DECLAN Kidney did it again. When every fan and pundit thought they knew better, Declan’s plans came together once more. Just like in 2008 when O’Leary and Hurley, replaced Stringer and Payne, the week leading up to this big game centred around Declan Kidney and his selections.
Sexton was picked over O’Gara. O’Callaghan was picked against form and Earls was moved to full back.
The move and selections were a master stroke. O’Callaghan was immense, Sexton was man of the match and Earls was a revelation at 15. A spot, based on that complete performance alone, might just have ‘nailed’ down for the World Cup.
Just when the vultures were circling, myself included, Kidney managed to instil confidence into his side, akin to an insulin shot to a diabetic.
The rest of the domestic season will now be played out under the shadow of the looming World Cup. Ireland have gone from no-hopers to fourth in the World. We should not get carried away though. England were not at their best and they will improve. Ireland will too. Messrs Flannery, Kearney and Ferris will be looking to squeeze back in somewhere.
With the Six nations leaving Ireland a little bitter and with work to do, it might have been better in the long run to have lost the championship the way we did.
With warm up games to come against England and France, Ireland will be better prepared for this World Cup having learned lessons this week. That and they have a cup rugby ace in Kidney at the helm
