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When England arrived in Lansdowne Road 14 years ago for a Grand Slam decider, the drama began unfolding even before the first ball was hoisted into the air. England’s Captain Martin Johnson, through mistake or calculated move, lined his team up on the wrong side for the anthems and protocol pandemonium ensued.
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O’Driscoll led his men to the left of Johnson, creating an awkward situation where the Irish President was forced to leave the red carpet and trod on the damp turf to shake hands with the Irish Team. Belligerent brilliance from Johnson, and a quick-witted response from the Irish. 1-1 before kick off.
This was as close as things got from an Irish perspective, with Johnson and his men rampaging towards a 42-6 victory. No Irish fan will forget Will Greenwood deliberately dotting down in the corner instead of below the posts when the game was beyond reach. An inside joke with Wilkinson perhaps, but salt in the wound of every Irish fan and player. Grand Slam glory deservedly belonged to England.
Despite going on to win a World Cup, this game proved to be a catalyst for Irish domination over the next decade. Ireland won the next four games between the two nations including the historic 43 – 13 win at Croke Park. They also won 7 of the 8 games between these two in an unprecedented run of victories.
14 years on from the day English fans celebrated in Dublin, what does 2017 have in store for us? The form book would suggest the English juggernaut will roll on. 18 wins on the trot has created an unshakable confidence. The back slapping at turnovers and the teams well placed arrogance is reminiscent of Johnson and co in their pomp. Even when not playing particularly well, England find a way to win and nothing suggests this is going to end any time soon.
Their strength lies in the extended second row (4,5 & 6). The Launchbury, Lawes, Itoje combination is devastating and all three could easily be on the plane to New Zealand. Coupled with this, Farrell is the form player in the Northern Hemisphere at the moment. Finally, the English bench is the strongest in living memory and if Jones can use it on his terms, Ireland’s defence will struggle to hold out in the final 20 minutes.
In contrast to England’s strength, Ireland have been on a downward curve since reaching the lofty heights of Chicago. A predictable attack has yielded just a single try in two games. Connor Murray, Ireland’s key man of recent years, is absent through injury. Doubts remain over Sexton’s fitness and a misfiring lineout is a huge cause for concern, but yet…
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Nobody revels in the role of underdog like Ireland. The self-deprecating country loves nothing more than creating an upset and making themselves heard, especially when it involves a certain Chariot rolling into town. Expect fire and brimstone from Munster’s Donnacha Ryan. Expect a statement of Lions intent from Tadgh Furlong. Expect a marshalling masterclass from Sexton. Expect speed and a lethal step from Kieron Marmion who has been desperate for a start at 9. But most of all expect a team & stadium that will fight as if their lives depended on it.
England are a phenomenal team, and Eddie Jones a master tactician, but make no mistake, this should be their toughest game since the winning streak began. A misfiring Australia did not hold the threat of a fired-up Ireland with their backs to the wall.
Ireland has the ability to pull out the performance of the tournament today. Joe Schmidt will have spent more hours plotting England’s downfall than any other coach this year. He will have a plan. The question is will this plan be enough to knock Jones off his cocky little perch?
We’re in for one hell of a match and this is why we love the game.
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Prediction: Ireland Win
