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Ireland hunt rare Grand Slam

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 19/03/2009

Ireland go in search of their first Grand Slam since 1948 and only the second in their history this weekend when they take on betting favourites Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

It certainly hasn't been a vintage Six Nations tournament with too many mundane games played between average sides but Ireland have shown they can grind out wins when not playing particularly well.

Since beating France, Declan Kidney's side have been far from their best but have still done enough to beat Italy, England and Scotland but they will need to up their game a notch if they are to win in Cardiff.

Ronan O'Gara was back to his best against Scotland after producing a dreadful kicking game in the England win and his form could be crucial in deciding Saturday's winner-takes-all encounter.

Last season's Grand Slam winners have already stoked the fires for the game with Wales coach Warren Gatland saying in the build-up to the match that his players dislike their Irish rivals more than any other team in the Six Nations.

Such comments should ensure a gripping contest but Ireland will be wary that Wales still have an eye on winning the Six Nations title themselves despite their defeat in France three weeks ago.

Wales will retain the trophy if they beat Ireland by 13 points or more, something that is not beyond the realms of possibility even though they have not achieved such a handsome win against the Irish for 26 years.

A Wales victory of any description would secure a third Triple Crown in five seasons.

Elsewhere, England will be wondering what might have been when they play Scotland at Twickenham.

It could so easily have been Martin Johnson's side rather then Ireland who are playing for a Grand Slam this weekend if only they could have kept their discipline in the narrow losses against Ireland and Wales.

England produced an exhilarating display in the first half of last weekend's win against France when they cut their opponents' defence to ribbons seemingly at will.

Johnson has named an unchanged side for the visit of Frank Hadden's side to London with the visitors searching for their first Twickenham success since 1983.

Finally France may not have it all their own way as they attempt to end a topsy-turvy campaign with victory against Italy.

From the highs of beating Wales, France were abject at Twickenham and may find it tough going against an Italy side that pushed Wales all the way in Rome last weekend before eventually losing 20-15.

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