Bowe believes Ireland set to rebound

TOMMY BOWE admits Ireland’s performances have ‘gone downhill’ during 2010 but the winger is adamant that Declan Kidney’s side can bounce back to impress in the autumn international series.

Kidney’s men began the year as the best side in the northern hemisphere, following up 2009’s Grand Slam triumph with a victory over South Africa and a last-gasp draw with Australia back in November.

But 11 months on the side are under the spotlight after defeats to France and Scotland in the Six Nations, which were followed by losses to New Zealand, Australia and the New Zealand Maori during this summer’s tour of the southern hemisphere.

That has dented what was previously an unblemished record for Kidney, and as he announces his squad for the Tests with South Africa, Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina today the former Munster boss knows his side must make a statement of intent ahead of next year’s World Cup.

But Ospreys winger Bowe believes that such a performance is around the corner.

“In the Six Nations we had beaten England, which was massive for us, and played well to beat Wales,” explains Bowe, who was Ireland’s representative as HSBC were announced as the principal partner to the British and Irish Lions’ tour to Australia in 2013.

“But then we lost the Triple Crown match to Scotland. We maybe took that game a little for granted, and it has gone downhill a little bit since then.

“We’re on a five-game losing streak, including the game against the Barbarians.

“But there is enough experience, and enough key players within the Irish squad.

“And the Irish teams are going quite well in the Heineken Cup and the Magners League.

“So I think we should still be very confident going into the tough autumn internationals.”

Indeed, as much as Bowe would hate to admit it, Ireland are desperate to take a leaf out of England’s book by securing a landmark victory with the World Cup on the horizon.

England’s surprise victory over Australia in Sydney last June has altered perceptions about how Martin Johnson’s men might do when they head to New Zealand next year.

Now Ireland need to do the same. But Bowe, who was voted Player of the Tournament in this year’s Six Nations, insists that nothing less than four wins will do.

“England’s win over Australia was great for them, and it’s important that we do something similar,” he said. “We would like a clean sweep over the autumn, and that’s something we will aim for.

“You won’t find one person in the Irish team who thinks we can’t do that, and if we get off to a good start against South Africa it’s possible.

“We have so many quality players at the moment, both old and young, especially in the back three. For me it is all about looking to the next game and trying to get into the team.

“And because of that competitiveness and the pressure of trying to get into the team hopefully we will have some positive results going into the World Cup.”

But what of Kidney? His reputation is at stake, and as Bowe admits, the pressure is on the 50-year-old.

“There’s huge pressure on him (Kidney), he’s a top class coach,” explains the Monaghan-born winger.

“The one thing he’s done is bring in some brilliant coaches – he’s surrounded by very experienced, clever people.

“He’s more than happy to delegate for them to go and work in their areas. Certainly within the Irish team there are a lot of experienced players as well. He’s able to bounce his ideas off a lot of players to try and bring out the best in us.”

Chief among those experienced players are the likes of Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell. With a combined age of 94, there is no guarantee that those central figures in Irish rugby will be around for another World Cup. And although Bowe is far from keen to push them towards retirement, he does admit that a fine autumn series, followed by Six Nations and World Cup glory would be the ultimate way to bow out.

“I don’t know how many players would want to hang up their boots, but without a doubt that would be a great way to bow out,” he says.

“To win the World Cup would be the highest accolade anyone can win in rugby.

“To win the World Cup would be brilliant for Ireland’s golden generation.

“This has maybe been the best team we have ever produced.”