Despite a somewhat slow start against Italy, England come into round three of the this year’s Six Nations tournament off the back of two successful fixtures both home and away. Now their biggest test will be travelling to Dublin to face an almighty Irish side. Initial favourites going into the 2015 campaign, Ireland will also be looking to keep on their winning streak. Two teams with two wins each under their belts- who will be the first to fall this weekend?
It is vital for England to hit the ground running, and after reflecting on the two previous games, they need to be quicker out the blocks to have a bigger impact on the game in the early stages. Even a significantly weaker Italian side managed to score a try against Stuart Lancaster’s men in the opening minutes of that game. The laboured start that England have shown in both games hasn’t hindered them in producing a win so far, but Ireland will be looking to capitalise on this and use it to edge forward early on in the game.
Although, however sluggish a start they have had before, England have always managed to increase momentum as the game unravels, continuously applying pressure and enforcing power. The intensity seemingly fails to be derailed when replacements come on, whereas other teams start to unwind towards the end of the game. If England manage to keep applying that pressure throughout Sunday’s game in Dublin, Paul O’Connell’s team could become undone.
Another of England’s areas of speciality is in the forwards, with coach Graham Rowntree working wonders with the likes of James Haskell and Billy Vunipola, who have been impressive so far this tournament. Alongside captain Chris Robshaw, Vunipola and Haskell have made many brilliant ball carries and their individual statistics make great reading. They bolster the pack with experience and strength and, even though initially concerns were raised over the absences of Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes, Lancaster will be looking to utilise the increasing confidence in the second row thanks to two relatively successful games for Attwood and an ever improving Kruis. Marler, Hartley and Cole are a formidable trio with a proven record of using brute force and power to England’s benefit, all schoolmasters in the front row.
Jonathan Joseph has been England’s prized possession so far this Six Nations, a man certainly on his way to being top try scorer of this year’s tournament. His undoubted flair and pace has propelled him into the limelight and deservedly so, scoring tries against Wales and Italy that crucially put the team on the front-foot. His relationship with Bath teammates Ford and Watson create dynamic play for Joseph to work his magic. Ford’s faithful boot will too be tested in Dublin, the young fly-half looking to continue his good form and snatch every point possible against a hardy Irish pack. If Cipriani is required as cover, fans can seek comfort in his ongoing improvements and growth in confidence, especially after the Italy game.
Perhaps England’s biggest blow comes in the shape of Mike Brown. There is no doubt that his presence at full-back will be dearly missed; his exciting runs, ability under a high ball, enchanting foot-work, all attributes that could prove to be the difference between winning and losing against an aerial-attacking Ireland. Jack Nowell, who has earned his first start since last March on the wing in place of Jonny May, is reliable under the ball. In addition to Alex Goode, who looks to be a likely replacement for Brown, England may just scrape together enough qualities to threaten the Irish in attack.
Inevitably Ireland are too without key players, but with Sexton back and bringing an aura to the squad, Joe Schmidt is likely to be confident that his team can produce the goods, especially with the home advantage. The Aviva Stadium is a fortress within itself, and neither side are going to let a defeat come easily. As probably England’s biggest challenge of the Championship, Lancaster looks determined for a spectacular victory to stay on track for the Grand Slam.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on twitter- @mollyraemaria. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for? GO!
Main Photo
