Ready to go: Ireland and England
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Having both picked up victories in Round One, the clash between Ireland and England is being viewed as a premature Six Nations title decider.
Addressing Sunday's match in Dublin as a sign for who will take him the trophy next month is a tad pre-emptive, yet England and Ireland both did enough on the opening weekend to suggest they possess championship material.
Starting with Ireland, we will be lucky if we witness as dominant an opening quarter such as the one Declan Kidney's side produced against Wales in Cardiff, from any team again in this Six Nations. Ireland were as brilliant as Wales were awful - with better execution, planning and power at the breakdown, not to mention a moment of magic from Brian O'Driscoll to add to his already vast collection.
That clinical edge that Ireland showed in Cardiff has only been witnessed in flashes over previous years - the win over Australia at the Rugby World Cup, last November against Argentina - since Ireland captured the Grand Slam in 2009.
Their second half however was a different matter. Ireland's well of possession dried up following O'Driscoll's try, forcing them into a defensive workout that by the end left their tackle count at 200 - with Cian Healy and Mike McCarthy making 21 and 20 respectively - along with the concession of three tries.
Arguably the contest was already over at 3-30, but Ireland's defensive lapses at one stage let concern grow as to whether they could hold on. In many ways it was a timely reminder that Ireland are far from perfect - enough to keep them humble and realistic before facing the "arrogant" English on Sunday.
Except England are not so arrogant anymore. Saturday's victory over Scotland was convincing and yet the immediate statement from Stuart Lancaster was that England could do better.
He is not wrong - four tries, a scrum and lineout with success rates over 83% and an impressive number of completed passes (221) are all positive signs - but more points were left out on the field.
Debate has been fierce in the build-up to Sunday's fixture about who should make up England's centre pairing and whilst a combination of Billy Twelvetrees and Manu Tuilagi may represent the future, the threat posed by Ireland in midfield is enough to make Lancaster think again and keep Brad Barritt.
The possibility of a Grand Slam in 2013 appears minimal given the proximity of the competition, but by the end of Sunday one more candidate will be snuffed out. We are set for a thriller.
Ones to watch:
For Ireland: The fact that Brian O'Driscoll still holds so much sway and influence aged 34 and after 127 caps is a testament to his talent. O'Driscoll offered a reminder of this against Wales and will be closely marked by England this weekend. His speed has gradually been replaced by power around the fringes - a test for any tired tacklers late in the game. Elsewhere, Donnacha Ryan will be charged with attempting to disrupt England's efficient lineout and prevent an easy platform for Ben Youngs and Owen Farrell.
For England Previous trips to Dublin have shown that if points are on offer, England cannot afford to let them slip. That focuses attention on Owen Farrell - the Saracens fly-half whose kicking form of late has been exceptional. Still only 20, Sunday is another test of Farrell's maturity and composure, although so far he has answered all the questions thrown at him. His midfield partner Billy Twelvetrees will also be under similar scrutiny after a promising debut, because he offers qualities at inside centre that England have lacked for some time - a markedly different player from when England last played a Six Nations match in Dublin and employed the battering ram that is Matt Banahan.
Head-to-head: A positive start for Jamie Heaslip to open his account as Ireland's permanent captain will have no doubt settled some nerves and silenced some doubters. Against England however, Heaslip will need to bring and give everything he has. His opposite man will be someone to whom the number eight shirt is fairly unfamiliar, Tom Wood. In outstanding form since his return from injury at the beginning of the season, Wood was one of England's top performers against New Zealand and Scotland. Despite few starts at number eight, Wood has the power and ability to handle the positional switch.
Recent results:
2012: England won 30-9 at Twickenham
2011: England won 20-9 in Dublin
2011: Ireland won 24-8 in Dublin
2010: Ireland won 20-16 at Twickenham
2009:Ireland won 14-13 in Dublin
2008: England won 33-10 at Twickenham
2007: Ireland won 43-13 in Dublin
2006: Ireland won 28-24 at Twickenham
2005: Ireland won 19-13 in Dublin
2004: Ireland won 19-13 at Twickenham
2003: England won 42-6 in Dublin
Prediction: This one is close. Ireland's home record against England - 2011's Rugby World Cup warm-up result aside - is exceptional over the last decade. The gaps between the two sides when it comes to the scrums, lineouts and breakdown are minimal, leaving it down to a missed kick from either Sexton or Farrell to separate them. Only a moment of magic will settle this and despite England's bright start under Stuart Lancaster, Ireland's home advantage could be the difference. Ireland by 5.
The teams:
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip (c), 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Mike McCarthy , 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Declan Fitzpatrick, 19 Donncha O'Callaghan, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ronan O'Gara, 23 Keith Earls.
England: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Brad Barritt, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Mike Brown, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Tom Wood, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 James Haskell, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 David Wilson, 18 Mako Vunipola, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 Thomas Waldrom, 21 Danny Care, 22 Toby Flood, 23 Manu Tuilagi.
Date: Sunday, 10 February
Venue: Aviva Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Jérôme Garces (France)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Pascal Gauzere (France)
Television match official: Iain Ramage (Scotland)
by Ben Coles
@bencoles_
Comments
makemehappy says...
@shrimps - the Irish scrum should have been penalised a lot more last week. The ref really didn't know the rules - take the scrum when he penalised Jones for hitting the deck, when the only reason was the Healy was crumpled in two! However, I was also refering to last year against England when the scrum was demolished.
Posted 18:32 08th February 2013
makemehappy says...
@shrimps - the Irish scrum should have been penalised a lot more last week. The ref really didn't know the rules - take the scrum when he penalised Jones for hitting the deck, when the only reason was the Healy was crumpled in two! However, I was also refering to last year against England when the scrum was demolished.
Posted 18:31 08th February 2013
Kevin83 says...
Ben Morgan could be a huge loss for England.
I think It's a mistake leaving out Tuilagi but then again he can be a bit clumsy in defence so maybe that's the thinking.
Deccie was right to pick the same team. The key factor for me is I think Ireland will score a try or two. If our defence is anywhere near what it was last week I don't see England scoring over the line. Certainly not many if they do.
If Ireland keep the pens to a minimum (because Farrell seems to to have someone behind the goal with a rope pulling it over at the minute) I think we'll have enough.
Going to be a good'n!!
Ireland by 4
Posted 17:36 08th February 2013
shrimps says...
@ Noshonmescrote
i agree. irish scrum has improved now that healy can scrummage. its all on him. until substitutions. he does not usually destroy opposition but he learned to hold the scrum up against better scrummaging props.
@ makemehappy
are you saying they did badly last week or wales were not a good test? healy had his hand on the ground early on, but the ireland scrum looked good i think. well, the ross, best, healy scrum was good, not as good when substitutions came though but ok.
Posted 17:13 08th February 2013
shrimps says...
ireland will need to reproduce that 40 minute period vs. wales twice to beat this england i feel. however, i think tuilagi was a better option for center. 12trees is good, but the irish midfield can be maintained by brad barrit in defense and steamrollered by tuilagi in offence. if the irish bring their grit and determination they only bring now and then (like last week, australia, argentina, etc), that would stop it. wrong choosing lancaster i think. good match whatever though, great history and rivalry between these guys, rugby and otherwise.
Posted 17:07 08th February 2013
bothhands says...
@Fish
"brian no skill, i mean brian o driscoll" ..... fish (frogspawn), you are out of water. Go and watch Chelsea or something
Posted 17:01 08th February 2013
APV1 says...
@ heart_of_oak & keste03 - with Morgan injured and against Ireland I think we need the experience of Waldrom over Vunipola. Not ideal, but I think it's probably our best bet.
And Biggs is awesome!
Posted 16:38 08th February 2013
Noshonmescrote says...
makemehappy says...
'Main issue is whether Ireland can cope with the English scrum. Not much evidence of that so far!'
Short memories in taffland, or just a general lack of comprehension of your proclaimed 'national' sport?? Sure, the Irish scrum went to pieces after Ross was taken off in 2012, as Tom Court can't cover tight-head. Thing is now we've got 23 men, but the problem remains grave due to the drop off in class after Ross.
But starting line-ups? 2011 Ireland demolished the English scrum, and that was Cole versus Ross and Healy... Bestie in for Flannery is a large plus in the scrummaging. Would you say Sheridan and Thompson 2 years ago are vastly inferior to Youngs and Marler? And FitzPatrick is a grand prop when fit, so his possibly replacing Ross is not the same as Court (a loosie) replacing Ross. The scrum is there for Ireland.
Posted 16:30 08th February 2013
paddy91317 says...
Its very strange to see a reactive decision from england than a proactive one... i get the inpression SL bottled it and webt defensive in his selection... 12trees hasnt been tested yet at this level either.... im just hoping that performance from ireland wasnt anothrr ones off were all used to seeing
Posted 16:27 08th February 2013
keste03 says...
Biggs is a poor man´s Wade - Wade should get his chance. He might not be the greatest defender the world has seen, but han can score and create tries like no other English player.....And get Vunipola in there. Picking Waldrom is a disgrace to all rugby fans outside of Leicester.
Posted 16:20 08th February 2013
benski says...
@Heart of Oak and APV1, I with you guys on this one, I think it is going to be a close game to say the least. Woods should not be played out of position however I'm sure he'll still do well. I am concerned about BB though, I think BoD will run over him and, for me, I'd still have started 36 and Manu just because Manu has such a presence.
Posted 15:58 08th February 2013
FISH says...
england to win big, 14+, brian will get injured early on, and around the 55 min mark i expect manu the battering ram tuilagi will be substituted and run through some tired and deflated defenders, what with captain courageous down and out for the count, the weary bodies will bode well for manu's one dimensional and straight running game, probably score a brace or at least once with a great offload after making it over the gain line, i also expect the english scrum and line out to be too much for the irish .....ENGLAND BY 14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 15:36 08th February 2013
rukrym says...
The closer we get to this game the more nervous I'm becoming that England might just edge it. I think Ireland have a slightly stronger starting XV but the English bench has me worried... Still, I'm going with Ireland by 6.
@FISH
Nice trolling...
@LondonWasp - "bringing history into this is a bit silly isn't it? thats like saying we have to beat germany at football because of the World Wars...its both irrelevant, imature and a bit silly "
Well said. Getting a bit tired of this fixture being used as an excuse to bring out the old cliches. Leave history in the past where it belongs and let's enjoy what should be a cracking game!
Posted 14:58 08th February 2013
sextons_on_fire says...
hahahahahahahaha BOOM
Posted 14:47 08th February 2013
heart_of_oak says...
APV1 - I rate Varndell highly because he always scores tries. Way way more than Biggs does. Isn't that what we want from wingers ? People say 'oh but Varndell's defense isn't good.' I guess that must mean Asthon and Strettle are sound defensively.
Re the rest of your comments, totally agree. I think Haskell has occasionally played number 8 but also number 6. So to have Haskell on as a flanker is not too bad. I just don't like the idea of Wood at number 8 when we have a promising young specialist number 8. For me it sends the wrong message to other squad members.
Posted 14:16 08th February 2013
FISH says...
got a feeling brian no skill, i mean brian o driscoll is going to sustain an injury of some sort.......he's just too old and beaten
Posted 13:44 08th February 2013
APV1 says...
@ stag - "Cannot wait for this - potential to be a classic. Ireland have a stronger starting 15 but England have a better 23."
I couldn't agree more (that bit at least)!
@ sextons_on_fire - your spelling's awful. It's "Ingerlish".
@ ArmchairGeneral - I have come round to the BB & 36 option to start. Ireland started so strongly last week that we need our best defensive partnership on the pitch. That's 36 & BB. They'll be a week more experienced and the ability to bring Tuilagi on for impact is a massive bonus for us.
@ heart_of_oak - I know you think Varndell is the man (in the same way as I think it should be Biggs), but I'd have Foden on the wing, with Brown at 15. SL wants two full-backs on the pitch and Foden's pace makes him an excellent winger. With 36 on the pitch, we don't need another "playmaker", so that makes Goode less needed.
But we have the players we have - through injury or omission. But I agree about the back-row. I'd be tempted to have Wood at 6, with Haskell at 8. But, as I've mentioned on another thread, all 3 have played successfully in all 3 BR positions.
@ zambokke - "The England back three do not excite me as much as England fans..." I'm glad us fans excite you so much!
;-)
Joking aside, I agree about their defensive capabilities. Brown is solid and even Ashton's improving. I'm still unconvinced by Goode - as a "playmaker", a FB and in defence. I admit to being a knuckle-headed forward, so perhaps I'm missing something, but I just don't see what he brings over others.
Posted 13:41 08th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
zambokke, I agree that england back three is 66% toothless, Didn;t think Alex goode did anything at all vs Scotland.
Posted 13:39 08th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
Part 2:
England did well at taking the ball at pace rather than catching it standing still, but that's going to be harder to do in the rain.
Barritt's not got much of a future in the starting line up. he can't compete with Manu at 13 and Billy just stole the show on saturday. What I'm worried about is that Ireland will shut down Billy and know that they can catch Barritt / Brown / Goode if they get behind them. I hope Faz, Lancaster and Catt have some new plays up their sleeve because the Twelvetrees card is now on the table for all to see and just look at Jamie Roberts' career to see how quickly coaches work players out. When Manu comes on then watch out ireland, Think Roberts and O'Driscoll for the lions. If I was Irish I'd smash the living daylights out of Twelvetrees so he's in no fit state to combine with Tuilagi late in the match.
My brain says Ireland, England are too defensive, I'd have dropped Goode, (anominous vs scotland), put Brown at 15 and brought in Foden / Strettle on the wing and started Manu over barritt. This England team ought to offload less and play a structured game like they did vs NZ. This england tame may win a tight game but you're playing Ireland in Dublin so the ref is going to favour the irish. You can't expect to win tight matches away from home. I think Planet rugby could be right, unless England just smash Ireland and thats a huge task against the likes of Heaslip and O'Brien.
Posted 13:37 08th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
This will be a two part post:
Things England need to get right vs Ireland:
English breakdown / off loads - there is a definate shift in philosophy from the NZ match. we kept the ball alive vs scotland and so won most the collisions. We'd like to do the same vs the brilliant Irish back row, but I'm worried about the rain and the fact that it's not our natural game. twickenham was dry but we still gave scotland their 2nd try on a plate due to really brainless, headless chicken off loads which was catch up rugby at it's worst. We need to be smarter with the offloads, especially with a wet ball. The ruck was good, so I would like to see players be smart with posession and build on the NZ clearing out game. You have to adapt to the conditions.
Training ground moves: I was seeing the odd RL play vs scotland which I liked. You need RL attacks to break down RL defenses and Ireland are brilliant at this and WILL be doing it to us. This is the only reason for keeping Barritt. I don't think it's a possitive reason.
Posted 13:33 08th February 2013