Michael Cheika on Ireland’s chances in the RWC

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]:

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.

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