EMBRACING HOPE ahead of Rugby World Cups has seen Irish rugby fans being burned more times than the Wicker Man. Mention out loud that there is now compelling evidence supporting the view that their New Zealand-busting, Springbok-beating, France-thrashing, Grand Slam-winning team can, and possibly will, win the World Cup in France in the autumn and you’ll be shouted down and labelled a curse. World Cup glory is, to many in Ireland, the dream that dare not speak its name.
You will be hit with stories of past heartaches, of good Irish teams peaking too early and failing on the biggest stage, of four years ago when they went into the tournament in Japan as world number one – as they are now – only to get beaten by the host nation in the pool stage and then humiliated by the All Blacks in the quarter-finals.
Referring to past letdowns is all but meaningless to a new Ireland, though. They’ve beaten everybody. They’ve won ten Tests in a row. Here’s a list of players who had no part in peaking too early four years ago given that none of them were in Joe Schmidt’s squad. Dan Sheehan and Rónan Kelleher (hookers), Finlay Bealham and Tom O’Toole (props), Ryan Baird (lock), Caelan Doris (No 8), Jamison Gibson-Park, Craig Casey (scrum-halves), Ross Byrne (fly-half), Mack Hansen, James Lowe (wings), Hugo Keenan (full-back).
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Rugby World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Rugby World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY