State of the Nation: Ireland

Editor

With the Six Nations done and dusted for another year, we look at the state of affairs in each of the competing nations. Last up, Ireland.

It was the perfect competition for the Emerald Isle as they deservedly claimed a Grand Slam, improving as the tournament went on and producing an outstanding performance to defeat England in their final match.

Following a fraught opening encounter, which saw Johnny Sexton’s drop-goal brilliantly rescue Joe Schmidt’s men from a defeat, it was fairly plain sailing from thereon in. While Wales tested the nerves in round three, Ireland were much the better team in that contest and the 10-point buffer represented the control they exerted on the game.

Then came Scotland and England. Both should have produced stern tests of their capabilities, with the former in confident mood and the latter always strong at Twickenham, but Ireland were ultimately too good.

Gregor Townsend’s side did create opportunities and the Red Rose managed to put the Six Nations champions under pressure on occasion, but there was an air of inevitability about the Irishmen this season. Well coached and self-assured, the anxiety which used to encompass Ireland when they were placed as favourites has seemingly disappeared.

Much of the credit for that has to go to their head coach. While the game-plan may be simple, it is incredibly effective and very difficult to stop. In Conor Murray and Sexton, they have the best half-back combination in Europe and that allows them to open up teams, whether through the kicking game or the creativity they bring.

In fact, it is difficult to pinpoint one area where they are not strong, with the forwards also working so well together and the outside backs, especially Garry Ringrose, Keith Earls and the brilliant Jacob Stockdale, all consistently dangerous with ball in hand.

So where can they improve? The defence is possibly one facet which could be tightened up, with Italy, Wales and England all scoring three tries each, but there is not much else.

The depth has improved, as has the attack, with CJ Stander’s wonderfully worked try in the fifth round a highlight of the competition. Could they be more expansive? Possibly, but Schmidt is such an intelligent coach that, when the Emerald Isle appear to have stagnated, he has always found ways of breaking down the opposition.

However, the true test of their consistency and capabilities will, in many ways, come in June and November. They visit Australia in three months looking for a rare series victory and, on current form with their self-belief, it should be expected.

New Zealand will then visit in the end-of-year Tests in what could be the game of 2018. While all the talk before the Six Nations was about England’s clash with the All Blacks, the Red Rose’s travails has seen that contest take a slightly different look.

Instead, Ireland are rightly the number two side in the world and, with the World Cup just 18 months away, they are in a better position than any of their rivals to challenge the two-time defending champions.