Performance levels must improve

The defeat to France a fortnight ago shattered any outside chances of Ireland securing that first elusive Grand Slam in over fifty years. As it stands, that dream must be shelved for another twelve months but hopes still linger on for a fourth Triple Crown in five years and a first Championship since 1985.

While the loss in Paris was nothing if not expected, it is extremely disappointing that it took over an hour for the Irish management to realise the home side were there for the taking.

A soft underbelly in a French pack is a rare attribute and it will be a long time before an Ireland front-eight enjoys such dominance in Stade de France.

Scotland

This Saturday the Championship resumes, with Scotland making the short trip across the Irish Sea to visit Dublin. Ordinarily games between these two sides are dour and lifeless affairs, however one interesting side note for this weekend’s clash is the fact that this is the first time the teams have met competitively since the mysterious choking event in Murrayfield last year.

The final moments of Ireland’s Triple Crown victory last March were over-shadowed by a blue-faced and clearly distressed Ronan O’Gara. Eddie O’Sullivan was clearly incensed by the occurrence and his post-match interview was colourful to say the least. The incident was soon forgotten, but one wonders if any outrage still remains.

Changes

There have been two changes to the Irish side which took to the field last Saturday week. The in-form Tommy Bowe takes the place of Geordan Murphy on the wing, while the equally impressive Mick O’Driscoll lines out instead of Malcolm O’Kelly in the second-row. Bowe has been scintillating for his province this season and his exclusion from the squad, until now, has been mystifying to say the least. The Ulsterman has tormented defences throughout the Heineken Cup and his recent brace against Gloucester in Kingsholm capped off one of the finest performances by an Irish winger in well over a year.

Mick O’Driscoll is also another worthy inclusion to the starting fifteen. His demolition job on the Wasps line-out, along with Donnacha O’Callaghan, last January will have had a bearing on his selection. The Irish line-out was creaking in Paris and crucial turnovers at critical points cost Ireland the game. However O’Driscoll’s introduction on the hour mark appeared to eliminate the problem and these two displays, coupled with Scotland’s imposing pack and efficient set-piece, will have had a bearing on the decision to start him.

At scrum-half Eoin Reddan has retained his place and it will be interesting to monitor his progress as his confidence grows. Having played second-fiddle to Stringer at Munster for a number of seasons, the Limerick man has blossomed since moving to London and lining out for reigning Heineken Cup Champions, Wasps. He’s one of Europe’s most prolific number 9s and offers an endless array of attacking opportunities around the fringes. While his pass may not be as meteoric as his predecessor, his offensive attributes give him the edge, for now.

Ireland

favourites

Scotland will arrive in Dublin with a dreadful balance sheet in this year’s tournament. Played two, lost two and no tries scored. They are a physical, imposing side who lack any real sense of creativity and conviction. Their midfield partnership of Andy Henderson and Simon Webster are the epitome of their game.

Direct and hard running, they provide little or no invention. It will be interesting to see how they cope with the attacking prowess of Brian O’Driscoll and Andrew Trimble.

Ireland are clearly strong favourites for this game on Saturday, however under Frank Hadden the visitors have developed into a well-organised, uncompromising unit. The Scots will look to frustrate the home side at every opportunity, slowing down the ball at rucks and forcing turnovers at set-piece. Thus far in the Championship, the sum total of their attacking capabilities has revolved around the infallible boot of Chris Patterson. Given the opportunity, the out-half will punish any side within fifty metres of their own goal-line. Discipline will have to be strictly adhered to if this Irish side want to maintain their hopes of securing their first ever Six Nations title.

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