Reliance on O’Gara is scary

THE ROAD to redemption is longer and littered with more potholes than we might have imagined.

Despite an opening Six Nations championship victory, Ireland’s performance on Saturday has done nothing to allay the disappointment and concerns that have haunted this squad since the Argentina defeat in the final pool game of the World Cup.

Despite encouraging individual and collective performances in the Heineken Cup it is clear that, when put under pressure, this Irish side is dangerously low on confidence. Ireland have now played nine internationals since the convincing display in Rome that underlined the team’s quality in last season’s Six Nations. Since then the side has stuttered and scraped four victories over minnows Georgia and Namibia along with two narrow wins against Italy.

It is very difficult to alter the course of a malfunctioning operation without effecting serious change. Unfortunately the ghosts of the World Cup failure continue to cast a deep shadow over this Irish set up. As a group they are patently short on inspiration. While the other participating countries have moved on to the point where this Six Nations tournament has become an entity in itself, Ireland are operating under a shadow.

In much the same way, post-Saipan, that every Irish soccer performance resulted in a stern examination of the credentials of Mick McCarthy, the microscopic analysis of Eddie O’Sullivan, both in the media and general public, has become more intense than that of the team. It is a recipe for disaster and one that is likely to end in tears.

Every victory is seen as a reprieve, while defeat or a poor performance results in calls for the head of the coach on a plate. It is an unhealthy environment in which to operate.

Much has changed in Irish rugby since the GAA authorities opened the doors of Croke Park to rugby last season. In comparison to the highly-charged atmosphere and anticipation that characterised the games against France and England last season, Saturday was muted and flat.

The arrival of the teams was met with countless empty seats, even if the stadium did fill by kick-off. The contrast in the faces of the players during the national anthem was also telling. The raw passion and emotion of last year was replaced by nervous tension.

That said, Ireland’s opening 20 minutes was their best rugby since Rome, when they asked serious questions of a vulnerable-looking Italian side. Tactically Ireland were spot on, exploiting the physical shortcomings of the two Italian wingers Kaine Robertson and Pablo Canavosio.

Ronan O’Gara’s tactical kicking was superb, exploiting the height advantage enjoyed by Geordan Murphy and Andrew Trimble over their opposition. One such kick led directly to Girvan Dempsey’s opening score after brilliant work and an inspirational offload from Trimble. It was the start that Ireland craved.

Unfortunately, Italian coach Nick Mallett recognised the shortcomings of his selection and withdrew Canavosio after only 23 minutes.

Thereafter, due primarily to a lack of any continuity, Ireland failed to get going. Italy competed ferociously at the breakdown, slowing Irish possession and frustrating the home team in their attempts to build their phase play. In this respect Mauro Bergamasco was the best forward on the field both on the deck and in the tackle.

When putting this game into perspective one must accept that this is an average Italian side, suffering from the retirement of scrum-half Alessandro Troncon, devoid of a kicking game and lacking in creativity out wide. Yet with five minutes to go Ireland were hanging on to a five-point lead.

As on so many occasions in the past, Italian indiscipline cost them dearly, most notably prior to half-time when they had Ireland under all kinds of pressure defending their line. However, the sin binning of impressive second row Santiago Dellape for a punch relieved the pressure.

More worryingly was Ireland’s failure to score any points while the lock was in the bin, the Italians registering three points of their own through the boot of David Bortolussi.

It will be a serious concern for O’Sullivan that Ireland were on the back foot for so long in a second half where the Italians outscored Ireland by eight points to six.

One wonders just where Ireland would be without the calming influence of Ronan O’Gara. It is scary how completely reliant this team has become on the artistry and precision of the Munster man. If anything happens to him, this team is in serious trouble. It is unhealthy position to be so reliant on one individual. His range of kicking, whether cross-field or delicate grubbers, opened up the Italian defence at will and should have resulted in more tries.

On a brighter note, it was positive to see the seamless transition of Trimble when placed in midfield due to an unfortunate injury to the hapless Gordon D’Arcy. He must be wondering if things can get any worse.

Rob Kearney looked the part when introduced in the first half, while Reddan is looking increasingly more comfortable on the international stage.

Next up, a new-look France in Paris. Marc Lievremont could scarcely believe his luck as his side disposed of a Scotland side that many fancied to do well in this tournament.

In a throwback to the pre-Laporte days, France ran from everywhere yesterday and kicking the ball was seen as a last resort.

This win will ensure the French crowd will get right behind their men next Saturday. Yet they are far from the finished article. The question is whether Ireland have the belief to take them on and frustrate their new running game in their own back yard. That is the challenge that now awaits Eddie O’Sullivan and his coaching team this week.