This Saturday March 18 could be the glory day of the Irish.
First and undefeated in this tournament, Andy Farrell's men could achieve Grand Slam if they manage to beat England.
A coronation against the Rose players would allow Ireland to achieve the fourth Grand Slam in its history after those of 1948, 2009 and 2018.
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Ranking Tournament 6 of Nations
The day after St. Patrick's Day, a historic day for the country of Clover, Irish supporters could therefore extend the celebration one more day.
But before that, it will be necessary to get rid of the troop of Steve Borthwick, certainly revengeful after the slap received at Twickenham against the Blues last weekend (10-53).
A (soon) perfect Tournament?
In line with the excellent results obtained since the end of the 2019 World Cup and the impressive performances achieved in New Zealand last summer, Ireland does not stop winning.
Andy Farrell's men first crushed Wales on the first day (10-34).
Facing the XV of France the following day, Ireland was already playing a final.
Without trembling, the Greens dominated the men of Galthié (32-19) even breaking the unbeaten streak of the Blues (14 consecutive victories).
In Italy and despite a diminished team, the teammates of Jonathan Sexton – possible future record holder in the history of the Tournament, only one point is enough – were once again a hit (20-34) before winning in Scotland during the previous day (7-22) despite numerous injuries (Sheehan, Kelleher, Henderson Doris and Ringrose).
With four wins including three offensive bonuses, Ireland could even beat a new record.
By beating England in Dublin on Saturday with the offensive bonus, the current leader of the Tournament (19 points out of a possible 20) would obtain eight points (four for the victory, one for the offensive bonus and three for the Grand Slam bonus).
Unheard of in the history of the competition since no team has managed to score more than 26 points.
Just that.
Andy Farrell, the providential man
"
They are wickedly dangerous and they have very good players
," Irish prop Cian Healy (12 caps) told AFP.
“
We expect a rebound from them.
We're not going to say to ourselves 'it's going to be fine for us'.
It would be stupid of us
,” added the solid Leinster player.
Distrust therefore, even if, at home, the XV of Clover is simply intractable.
The Greens have won their last 13 matches in a row at the Aviva Stadium.
The last defeat dating back to 2021 and a setback against the XV of France (13-15).
This success, the XV of Clover owes it to a man: Andy Farrell.
The former England international has won 27 of his 34 matches since taking over as coach.
Accompanied by ex-international Mike Catt (75 caps) but also Irish legend Paul O'Connell (108 caps), the Irish staff brought disconcerting stability and regularity.
One thing is certain, Andy Farrell will not be giving a gift to his son Owen – captain and starter at the opening with the XV de la Rose – and to his former selection this Saturday.
