Links to Part One and Part Two.
Last month I talked about how England and France shouldn’t expect too much after regime changes and disappointing World Cup campaigns. With Ireland and Wales it’s the exact opposite. Both nations should be aiming to win the Six Nation…here’s why.
Ireland
Defending champions Ireland had a disappointing defeat to Argentina in the Quarter-finals of the World Cup. However, they were nearing a Wales-esque injury crisis – essentially the Irish shouldn’t feel too disappointed about their World Cup campaign. With big names such as Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell retiring in recent years many Irish seem to be cynical about their chances of lifting the trophy for a record breaking third time in a row. With Ireland’s head coach Joe Schmidt stating that Ireland would be happy with a ‘top half’ finish, it seems like the Kiwi is playing down the well-deserved hype around his team.
Ireland should be aiming to win the tournament. It will make history – being the first team to win the Six Nations (or Five Nations or Home Nations Championship) three times in a row. Frankly, with the uncertainty of England and France, and the lack of depth in Scotland and Italy’s squads, the Irish’s main challenge lies with Wales. Ireland by rights can beat every team in the Six Nations, they have had a consistent coaching regime, a solid established team and three games at home (including against Wales), Ireland should be aiming for a historic win.
Wales
Wales like Ireland did not have a disastrous World Cup. Escaping the ‘pool of death’ whilst having the worst injury crisis in recent rugby history, is more than commendable, frankly it was heroic. Going out in the Quarter-finals to the Springboks (Wales’ bogey team) was not a disastrous end to a brave World Cup campaign. Wales also recently seem to do well in the Six Nations after the World Cup, winning the 2008 and 2012 editions of the tournament after the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
Like Ireland, Wales have had a consistent coaching set-up for a number of years. If they can overcome Ireland at home this weekend they will become favourites to win the tournament.
Final Thoughts
This Sunday’s Ireland v Wales game looks to be one of the most important games of this year’s Six Nations. With England and France’s new coaching set-ups and Scotland’s impressive display in the World Cup more than ever the tournament is hard to predict. Odds are the trophy will go to Ireland or Wales. This weekend could be decisive for the entire tournament.
my ignorant opinion 