I don't even know what to say anymore. The hype around Ireland in our media is ridiculous at the moment. We all know how hype and Irish rugby end up. Yet one can't help but feel optimistic. All the boxes are ticked.
Established team with a developed gameplan, coach with a vision, mix of veterans/Lions and exciting youngsters? Check
Good summer and autumn run? Check
Provincial success? Check
Other teams suffering injury crises? Check
Ireland not suffering from game-changing injuries? Check
Bulk of our squad in form? Check
I mean you probably could've said the same about last year but I think the biggest difference here is the changes in our back-line. A very (and moreso than last 6N) in form Earls, Stockdale, Carbery, Conway and possibly Larmour actually scoring tries with the territory and possession we tend to dominate might mean we'll win games like Wales last year and NZ just before. Not to forget Kearney's recent good showings too. Ireland have for a while now been at the forefront of bossing the forwards dogfights. Our lack of attacking spark has let us down at times the past two years. This could be the year where it all clicks together. Joe's master plan. Who knows?
That said this is the 6N and absolutely can and will happen. I know FrenchFan is very pessimistic but a young French team with a new coach and nothing to lose but everything to play for could be a real threat. I mean Ireland just about avoided the wooden spoon in 2013 yet were champions next year. Turn arounds happen. That said I'd still fancy us but they could come out all guns blazing and catch us off guard. Hopefully we can just strangle the life out of them before the match even starts. I am pumped.
I back us against Scotland at home. We will be wanting revenge, and their injury-laden pack should be no match for ours. Not to write them off or anything I am always cautious but out of the 4 games that matter (sorry Italy) I think this one could cause us the least stress. They are the dark horse and all though (but aren't they always?)
Wales I have no idea. Gatland is not to be underestimated, and an injection of youth especially from an in-form Scarlets squad could be exactly what the doctor ordered. I am always skeptical of Wales, they always really turn up against us and have broken our hearts many times. Our recent history against them is not that pretty. We have won THREE of the last 10 matches against them.
It's so hard to call it on England. Given their amazing depth and generally great squad + their home fixtures your head can't help but back them. Not forgetting that they have lost just one game in 2016 and 2017. However that game was against us, and never has there been a three-in-a-row winner in the 6N.
Last year's 6N was exciting, close, dramatic and had some damn good rugby on display. This year looks set to be even better.
