Time for everyone to take reality check
Given the more upbeat nature that exists after recent performances following the doom and gloom that infiltrated post-World Cup, a reality check is required every now and then.
The first point worth making was succinctly articulated by Donnacha O’Callaghan in his emotional post match interview at the Stade de France. He felt it necessary to reiterate this group of Irish players are as honest, committed and proud to wear the Irish jersey as any that have gone before.
In my view, that has never been in question. In the wake of the comprehensive victory over Scotland and a quality second-half performance against France, one needs to take stock of where we are at present.
Our two wins in the championship this season have been achieved against sides battling to avoid the wooden spoon in the weeks to come.
The success or otherwise of this seasons championship will be gauged by the outcome of the games against Wales and England.
Regardless of the results, this championship has been fruitful in terms of the introduction of fresh blood. Already Bernard Jackman, Tony Buckley, Jamie Heaslip, Ronan Kearney and Eoin Reddan, who had previously only played for one minute as a replacement winger against France two years, have all sampled the rarefied atmosphere of a Six Nations contest. In addition Tommy Bowe has earned a recall to a tournament that by his own admission passed him by on his first coming a few seasons ago.
England’s defeat of France on Saturday was a welcome boost for a number of teams and has increased the possibility of the championship being decided on points difference once again. On that subject it continually amazes me that the Six Nations committee steadfastly refuse to introduce the bonus point system that has proved such a successful formula in every other tournament in world rugby.
The clash with Wales on Saturday week was always likely to be the pivotal game in Ireland’s calendar. Win that and the players can look forward with confidence to a trip to Twickenham where most of this squad have never lost. Defeat and the gremlins that played mind games with the confidence of the players during the World Cup will return with menace.
Warren Gatland must be privately pinching himself with the manner in which Wales have progressed through the tournament.
He has enjoyed the luxury of experimentation on a grand scale coupled with success and an unbeaten record.
The catalyst for all of this was six minutes of madness when England conceded two tries in quick succession. It turned the Welsh season on its head. Despite that victory, Gatland made two changes for the game against Scotland and a further six for the Italian contest.
You can take it for granted he will alter the side further for Dublin despite that record 47-8 victory over the Azzurri. Right now he has a far better feel for what constitutes his strongest side than when he selected 13 Ospreys for the trip to Twickenham.
Evidence suggests that all the changes have led to Wales being slow out of the blocks in their three games so far. The serious damage has been inflicted in the second half of their games in part due to the presence of a strong bench. That was forcibly illustrated when they outscored Italy by 34-0 in the second half last weekend.
Wales have great options at half back in particular with any combination of Stephen Jones, James Hook, Dwayne Peel and Mike Phillips capable of changing the course of any game.
The pace and line breaks that characterised the Welsh Grand Slam in 2005 is back in evidence and perhaps it is no coincidence the centre pairing of Gavin Henson and Tom Shanklin, so central to that success three years ago, is reunited for the first time.
Serious question marks still hang over the quality of the Welsh front five and this is an area which Niall O’Donovan must target over the next 10 days. It is conceivable that Gatland could make up to four changes in personnel in this key department.
The Irish scrum has been the hallmark of consistency throughout the championship but the line out still requires tweaking. I expect Bernard Jackman will pay the price for his inconsistency in this area with Rory Best returning.
There are issues other than the throwing at stake here. Ireland need to increase the tempo of their lineout in certain areas of the field. The line out is crucial to Ireland’s game plan and in all the recent victories over Wales and England the quality of performance out of touch laid the foundation for victory.
Jerry Flannery will feel the Rugby Gods are firmly against him. Having received a reduced four-week ban for his indiscretion in Clermont, his recovery from a broken bone has now been complicated further due to hamstring damage.
While all eyes will be firmly focused on the Welsh in the short term, it is impossible to ignore the quality of England’s performance in the Stade de France.
It is a long time since England played for 80 minutes with structure commitment, and penetration.
The most significant factor in their performance was the return after injury of both props Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery.
As with Ireland’s revival in the second half in Paris, England’s scrum was central to the outcome of the game.
Behind that dominant platform, Jonny Wilkinson gave his best performance in a long time, a fact illustrated by the increasing influence of Toby Flood at inside centre. Yet England have concerns. The defensive frailties of Lesley Vainikola and Ian Balshaw continue to leave them exposed. Given both are likely to play for Gloucester against Munster in the Heineken Cup, I am sure that Declan Kidney is watching that pair with interest.
With England heading to Murrayfield for a Calcutta Cup clash against the bewildered Scots, one suspects that they will return home to Twickenham for the last game Ireland in good spirits and with revenge on their mind.
Before then Ireland must master a rejuvenated Welsh team that has scored 10 tries in the championship.
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