TAKE a bow, Mr Kidney. What can I say? What can anyone say after last weekend’s win against France in Declan’s first outing in the six nations.
Actually, before I get started, I have to be man enough to admit when I am wrong. I have been going on now for over two years about Brian O Driscoll and his form. The man was immense last weekend. He was back to his old best, particularly on defence.
It just goes to show how much of a man manager Declan Kidney is. Not only did all the players unite for the Cork man, but his coaches all seem to have managed to make a mark on an almost perfect performance.
Les Kiss in defence has his charges scrambling like animals. There may have been French line breaks, but they didn’t hurt us. The first try was a forward pass and the second was one missed tackle. There is no other team left for us to face that can run the ball like France.
Alan Gaffney, in charge of the backs attack, managed to get the line breaks that we needed. We have seen Ireland teams do this before, but on Saturday we were clinical when we got the chances. Take Heaslip’s try. A sure sign of belief as the big number eight avoided the old habit of going into contact, instead, he just side stepped their full back. D’Arcy’s glorious comeback try was the same. He went into contact, but swivelled and swerved and drove with his legs until he went over.
Gert Smal, has his forwards rucking like demented moles. It is as if someone has told them that the meaning of life is at the bottom of the next ruck. The intensity of the rucking, coupled with almost perfect line outs and scrums means that few will relish the thought of playing us now. The physicality of the tight five alone will give Wales and co nightmares.
O Driscoll’s try was the culmination of all the parts coming together in unison. As the captain downed the ball, it was as if a marker had been thrown down to all. Ireland are now capable of grinding you down, securing quick ball and hitting you where it hurts. The try came from a line out to O Connell, down to O Leary and O Gara put O Driscoll through the gap. The Leinster centre then shifted the ball in his hands as he walked past Malzieu to finish. If you are looking for a try as close to perfect, then that was it. Donncha O Callaghan commented post match, that “if that came off in training you would be delighted, never mind in a six nations game”. The big Cork mauler also spoke of the responsibility given to the players by Kidney. “He allows us to develop the game plan, he tells each of us what our roles are and we all accept now that we are in control from the off”. A point echoed by O Gara. “Deccie has always allowed me to make decisions on the field. That is the best way for a 10 to play. I love that kind of game where you can direct your forwards around”.
Indeed, it was the forwards that set the platform and the old adage of, “forwards win matches, back by how much” proved true.
Reading back over what I have just written, I feel that there may be some people that think I am getting carried away. They might be right, but this game was the start of something good. I can feel it. After all, this wasn’t just a win against France. It was a win against France who turned up and played brilliantly.
Going forward, Ireland face Italy on Sunday in Rome. The players have always stated that Rome is the least loved place to play. Granted it is Valentines weekend, but there will be no love lost between these two.
The game also serves as another yardstick as to how Kidney has rejuvenated this team. Last year in Croke Park, Ireland struggled to beat the Azzurri, while pre World Cup, we should have been beaten by them. Let’s see what Deccie does.
Finally, the Ireland team that played last weekend will be picked again on mass. Deadlines dictate that I don’t know the team, but how can you change that side? However, never have I, nor men around rugby longer than me, seen an Ireland team more united. The back slapping and morale are at an all time high. I think I even saw John Hayes smile at one stage. A United Ireland is some feat.
Deccie for President.
