Star Players
How They've Fared
Irish rugby revolves around its legends, and when talking legends there is no bigger than Brian O'Drisscol. O'Drisscol captained Ireland from 2004-2013 retiring in 2014 after a decades worth of international caps. He may not be with the team anymore, however his influence has left its mark on the team, inspiring the players to test themselves, and break records in a competition where they have never made it past the quarter finals. Among the current squad there is plenty of talent to see Ireland lay a platform in order to make it past the final stages, the Leinster trio of Cian Healy, Sean O'Brien, and captain Jamie Heaslip all add some muscle to the Irish forward pack that is essential in order to dominate the flow of the game. In the locking stocks Ireland have experience Munster duo of Paul O’Connel and Donnacha O’Callaghan, who offer aerial prowess in the lineout as well as experience from many years in the green jersey. The backline is lead around by young Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton who both have experience playing for the British and Irish Lions in their tour of Australia. The centres will never be the same without O’Drisscol, although Gordon D’arcy has all the potential to step up and take his place, if he can overcome the pressure. In the back three Ireland have some tremendous talent in the form of experienced Rob Kearney, livewire young Simon Zebo, and level headed Keith Earls.
Ireland have traditionally performed well in the group stage, beating Australia to top Pool C in 2011, however they buckle under the pressure of the finals having never gone past the quarters despite getting there five times. Ireland are tracking well for the 2015 world cup, having taken out the 2014 six nations in style dominating Wales, Italy, and Scotland at home whilst putting up an impressive display to defeat France and claim the trophy in the final round. Furthermore Ireland proved they are not only capable against northern hemisphere sides when they put the All Blacks to the sword in 2013, Ireland lost 24-22 after the hooter had gone, however they dominated nearly every aspect of the match against the world's best.
19/09 Vs. Canada
Millenium Stadium
27/09 Vs. Romania
Wembley Stadium
04/10 Vs. Italy
Olympic Stadium
11/10 Vs. France
Millenium Stadium
Martin Dobey