Scrum holds key to the big showdown

THAT England go to Dublin today with good prospects of winning is remarkable, given their injury situation and the relative lack of preparation time.

The Irish have not yet shown anywhere near the form they showed in the autumn internationals and we have seen little in the way of invention from their backline in a game plan firmly rooted in playing in their opponents’ territory through judicious use of the boot.

There are key issues that will go a long way to deciding the fortunes of the two teams.

The first is in the scrum, where former club teammates Joe Marler and Mike Ross pack down against each other. England’s scrum has improved and Ross has to cope with the

England will have to have numbers at the breakdown to get quick ball

pressure. Tighthead is the most difficult position in the scrum, requiring not only immense strength but also technical nous and an ability to react when under pressure.

Given that England’s strike for the ball is actually a walk over the ball with an advancing scrum, if Ross is able to stay static it will make England’s ball more difficult to win.

In the lineout, England’s Dave Attwood has the not-so-inconsiderable task of shackling Ireland’s Paul O’Connell, the Irish second rower who is the key to Ireland’s performance.

The breakdown is always a key issue in any game involving Ireland. England have to get the right numbers to the breakdown to ensure quick ball, while keeping their strike runners in situ; easily said, but difficult to do.

The third contest involves the two flyhalves. Jonathan Sexton has developed into a world-class No 10. His tactical awareness was at the heart of Ireland’s victories in last year’s autumn internationals and his kicking game is very good. Conversely, the England kicking game has improved, certainly with regard to George Ford’s choice and execution of kicks.

This game could be definitive for either side. The winner is likely to take the Six Nations Championship, if not achieve a much coveted Grand Slam.

Pressure is the essence of high-level sport and few Six Nations games will have had so much riding on the result. —