Robinson: Irish have great potential

HIS two years as England head coach were dogged by negativity, controversy and defeat so it gladdened Andy Robinson’s heart to fly into Dublin yesterday and witness first hand the simmering optimism over the Irish team’s prospects in the looming World Cup.

Four seasons spent as England’s forward coach, two as their main man and a stint assisting Clive Woodward’s Lions have left the Taunton native well qualified to run the rule over Ireland’s chances and he likes what he sees.

‘‘Eddie has a great team around him and a great set of players,’’ he said at the launch of Setanta’s tournament coverage yesterday.