for the World Cup.
9. Peter Stringer
Another sure fire certainty. Stringer's speed at getting the ball away from the breakdown is essential to Ireland's backline ploys. Oft criticised for not breaking more from the base but Gloucester might be able to shed some light on the Munsterman's abilities in that area.
Bubbling Under: Brian O'Meara:
Similar to his brother, the selectors seem to have a grá for Guy Easterby of Llanelli. Ulster's Neil Doak is also pushing for inclusion in the squad. However, O'Meara's assured play for Leinster will surely raise him above Easterby come the autumn. That would be the popular move as it will be a while before the Irish rugby public forget Easterby's show at Murrayfield in 2001.
10. Ronan O'Gara
Has finally seen off the challenge of Ulster's David Humphreys. O'Gara has emerged from the difficulties of two Heineken Cup final defeats with Munster and a 'pig' of a tour to New Zealand as a stronger, more assured performer. Really looks the part on the big stage.
Bubbling Under: David Humphreys:
Ulster's veteran figurehead remains Ireland's understudy playmaker. With wonderful hands and vision and great speed, when Humphreys is in the zone he is irresistible. Question marks remain over his defence, which the All Blacks exploited so ruthlessly last season, but he will be in the squad in Australia. Behind Humps, Barry Everitt and Paul Burke provide reassuring cover.
11. Denis Hickie
Ireland has a shortage of international class wingers, which has necessitated creative selection policies, a la Shane Horgan, but Hickie is pure class.
In his early career he was criticised for his defence but those problems have been eradicated and now he is the complete winger.
Bubbling Under: Geordan Murphy:
It seems remarkable that someone with Murphy's talent cannot be accommodated in the team. However, at the moment it is a question of 'if it ain't broke ....'
But Murphy remains a wonderful weapon to have in reserve.
12. Kevin Maggs
A consistent performer in a struggling Bath outfit, Maggs produced a tremendous performance against Australia in his last outing in a green jersey.
Does exactly what it says on the tin, and he is the cudgel to O'Driscoll's rapier.
Bubbling Under: Rob Henderson:
As ever with Henderson, any discussion as to his prospects carries the proviso 'if he can steer clear of injury'.
He has had rotten luck the past couple of seasons, but when he is fit and on song, as he was in 2001, he is among the best in the business.
13. Brian O'Driscoll
Has taken over from Keith Wood as Ireland's totem. Being handed the captaincy served to inspire rather than inhibit him. All the superlatives have been used before, but if Ireland have any aspirations for the World Cup, they should explore the cryogenical possibilities of keeping O'Driscoll fresh for Australia.
Bubbling Under: John Kelly:
Kelly's performances on the New Zealand tour when he was thrown into the centre against Umaga and Mauger were simply astonishing.
A superb defender, he also has the invaluable ability of always taking the intelligent option and has a happy knack of picking up tries.
14. Shane Horgan
Six foot four, not that fast, ungainly stride Shane Horgan should not make it as an international winger. Originally, selected there as a stop-gap, Horgan has exceeding all expectations, with his bravery and strength intimidating opponents and inspiring team-mates. It shouldn't work but eight tries from 16 international appearances tells you how well it does.
Bubbling Under: John Kelly:
See above. It must be tremendously comforting for Eddie O'Sullivan to know that he has someone of Kelly's proven ability who can slot in centre or on the wing.
15. Girvan Dempsey
His position in the team looks as secure as his high fielding. Dempsey's critics claim he does not bring an attacking dimension to Ireland's back play, the way Jason Robinson does for England, but Robinson is a unique talent and it is an unfair comparison.
Consistency personified, Dempsey is one of those players who will only be truly appreciated after he is gone.
Bubbling Under: Jeremy Staunton:
Geordan Murphy is probably ahead of Staunton in the pecking order at the moment but Murphy is playing all his rugby on the wing at Leicester, due to the presence of Tim Stimpson, and if Staunton continues his rate of progress at full back with Munster he should definitely be involved come October.
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