Six Nations 2014 preview: Ireland

Ireland’s disappointing Six Nations led to Declan Kidney departing as head coach and being replaced by successful Leinster coach Joe Schmidt, whose first bite into international rugby during the end of year Tests was certainly a baptism of fire.

Italy
2013 Six Nations finish: fifth
Head coach: Joe Schmidt
Captain: Paul O’Connell

After a straightforward victory against Samoa, a dose of reality hit Ireland with a comprehensive defeat against Australia.

But it was their final game of the year against the All Blacks that showed Schmidt his team can play with the big boys when needed.

Despite losing to a last minute try, the performance would have boosted confidence among the Irish.

The squad is heavy on veterans from the last few years – among the experienced players are lock Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll: with the centre likely to retire from international rugby at the end of the season.

There is a smattering of youth in the squad, including the exciting 20-year-old Connacht centre Robbie Henshaw and 21-year-old lock Iain Henderson who can learn from the veteran players during the Six Nations.

Despite the squad being an ageing one, the tournament is a chance for Schmidt to see where his team is at, what is working, what’s not working and what players are putting themselves forward for selection.

In recent years the national team has been inconsistent – bar their 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam triumph during Declan Kidney’s first season in charge.

The Irish have enjoyed stellar victories like their 2011 World Cup pool stage victory against Australia at Eden Park while suffering a lack of concentration against Wales in the quarter final of that same World Cup.

The inconsistency in the national scene is mind boggling as in club rugby Irish teams have ruled the Heineken Cup for the last ten years. From the last ten editions of the competition five of the winners have been Irish – Munster in 2006 and 2008 coupled with Leinster in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

With success in club rugby it was thought it would be transferred into the national team but it hasn’t worked.

But with the appointment of Joe Schmidt, who guided Leinster to those Heineken Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2012, it is hoped that will change.

Knowing these players inside and out – particularly those from Leinster – will help the New Zealander.

The Irish do have injuries within their squad. The double loss of backrow forwards Stephen Ferris and Sean O’Brien is a blow, as they add firepower and dynamism.

It is no surprise French clubs were disappointed when O’Brien decided to sign a contract with Leinster instead of hopping to the Top 14.

Though mercurial wingers Simon Zebo, Tommy Bowe and Craig Gilroy are injured they are possibly in line for an appearance later on in the tournament.

However, Schmidt will be relieved prop Cian Healy has made his comeback from ankle surgery last week, getting in some first team action in the Heineken Cup for Leinster against Castres in France.

Healy is their star performer among the props and without him the Irish pack looks as vulnerable as Australia’s while under Robbie Deans.

Ireland’s first Six Nations game under Schmidt is against the Scots in Dublin – a place where Scotland have been successful in the past. No doubt there will be a few jitters and it will be an intriguing game especially after the Irish showed their inconsistency in last year’s Six Nations when defeated at Murrayfield.

The following week Ireland host Wales, which is a tie that has had more thrills and spills than Wacky Races. Last year’s game in Cardiff was wild with Simon Zebo’s flick adorning the web for weeks on end.

It will be a cracking game and if Ireland don’t concede needless penalties and take their chances, they’ll cripple Wales’ Grand Slam hopes.

A fortnight later they face their first away game of the campaign against the English. Twickenham can be an imposing place and if they are on the back foot it could turn nasty – Schmidt will have to be at his best to concoct a plan to stop England.

In early March the Irish are back at home against Italy, where memories of a shock defeat in Rome last year will want to replaced by a revengeful victory against the Azzurri.

Their final game is against France in Paris, which could decide the Six Nations if the right France turns up.

The last two games have been draws between the two sides – two years ago the fixture in Paris was postponed due to the pitch being frozen solid while last year the French salvaged a draw from the jaws of defeat merely putting more pressure on Declan Kidney. Thankfully for Schmidt it is France’s Philippe Saint Andre who is under pressure.

There isn’t any real expectation for Schmidt apart from not finishing last but this year’s Six Nations will be good for the Kiwi to see the strength of his squad.

As the World Cup comes into view it’s a case of sticking with what you’ve got, coupled with the hope that maybe a bright young talent might come through if injuries hit the squad.

We can only wait and see what happens.

Player to watch
Rob Kearney – The fullback is an solid player who has used his Gaelic Football background well especially when it comes to high balls.

A staple in the side, his impending 50th cap in the Six Nations will be well deserved.

Added to that, his younger brother Dave Kearney is also in the squad!

Predicted finish
Fourth