With less than a week to go before the start of the Six Nations, only one question is on most Irish rugby minds: Can they do it again?
With such a successful November campaign and the historic win over New Zealand at the Aviva, Ireland are on the list of favourites for the 2019 World Cup. The first hurdle? The historic Six Nations tournament.
Ireland and England have met 19 times since five became six in the year 2000, and the former have edged the statistics with 11 wins. It’s hard not to believe that whoever wins the opening battle will go on to win the tournament and carry on through to Japan on a high.
With the four provinces all reaching quarter-finals in Europe, Ireland’s dominance is built on a solid club foundation. Leinster look unshakeable after a hugely successful season last year in which they won the double, claiming both the Pro14 and European Championship titles.
With an underbelly of young talent, the squad has incredible depth, as seen in their second-grade side dominating the Dragons 59-10 in the Pro14. This was a clear display of the quality players coming through the Leinster setup against a side that included 14 Welsh internationals.
With the world player of the year Jonathan Sexton at the helm, it wouldn’t be an outside bet that they could go on to repeat last season’s success and win the double again.
Johnny Sexton runs at Wales duo Justin Tipuric and Wyn Jones during last year’s Six Nations. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Ulster battled through a troubled year to pull out some spectacular performances, fuelled by the try machine himself, Jacob Stockdale. They have made up for some disappointing Pro14 performances with their success in Europe, qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time in eight years after a great win at home to Racing 92 and a dramatic finish against Leicester.
Munster have made some smart signings, with the stellar boot of Joey Carbery and Tadhg ‘turnover’ Beirne. They haven’t had the easiest start to their European campaign – from the victorious draw against Exeter at Sandy Park to the boxing match they had against Castre in France their defence has been proven time and time again. The grimaces of Peter O’Mahony are the epitome of the Munster grit that carried them to the top of Pool 2.
Connacht have been the provincial little brother for so long, but they proved their growth with their Pro14 performances and their strength in the Challenge Cup. Their quality has been vindicated by five players being selected for the Ireland squad. It’s no surprise Ireland are performing so well with such a pool of talent.
It certainly is an exciting time for fans of Irish rugby, and I for one cannot wait for the Six Nations, despite having to watch the England versus Ireland game at 2:30am!
bruce mclaren
Guest
First class analysis... A new career awaits Matt. Hope to read more from you as the tournament goes on
Matt
Roar Rookie
Brilliant thanks! I'm signing up now!
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Bit late, but nice article, Matt. Hoping Ireland can keep their nerve, and have the famous "luck" aplenty. Someone mentioned this one to watch the game on....... kayosports.com.au....am going to have a look...apparently a special Feb exists...$5.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
No !
Matt
Roar Rookie
It's on BEIN Sport, I'm going to sign up for the two week free trial of BEIN Sport connect then I think it's only $20 a month after that and I think you can watch the games on demand
John DRYSDALE
Roar Rookie
What channel is it on?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Hi Chook, mate, & all the best for the NY. I realise it took the Irish, over a 100 years to beat the AB's, but haven't they done it well? I know I'll be getting up, to cheer them on. ( Gotta be my Irish heritage lol ) Go Ireland!!! Cheers
adastra32
Roar Rookie
So - Ireland nailed on for the 6N and Grand Slam.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Hi Matt, well IMO, I can't see any reason why Ireland can't win back to back titles. With Joe Schmidt & his quality coaching staff pulling the strings, they are in there with a massive chance, & with this year being a RWC year, along with Schmidt, making his last year with the emerald greens, that alone will be the incentive the Irish need. The biggest thing that has happened in Ireland over the last few years, is that they have created depth, throughout their domestic club competition. in which Schmidt has been heavily involved in, according to my great mate Dermott, & a few other knowledgable Irish men. Go Ireland, the best in the NH.
Bunratty c
Roar Rookie
according to another post, "The bookies have Ireland over the line at odds-on, with England 7/2, Wales 9/2, Scotland 16/1, France 20/1, with Italy at name your own odds, but officially 1000/1."
Bunratty c
Roar Rookie
I think Ireland can do it, especially with their renewed confidence and reported depth of players. What do the bookies say?
Machooka
Roar Guru
Hugo... I didn't know that no-one had ever won the 6Ns grand slam back to back! Hence, this only adds further intrigue to this year's season :)
Machooka
Roar Guru
Nice one Matt... many thanks. Hey, if it helps, you won't be the only one watching at 2.30am! :)
Andrew Johnson
Guest
I wouldn’t call a tick over 25% of the time rare. Each team starts the season with a twenty % chance of winning(Italy don’t count), suggesting you’re more of a chance of going back to back
Hugo
Guest
Good summation, Matt. As Bob Kitson points out today, Ireland cannot rely on their outstanding 2018 form to give them much of a head start. No one has ever won back-to-back Six Nations grand slams. Winning the title in consecutive seasons is also rare: it's happened only five times since 1999. Partly it's the alternate home and away rhythms of the championship, partly everyone else’s passionate desire to make amends for the previous year. Looking at France's lineup, they have such outstanding players it's hard not to see them doing well against Wales in Paris. Although, at the same time, if they fall apart it won't be a surprise. Whatever, it's a great weekend for test rugby.