Despite a captivating win over Australia in the World Cup and the promise of a first ever semi final in said tournament, expectations are not especially high heading into this Six Nations campaign for Ireland. In fact, the general consensus seems to be a tentative optimism rather than an assured confidence.
Yes, the underwhelming defeat to Wales in the quarter final of the World Cup very much took the shine off things and the loss of potentially our best ever player doesn’t help either. Words like ‘rebuilding’ and ‘transitional’ are being bandied around but surely that is only the case if wholesale changes in personnel are made by the coaching team. This seems unlikely.
Declan Kidney and his backroom staff have only seen this group of players once since the World Cup so are relying on their provincial form to guide them in selection. They naturally cast an eye over the Rabo Direct Pro 12 as this is the bread and butter competition, if you will.
However, the Heineken Cup is the arena which most represents test match rugby and in truth, it is not far off that level and arguably as good in some cases. To this end, shouldn’t Ireland be looking forward to a hugely positive Six Nations campaign, given the levels of performances of the Irish provinces in the Heineken Cup?
Connacht have endured a dismal spell recently but them aside, the other provinces have been mightily impressive to varying degrees with Ulster, Leinster and Munster all topping their groups at this point in time. This, of course, could change particularly in the case of Ulster but they are in a pool which includes Leicester Tigers and Clermont Auvergne after all.
Munster, as ever, have been heroic in their defiance and possess an innate ability to snatch crucial wins when the chips are down. Although not playing free flowing rugby, they are effective nonetheless and marshalled brilliantly by Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara.
Leinster, on the other hand, have looked the best side in Europe for some time now and are playing an incredibly exciting brand of rugby where offloads, continuity and total rugby are the order of the day. When truly on song, they are irresistible.
Irish sides have won four out of the last six Heineken Cups - a staggering statistic when you consider the talent at some of the top sides in Europe.
Yes, there are factors to take into account here; would Leinster have won the tournament two years ago without the impact of Rocky Elsom or last season without the majestic Isa Nacewa? Similarly, would Munster have reigned supreme without the likes of Trevor Halsted, Rua Tipoki or Doug Howlett? Potentially not in both cases and this is surely the main reason the IRFU introduced the highly controversial rule change in regards to governing foreigners.
Even aside from the sprinkle of talent from shores afar, you would have thought that this continued Heineken Cup success would have translated into more success for Ireland. It could be argued that it has, citing the grand slam win of 2009, but the bar is now higher than that surely. It is now 2012 and in all honesty, there has been very little tangible success since that point, even though our provinces are thriving.
It is easy in theory to say Ireland should just play like Leinster but difficult in practice as Joe Schmidt’s side train together day in, day out and have developed a special understanding. Same can be said for Munster.
One criticism you could have of Ireland in the last couple of years is that occasionally, they look unsure as to how they should be playing. When struggling against sides, some of the players do not look on the same wavelength and this was particularly evident in the Six Nations last year (England game aside).This is a criticism that you could not level at Munster or Leinster.
So how does Declan Kidney arrest this cycle and lay down a marker in the Six Nations? Firstly, play to their strengths like they did so impressively against Australia and Italy in the World Cup. Get their line breakers and power runners (Séan O’Brien and Stephen Ferris come into mind) into the game and into space. Once over the gainline, look for offloads or quick ball as there are plenty of finishers and tries in the likely backline.
If the opposition thwart Ireland’s biggest threats, like Wales did, look to get in behind them by playing the game in their half and put massive pressure on them defensively. The Irish back row is one of the best in the world on current form and if they keep taking the ball at pace and linking with those around them, there is no end to the damage they could cause.
Secondly, Kidney should pick players who are playing well in the Heineken Cup. Guys like Peter O’Mahony, Eoin O’Malley and Paul Marshall should be given a chance in the Six Nations as they are producing for their provinces week in, week out. Leinster, Munster and Ulster are not in strong positions by accident; they are there because young players like this are making it happen for them.
The minimum goal for Ireland in this Six Nations should be four wins from five (France away a monstrous task) and there is absolutely no reason why they can’t achieve that, even if it is a ‘transitional’ period. The provinces seem to be doing just fine.