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The 2015 Six Nations kicks off in just over a week’s time and defending champions Ireland are heading into the competition as favourites.
Ireland won the tournament last year in comprehensive fashion, losing just one match. This loss to England would become their only loss of the year.
Reaffirming Ireland’s position of favourites is their relatively easier itinerary this year, as they face both England and France, their two biggest rivals, at home.
Of course, the focus for every side this year will be the World Cup, which takes place in England in September and October. While the tradition and importance of the Six Nations shouldn’t be ignored, each country has a chance to look at the tournament as a trial run for the more important competition to come.
Last year proved to be a great year for the Irish rugby team. They won four of their five matches in the Six Nations, convincingly defeating Scotland and Wales before falling narrowly to the English and bouncing back with a big win over Italy and a hard fought victory over France, their first since 2009.
In the Northern Hemisphere summer, Ireland travelled to Argentina with a depleted side and won both internationals they played against the Pumas. Despite facing a depleted Argentinian side, this was still a monumental Test series for the Irish as it was the first time they had won a Test on Argentinian soil.
Ireland then finished off the year in promising fashion, reaffirming their position as number three in the world. They defeated both Australia and South Africa in impressive fashion and completely overwhelmed Georgia.
It is fair to say that 2014 was a highly successful year for the national side, with some terrific performances from all players. Unfortunately, the Irish provinces haven’t been doing as well in recent months. Both Munster and Ulster were unceremoniously knocked out of the European Champions Cup in the pool stages, with several players putting in lacklustre performances. Paul O’Connell, in particular, was a shell of his former self at times.
Leinster were Ireland’s one saving grace. They managed to top their pool, providing them with automatic qualification into the quarter-final. Leinster also had the luck of the draw, with fate conspiring to deliver them a home quarter-final. The players should know, though, that it was luck more than anything, that got them this coveted position. They will need to play much better if they want to advance any further in the Champions Cup.
Ireland also have some injury concerns heading into the Six Nations tournament. The biggest of which is at out-half, where both Jonny Sexton and Paddy Jackson will be unavailable for selection for at least the first two games against Italy and France. Sexton is a big loss, as on his day he is the top out-half in the world.
Adding to the problem is the fact that Ian Madigan, the next out-half in line hasn’t been playing much rugby at five-eigth this season, even for his province Leinster. Leinster coach, Matt O’Connor has been picking Madigan at inside centre, with Jimmy Goepperth at out-half. To combat this, Madigan will probably play at out-half for the Irish Wolfhounds (Ireland A) against the English Saxons, on Friday January 30th, to get some much needed game practice..
Conor Murray, Andrew Trimble, Cian Healy, Sean O’Brien and Jaimie Heaslip are also struggling to return from injury. Dan Touhy and Luke Marshall are both battling injury as well, with both players set to miss the entirety of the Six Nations.
Ireland also have a problem at outside centre, where they have yet to find a permanent replacement for Brian O’Driscoll and are still to decide on a Test centre combination.
Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw combined well, in the win against South Africa, though more so in defence than attack. Henshaw also linked well with Gordon D’Arcy, when Ireland overcame Australia. There is also the possibility of using Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe or Keith Earls at 13, who all have experience there.
Ireland’s first game of the tournament is against Italy on Saturday February seventh. No insult to Italy, but Ireland should win the game quite comfortably. An upset is possible though, as Ireland did lose the last time the teams played in Rome. It was Ireland’s first loss against Italy since the Italians joined the Six Nations, in 2000.
Ireland next face France, on Saturday February 14th. This should be a much tougher test for Ireland. France have been poor in recent years, but I predict that they will come around this year. The French clubs have being playing very well in the ERCC, granted with overseas players filling out their teams.
Ireland then have a break, before facing England on Sunday May first. England won the Triple Crown last year, and will want to go one better this time around. They’re also hosting the World Cup later in the year so they’ll want to be at their best in their final competition before the big one.
Unfortunately, talented English five-eighth, Owen Farrell, has been ruled out of the Six Nations. While inconsistent, he’s still a player of some class and will be missed. Hopefully, he’ll be fit in time for the World Cup.
Ireland have another break, before facing Wales on March 14th. Wales have fallen off the wagon somewhat in the past year after winning back-to-back Six Nations’ titles in 2012 and 2013. Still, they have a developing team, with a number of young players who are starting to develop into genuine stars.
Ireland and Wales are two of the most evenly matched sides in rugby. In the 59 matches they’ve played, Ireland have won 28 to Wales’ 27, with 4 drawn! Also, it is possible that Wales could be playing for a Triple Crown in this match, as they’ll have already played England and Scotland by the time they face Ireland.
lastly, Ireland face Scotland on March 21st. Scotland have been the weakest of the Celtic sides in recent years. Professionalism hit them hard and they’ve never being able to recover the great form they had in the ’90s, where they bookended the decade with Championship titles in what was then known as the Five Nations.
Ireland will be favourites to lift the Six Nations trophy again this year, but nothing is ever certain in the competition, which is what makes it so thrilling. I believe that they’ll do well, though I think that a Grand Slam is out of their reach, in fact I believe that the Grand Slam will be unclaimed this year.
Ireland showed great things in 2014 and will want to retain that form and improve on it this year. Hopefully we can achieve something great in the Championship and go on to bigger things in the World Cup. A first-ever semi-final, perhaps? Or even better?
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.