Shaw: Irish have character to pass final test

AS A MAN who witnessed first hand how the likes of Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Jonny Wilkinson imposed themselves on England’s victorious 2003 World Cup-winning side, Simon Shaw knows how important force of personality can be in a successful rugby team.

And the good news is that he recognises the same leaders and characters in the Ireland selection that Declan Kidney will send into the bear pit of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday evening.

The second row forward, a veteran of over half a century of games at the coal face of international rugby, admits he will have a beady eye on the events at the Millennium Stadium, where Ireland know victory will secure their first Grand Slam title since 1948.