Ireland will enter this world cup with its best prepared team ever.
Four years of solid growth around a core of world class players has seen this team completely turn around the days of Irish inconsistency. Whilst New Zealand remain world cup favourites, the Irish sit not too far behind on many pundits list of contenders. But just how far can this team go. To find out The Roar spoke to the Leinster and former Randwick Coach, Michael Cheika.
Listen here [~5 mins]:
[audio:mick-cheika-Roar.mp3]
Cheika is one of the best placed people to know all about Ireland’s chances. At Leinster his backline, from inside centre to fullback, are regulars of the national side. With names like Gordon D’arcy, Brian O’Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Denis Hickie and Girvan Dempsey, Leinster are to Irish rugby what the Brumbies were to Australian rugby.
As an outsider, if such a thing exists when immersed in Irish hospitality, Cheika has been surprised by the depth of rugby talent not only in Ireland but right across European rugby. He has also been impressed with the style of rugby played. This may well be the first time you will hear a former Randwick player or coach bemoan his team’s desire to play nothing but running rugby.
Of Ireland’s chances Michael takes the view held by John Eales; that the world cup is but a series of one off games and that on their day Ireland can beat anyone. Even New Zealand. Pointedly he refused to accept that Ireland’s chances rest solely on the shoulders of Brian O’Driscoll. On this point there are few other people who could give you a more informed opinion.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Club historians believe a new chapter in the 90-year history has been written with three brothers starting in the same premier team for the first time.
It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
The youngster was playing his first Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, but his game wasn't the main talking point after the game.
Is this a sign that rugby laws are getting too tricky, even for the players and commentators?
The kick of around 50 metres got the Reds well downfield!
Wallaby Jordie Petaia is in doubt for the rest of the Super Rugby season, and potentially Australia's Test series against Wales, after suffering a…
