Mortlock’s tribute to ‘potent force’

IT’S BEEN the perfect start to a rugby season for Ireland, encouraging enough for Australia captain Stirling Mortlock to suggest that Ireland could be a potent force in next year’s World Cup.

Minutes after his Wallaby side were humbled by Brian O’Driscoll and co at Lansdowne Road yesterday, Mortlock admitted that Ireland had the talent to make a huge impact in France next year: “They’re a fine side; great pack, really talented backs. They’re playing very good, very positive rugby.”

There were no complaints either after Ireland reversed the result in Perth a few short months ago, and now victories over superpowers South Africa and Australia have catapulted Eddie O’Sullivan’s Ireland into the World Cup favourites list. After two memorable weekends at soon-to-be-demolished Lansdowne Road, it’s a pity O’Sullivan can’t judge his charges against the best in the world, New Zealand, in next week’s ground-closing game instead of the Pacific Islands