Six Nations preview: Andy Farrell’s Ireland set for second place

Stan Wilson
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Next in our set of previews ahead of the Six Nations we examine the prospects of last year’s third place finishers, Andy Farrell’s Ireland.

As always, the Irish come into February as serious contenders for the Six Nations trophy. With a handful of marquee players ageing and Johnny Sexton’s future in green nearing its end, this may be the beginning of the end for Ireland as we know it. However, with a relatively healthy side – minus Jacob Stockdale and James Lowe – the men in green are set to launch a title bid once more as they look to bring home the bacon.

Coming off a trio of awe inspiring wins over Japan, New Zealand and Argentina in the autumn, Farrell will look to keep this momentum going into the Six Nations where his side will combat four world rugby heavyweights – and Italy.

Last year

A rocky start in 2021 led to an under whelming Six Nations Championship for Farrell’s side. Early losses to Wales in Cardiff and France in Dublin knocked the Irish out of contention, rendering the final three wins moot.

The loss of Peter O’Mahony to a red card on 14 minutes of that opener against eventual champions Wales was a significant setback as the hosts eventually got over the finish line with their noses in front, with that result compounded a week later by a narrow loss to Les Bleus.

As mentioned, winning their final three games against Italy, Scotland and England gave them something to cling on to and they’ve since gone from strength to strength, shown by their stellar performances during the Autumn Nations Series.

On a personal note, Sexton had a fantastic Six Nations in 2021, particularly from the tee, leading the tournament in penalty goals with 15 and points with 64.

This year

This year the Irish side is at full strength albeit without those two aforementioned wings. However, the newly eligible Mack Hansen could fill in nicely for Farrell if he sees fit.

The side is incredibly strong and even if few changes have been made since last tournament, this is still a contending team. Both of the losses from the last tournament were by a slim margin of less than one converted try – not once were the Irish outclassed for a full 80 minutes.

This year if fortune is in their favour, no one would be surprised if they came away with a Championship trophy. Despite the improvement of England and Scotland recently, they are still among the top two teams in the Six Nations and deserve the full respect of all their competitors.

They kick off their campaign at home to an injury-hit Wales before travelling to France in what already looks like a crucial fixture in the 2022 Championship. It’s then Italy at home before their final two games see them face England (away) and Scotland (home).

Key players

In the 10 jersey, as ever, will be Johnny Sexton, who pulls the strings in this Irish attack. Sexton is lethal from the tee and a deadly playmaker. Don’t think for one minute that he should be underestimated because of his age.

In the second row and/or flanks is the monstrous man who goes by the name of Tadhg Beirne. Beirne is one of the scariest players in rugby for oppositions and his performances at the breakdown back this up. The forward was called up to the British & Irish Lions last summer and deservedly so, with many disappointed not to see more of him in the Test series.

One outside from Sexton in the backs is the relatively new shamrock bearing centre Bundee Aki. Aki’s brutish strength and bulky size juxtapose Sexton’s traits but also compliment them, the duo bring different skills to the table allowing Sexton options. With a crash-ball style 12 like Aki, it keeps the defence on its toes and wary of multiple outcomes when Sexton receives the ball.

Players to watch

Caelen Doris burst onto the international scene in 2021 with outrageous performances in the Autumn Nations Cup, earning him the player of the tournament award. At just 23 and with 12 caps, Doris is set for a bright and extensive international career. This Six Nations could propel him to new levels in terms of global recognition – something he’ll be hungry for after being ruled out for the 2021 campaign.

The newly eligible Mack Hansen has been putting on a show, week after week, for Connacht fans since his move from the Brumbies in Australia. He’ll look to step into Lowe’s spot on the wing and earn the respect of Irish rugby supporters outside of his province. Hansen could end up one of the tournament’s top scorers should he get the minutes.

Prospects

Despite their almighty strength and top form, the Irish will likely finish in the silver medal spot. The almighty French side is too formidable to topple when all is said and done – even without Charles Ollivon. Whilst it is true that anything can happen on game day – it will be tough for the Irish to travel to Stade de France and take out Les Bleus.

Farrell’s side should have no issue seeing off the Welsh and Italian outfits as they outclass them on paper – and that’s before we consider form and coaching. Welsh injuries will deem them no obstacle to the Irish.

Scotland and England could pose a threat, but England is somewhat unknown at the moment due to the sweeping changes since the last Six Nations. Scotland’s fighting spirit and ever-improving brand of attacking rugby is becoming somewhat of an X-factor in the tournament but still, they should be outplayed by the Irish – however you shouldn’t expect this game to be high scoring at all.

A four and one tournament would not raise any eyebrows as they take one loss to the Grand Slam-winning French. Second place.

Fixtures

Saturday, February 5 v Wales (Aviva Stadium)
Saturday, February 12 v France (Stade de France)
Sunday, February 27 v Italy (Aviva Stadium)
Saturday, March 12 v England (Twickenham)
Saturday, March 19 v Scotland (Aviva Stadium)

READ MORE: Six Nations: Five matches that will set pulses racing during the Championship

 

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