Now the shoe is on the other foot...

THE ENGLISH rugby team arrive in Croke Park today as rank outsiders. Their results and performances in the Six Nations so far have been well below the standards set by so many of their predecessors.

Historically, England have arrived on our shores and accounted for valiant but inferior Irish teams. The few successes we have had over the auld enemy have been etched in Irish rugby memories. ‘Ginger’ McLoughlin’s try in Twickenham in 1982 has achieved legendary status. Michael Kiernan’s drop-goal to seal the Triple Crown in 1985 is one of my treasured childhood moments. In the completely unexpected 13-12 win in 1994, Richie Wallace was on the end of a fantastic set-piece move and scored what is probably one of Ireland’s greatest tries.

Nothing gives Irish rugby supporters greater satisfaction than victory over the English. Usually these Irish victories were so special because they were so unexpected. English teams taking to the field against Ireland have invariably been favourites and could usually put any losses down to their own arrogance and complacency.