So the rugby season is finished (as I am viewing the mini-tour to Argentina as the start of next season) and its time to take stock of our performances in the Autumn and Six Nations.
In my view, we followed up our best ever results in the Autumn with an inconsistent Six Nations, with the highs of England and Rome set against poor performances against Wales, Scotland and particularly France.
Whilst it could be argued that we were only 2 mins away from a Grand Slam (indeed one re-start catch), its hard to argue that we didn't get what we deserved out of that game as the French played better rugby and could have been out of sight by half time.
There's no doubt this Ireland team has the ability, but it now needs to display the consistency of a world class performance in every match if we are to get to the World Cup semi/final, which is the least this talented team should be aiming at.
I believe Eddie O'Sullivan has missed more opportunities to blood new players in key positions, so the Argentina games should be used as a development tour, playing squad players and also not showing our hand against the Pumas before the World Cup. Its also clear that we need to start saying prayers for O'Driscoll, O'Connell and Hayes, as losing one of them at any stage in the World Cup would appear to guarantee an early exit.
In terms of players performance:
Full Back: The Girvanator :D continued his resurgance as an attacking full-back par excellence and the jersey his undoubtedly his, barring injury, for the World Cup. Murphy was limited to a few cameos and with the WC coming too soon for Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald, expect Murphy and Paddy Wallace to be cover for Girv.
Wing: Like Dempsey, Denis Hickie started the season under real pressure from Andrew Trimble, but finished it as the winger of the Championship, scoring, tackling and providing a useful left boot when required. Horgan showed he is still a devastating finisher on the right wing, with his high catch against England demonstrating his skills. Elsewhere, Trimble showed a few good touches and a quick turn of pace, but he still looks like a converted centre playing on the wing. Look for the one of the above mentioned Kearney, Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe or dark horse Brian Carney to make the WC squad.
Centres: The best centres in the world unquestionably. They defend like two auxilliary opensides and can unlock defences at will going forward. Thats the good bit. Unfortunately the team is hugely dependent on both of these individuals and in the attritional confines of a World Cup, losing one of both could prove terminal for Ireland. The France game showed that Horgan doesn't have the pass or game reading ability to be a World Class centre, and Andrew Trimble has little experience in the position. Trimble and Barry Murphy need to play in Argentina. And not 5 minutes at the end of the game.
Fly Half: Jekyll and Hyde from O'Gara. His ground game has been fantastic, more line breaks, joint top try scorer in the tournament and a marked improvement in his tackling. However, his tactical and goal kicking has not been to the required standard, which is puzzling as he excelled at both these crucial skills before the 6 nations. In a tight game against a world class side, missing touch or an easy penalty will be the difference. Wallace needs serious game time in Argentina.
Scrum Half: Peter Stringer came into the 6 nations neck and neck with Isaac Boss for the no9 jersey after the latter's strong autumn. The competition obviously had a positive impact on Stringer as he had an excellent tournament, adding a bit more intelligence and break ability to his always quick passing. Boss remains an able deputy with Eoin Redden also likely to travel to the WC.
Props: As ever, we view a good result in the scrums as holding our own and this year was no different. Probably the prime area of weakness and worryingly, there isn't a long line of players waiting to take Horan and Hayes place. We've seen enough of Simon Best to see that he isn't the answer. Serious game time required for Bryan Young/Ronnie McCormack in Argentina. Which really will be drop in at the deep end stuff.... If you can scrummage there, you can scrummage anywhere.
Hooker: Major surprise that Rory Best held off Jerry Flannery, but he improved as the tournament went on, getting more and more involved in the loose. Flannery is still a more dynamic player and he needs to come off the bench earlier if he is to be 2nd choice in France.
Lock: O'Connell followed a poor (by his own ridiculously high standards) Autumn with a great 6 Nations and O'Callaghan did the opposite. We need both healthy and both firing on all cylinders come September. Outside the two starters, there is an opportunity for someone to break through and take a place in the squad. Mick O'Driscoll is only there as he can cover lock and blindside, he isn't really good enough in either. I fancy Trevor Hogan, Leo Cullen or Matt McCullough to make the squad and start, should either of the starters get injured.
Back Row: Great performances from all 3, with Leamy and Wallace vying for player of the tournament with Hickie. Easterby, who many thought was fortunate to start ahead of Neil Best, repaid Eddie O'Sullivan's faith by adding more dynamism and ball carrying to his already excellent defensive and out of touch ability. As for Flannery, Neil Best is a born impact player and should be introduced from the bench earlier. Look for Jamie Heaslip, Shane Jenning, Alan Quinlan and Keith Gleeson to push for the remaining WC suqad places. A real embarrassment of riches.
