Bowe: we must make our mark on tour

TOMMY BOWE reckons Ireland must aim for southern hemisphere glory this month to prove their 2011 World Cup credentials.

Ireland face a daunting summer tour to New Zealand and Australia having never beaten the All Blacks while it is 31 years and counting since their last away triumph was recorded over the Wallabies.

But star wing Bowe, who has been rested for the Barbarians match at Thomond Park tomorrow night, has thrown down the gauntlet to his team-mates ahead of the gruelling three-Test tour after insisting only wins will be good enough for Declan Kidney’s men as the countdown to the World Cup hots up.

Bowe, 26, said: “We have to make sure we play well and get some results on the tour looking ahead to the World Cup in 16 months time.

“We were happy last autumn with the Australia draw after coming from behind and it was also great to beat the world champions South Africa.

“But, realistically, if we want to be considered as serious contenders at the World Cup, we have to pick up some wins away from home this summer.

Bowe has starred for both club and country this season and capped off a fine campaign with the opening try in the Ospreys’ 17-12 Magners League Grand Final triumph over Leinster last weekend.

But the Player of the Year in both Ireland and Wales, who also scooped the 2010 Six Nations accolade, has brushed off any thoughts of joining regional colleague Shane Williams by adding the world crown to his impressive CV.

Bowe added: “That would be the pinnacle of anyone’s career. Shane was a deserved winner of the title in 2008 but you only have to look at the likes of Brian O’Driscoll who haven’t won it. That shows I am a long way off at the moment.”

Bowe’s touchdown at the RDS was the 19th of a memorable season.

Not content with a successful Lions tour last summer, Bowe enhanced his reputation by smashing Williams’ Ospreys try-scoring record in a season by six.

Bowe insists there is more to come: “I’d like to think I have more to offer. I feel I am still learning and being at the Ospreys is really bringing the best out of me.

“It was special to win a trophy with the Ospreys but, even so, I have a lot more to give.”