Time to get serious

IT’S 25 years since Ireland entered the RBS Six Nations as reigning champions, and all of 62 years since they defended a Grand Slam.

The question now is, can Ireland build from the success of last year, or will they go the same way as Wales, who struggled in the season after their Grand Slam triumphs of 2005 and 2008?

The omens for Ireland are positive, in that historically they have followed up initial success in the old Five Nations with quality performances; for example, the 1948 Grand Slam was succeeded by a Triple Crown and championship in 1949, and another outright win in 1950. The 1982 Triple Crown and championship side followed up with a share of the championship with France in 1983. A further Triple Crown and championship was delivered in 1985, albeit with a much-changed team.