Ireland great thinks Andy Farrell’s men are ‘playing a different sport’ to other Six Nations sides

Former Ireland lock Donal Lenihan believes that only England stand in their way of achieving back-to-back Grand Slams.

Andy Farrell’s men have impressed over the past couple of weeks, earning dominant victories over France and Italy.

Ireland next face Wales in the Six Nations, a game which does not worry Lenihan, before they take on the Red Rose at Twickenham.

Steve Borthwick’s side, like the Irishmen, have claimed successive wins in the tournament so far – the only other side to do so – but their performances have been far less convincing.

Ireland’s rivals

With the French struggling, Scotland being Scotland after letting another great position slip and the Welsh currently in a rebuilding phase, the 64-year-old does not rate their other competitors.

“It’s very difficult to envision anything other than another championship success for Farrell’s men at this juncture,” he wrote in his Irish Examiner column. “As for a first-ever back-to-back Grand Slams? That can wait for another day.

“With due respect to Wales next up, Twickenham now looms as the biggest potential obstacle against an England side with two wins under the belt and who may well have a Calcutta Cup to celebrate by the time Ireland arrive.

“That said, Steve Borthwick’s men haven’t shot the lights out in either of their contests to date.

“While Ireland were far from perfect (against Italy) and kicked a bit too loosely in the opening half, at times they looked as if they were playing a different sport to what we witnessed in London and Edinburgh the day before.”

Irish confidence

That confidence is a theme which is reverberating through the Irish media at the moment, with Farrell’s team being called a “class above” and the other Six Nations outfits being labelled as “mediocre.”

Lenihan is certainly not afraid of their next opponent as they face Warren Gatland’s Wales at the Aviva Stadium on February 24.

“The two-week break to the Welsh game affords the opportunity to reflect on a decent block of work that has already carved out a distance between Farrell’s squad and the chasing pack, one that’s not just confined to the championship table,” he added.

“Ireland can reflect on a very satisfying opening phase in the knowledge that there is still plenty scope for improvement. Now that’s a scary thought for Gatland.”

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