THEY’LL BE DREAMING JUST LIKE ALL OF US
SHANE HORGAN says Ireland’s players will be thinking exactly like the fans – targeting historic back-to-back Grand Slams.
The former Leinster and Ireland star knows that while Andy Farrell’s players insist they are focusing on the next game, in private they will fancy this shot at glory.
No team – Irish or otherwise – has won consecutive Six
Nations Slams but, after last Friday’s defeat of France, another clean sweep is there for the taking.
Horgan said: “I don’t think there’s any additional pressure as a result of winning the French game. I think it will be very comforting to the players actually and they will maybe feel validated.
“Any concerns about a World Cup hangover or is their game plan the right thing to do or has the world of rugby moved on from what was previously effective over the 17 matches before the All Blacks game
(have been answered).
“We need to, in some ways, change our understanding historically of where we are.
This level of performance, beating France by big numbers away – no matter what type of French team goes out or what type of performance level they have – it’s remarkable. It is a belle epoque for Irish rugby. It mightn’t always be this.”
But the Virgin Media pundit (above) says now it is a different story because Farrell and Co know what is coming from their other championship rivals.
“We know we’re capable of beating Scotland at home on the last day of the series,” said Horgan. “We also know that Wales aren’t where they might want to be – maybe they’re slightly better than we thought but a home game against Wales should be relatively comfortable.
“We’re going to beat Italy on Sunday, that’s going to happen. So what we’ve got is a difficult but not impossible game against England in Twickenham with England in a tricky position on both sides of the ball.
“They may be in a better position by the time we meet them and that’s why I think it’s certainly no slam dunk.”
Horgan continued: “Our expectations are now, I think rightly, Ireland will win the Grand Slam from this point. There will be a disappointment if we don’t.
“I can guarantee you that that will be mirrored by everyone in the squad. They’ll say, ‘We’re looking at the next game’. They’re looking at the tournament! You can’t not!
“It’s set up now for Ireland, in many ways, to be able to win it. If they deliver their best performances they know it’s in their hands and I think they’ll outgun everybody.”