What’s IT all about?

Ireland 21 - 6 Australia 

I can’t let today pass without commenting on the best Irish rugby performance I believe I have ever seen. In the first half of yesterday’s match against Australia, in the worst conditions for rugby I’ve seen in a long time, Ireland played against the wind, and outplayed Australia in every department. Ball retention was phenomonal, especially in the 22+ phases of play in the lead up to Ireland’s first score. The second half was a bit of a damp squib in comparison, but not unexpected given the conditions and the need for Ireland not to take any silly risks.

For someone who has grown up on a diet of mediocre expectations rarely achieved, this is almost too much to bear. Regardless of what happens next week-end against the Pacific Islanders, and Eddie O’Sullivan has already stated that he will rest some players, the autumn internationas can only be described as a success for Ireland.

This raises the interesting thought of what will happen in both the 6 nations and in the world cup next year. I can’t see England improving too much under Robinson, he’s too matey with the players to take the really hard decisions. France will be there or thereabouts as usual, and I think only they and Ireland have the class and consistency to challenge for the championship, and also to be the strongest European teams in the World Cup. New Zealand look pretty awesome, and I suspect I’m not alone in lamenting the fact that they and Ireland aren’t meeting this autumn. However, if Ireland keep playing well and confidence grows some more, then who knows what might happen should they get as far as the World Cup Final?

Hey, one can dream