Have Ireland Got Their Timing Wrong?

Ireland are riding the crest of a wave. 2nd in the World (with the possibility of being World No. 1 by the end of the Autumn. Oscar Reilly assesses how whether they've hit top form too soon as they head into the Guinness Series expecting a big autumn 

Ireland are undoubtedly the favourites for next years Six Nations and to do well this November against some of the biggest teams in the world. Indeed the Grand Slam Champions are even potentially the team to go all the way in the World Cup, but we’ve been here before, and could Ireland have peaked too early?

With the World Cup less than a year away, teams will arguably be taking their final shape before the tournament starts. Ireland’s team pretty much picks itself, and with plenty of strength in depth in many positions, there is cover there should anyone get injured. 

Youngster Jordan Larmour scored a hat-trick as Ireland beat Italy 54-7 last week

But, as mentioned previously, Ireland have been here before. Having won the Grand Slam in 2009 and featured heavily in the Lions the following summer, Ireland were arguably the best Northern Hemisphere team before the World Cup in 2011, beating Six Nations Champions England in the final round of the tournament. Going into the World Cup they were a side to beat, with a victory over Australia in the group stage showing what they could do on the big stage. A quarterfinal loss to Wales proved to be their undoing. 

Four years later in 2015, Ireland were back to back Six Nations Champions, and were tipped to make at least the Semi-Finals, but a loss of Paul O’Connell and Johnny Sexton through injuries, and Tommy Bowe coming off early in the Quarter Final saw a huge lack of experience, and the Pumas made sure to see Ireland off 43-20. 

So what is different this time around? Well not much on the face of it. The team are certainly more experienced, and there is defiantly more strength in depth in most positions, but are they a world cup winning side? On their day I think they could win it, but this all feels very familiar to the talk four and eight years ago. For now let’s curb the enthusiasm. It’d be great for Northern Hemisphere rugby if any team this side of the equator were to win the tournament, and Ireland currently have the best shot. One thing is certain, a year out from the tournament; it can’t come soon enough.