World Cup Profile: Ireland

I like Ireland, and the Irish. Despite what you might think/may have heard/or experienced, the Irish are the least offensive people in the world. Ever since they declared their neutrality in world affairs they have gone out of their way to make sure they don’t offend anyone. After controversially allowing the USSR to use Shannon Airport for military transport purposes during the Cuban Missile Crisis, they happily allowed the USA to use the same airport as a staging post for supply and bombing runs into Afghanistan and in both the First Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. No doubt if the Iraqis ever needed to use the airport for any reason, they would find the Irish waiting with fuel for their planes, emerald green burkhas for their women, and “special” Guinness for their thirsty lads.

Careful never to upset anybody, the Irish have been at pains to counter any win over anybody with a well engineered loss* and vice versa. Ireland own a wonderful win 41% of-the-time, lose 54% of-the-time record. About even really if you take out the matches against the ABs. They need to beat the French, English, Australians and amazingly Namibia (against whom they own a shocking one win two loss record) pretty consistently over the next decade to balance the ledger with those teams. Conversely they’re due to lose a few against the likes of Italy, Samoa, Canada, Fiji and (dark horses) Georgia (WoooooOOOOoooooOOOO Georgia).

Worryingly should they meet Romania in the latter stages of the cup, I suggest putting your money on the Transylvanians after the Irish spanked them by 50 points in 1986 and the Irish may be seaking to right some wrongs. Their most recent competitive matches a 17-20 loss to France and a 43-13 win over England suggest at the world cup a win over Le Bleus in pool play followed by a convincing loss to the Rose in the latter stages of the competition.

Despite this and my opening statement, the Irish cannot be written off. Its possible, that over a long session at the pub they've agreed that if they decide to go ahead and beat everyone and win the cup, they can spend the next three years evening up the record books. They are not the favourites but I declare them myofficial dark horse.

They have strung together some very convincing results of late.
1. They were denied this years six nations by late bit of French brilliance in Dublin and then a piece of very poor scheduling on behalf of the six nations organist that allowed the French to know what was required of them in their final match against the Scotties.
2. They convincingly beat England, Wales, Scotland and Italy, capturing the triple crown along the way.
3. They have pushed the All Blacks close and have a fairly respectable record against the Boks and the Crooks over the last 8 years, particularly in the northern hemisphere.
4. They have arguably the worlds best centre pairing and a three-quarter line boasting some of the quickest white boys in world rugby. Their pack is filled with class including Malcolm O’Kelly and Paul O’Connell.
5. The Irish always have a fine tradition of strong leadership and this year is now exception. Centre Brian O'Driscoll is the best at his position in the world and leads by example.

They will test some, they will push others, they will score some very entertaining tries, and once again will have the most popular fans in the competition. Sadly however, my Irish eyes will be crying as the Emeralds again go home empty handed, albeit with many new friends, and expected victories over England and Argentina in 2008.

The Irish play Namibia Sept 10, Georgia Sept 16, France Sept 22, and Argentina Oct 1 in what could be the match that decides the final places in the group of death. Despite France playing at home, the Argies and the Irish will both put in a very strong showing and automatic qualification for the second round by the French is far from assured. This will definitely be the group to watch.

Player to watch: Captain and the world's best centre, Brian O'Driscoll.


LATE BREAKING NEWS: On the good news front though. We have word of the Irish settling on a dance to rival the Haka should they meet New Zealand at any stage during the Cup. It's pictured below, with a Irish player facing off a fearsome beast.



Probably a good thing Andrew Hore wasn't there.