Tommy thriving on feelgood factor

TOMMY BOWE is enjoying the day-to-day life of an Irish rugby international. Though the national economy may be in free fall, Bowe and his colleagues seem to be among the select few turning up to work with a smile on their faces.

Two wins from two in the Six Nations explains much of the feelgood vibe emanating from Declan Kidney’s squad, and Bowe revealed that there are plenty of positive side effects.

He explained: “There is a good mood in the camp, there is a bit of fun around training and lots of smiles.

“That might come from winning, but it makes the whole experience a very positive thing.

“When things are positive, you’re not going into a game wondering whether you should stick the ball up your jumper; you don’t wonder whether you should be afraid to throw that 50-50 pass.

“If a guy genuinely thinks the 50-50 pass is on, you give it. It is a great thing to be able to play that way because that’s very often where the good tries start.”

And Bowe should know. A fortnight ago he scored a stunning intercept try to derail early Italian momentum and turn the game in Ireland’s favour at Stadio Flamino. Though Kidney’s side recorded a 38-9 win, Bowe’s 18th-minute touchdown was Ireland’s first score after Luke McLean had kicked two penalties for the hosts. The score unsettled the home outfit and soon the floodgates opened with Luke Fitzgerald, David Wallace and skipper Brian O’Driscoll going on to cross the whitewash.

The Ospreys player pounced on a misplaced pass and, with three Italians chasing him, just made the line despite the challenge of Kaine Robertson. Naturally, he was thrilled: “Last week was good, I backed myself, met a bit of quicksand on the way, but I was glad to make it across the line. I just put my thoughts into making it all the way.”

England pose a different challenge and, Bowe believes, the most demanding in this campaign.

“They are a very good quality side; they have massive numbers playing the game, a huge squad and they will be looking to produce a massive backlash after losing to Wales. It’s going to be a hugely difficult match, but it’s one we can win. Why not?”