Tony Ward: World cup alarm bells ring after scrum woes exposed
If you have to experience the lows to truly appreciate the highs, the past few days have certainly cast an even rosier light on Irish rugby's extraordinary achievements of 2009. Short of winning the World Cup, I doubt we will ever witness its like again.
But one year on, it's the French who are well on top. In the Six Nations showdown in Paris in February, and in both Heineken Cup semi-finals as well as the Amlin Challenge Cup penultimate round, they have reconfirmed their dominance over the Irish in the most emphatic way.
Even at this distance, France can be underlined as serious contenders for next year's World Cup.
Could we have said the same about Ireland a year ago? Despite the understandable euphoria of success, no, no and no again. Winning the Grand Slam was a magnificent achievement but in the context of the World Cup more than two years out, it was meaningless in the extreme -- good for our self-esteem as a rugby nation but nothing more.
Declan Kidney's side did not become potential World Cup-winners on the back of last year's Six Nations success, any more than they have become no-hopers or also-rans now. We are fifth in the IRB world rankings behind New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and France, and I think that's a fair assessment as to where we are.
On Super 14 evidence, all three southern hemisphere countries appear in pretty good nick but with Australia making the most obvious progress.
Failings
Here, certain parallels with Irish rugby hold. On the field, Australia's scrum failings have been addressed, while off it they are increasing their Super Rugby involvement from four franchises to five.
If we are to make realistic progress in New Zealand -- and that equates to qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time -- then we must beat the Wallabies in Auckland in the second group game. If we lose to Australia, we could even struggle to make the last eight, bearing in mind we face the Italians in Dunedin in the final pool game.
Defeat to the Wallabies followed by victory over the Azzurri would most likely set up a clash with the Springboks in Wellington, and I would have to favour the reigning world champions in that scenario.
All of which makes the clash with twice-winners Australia the key to our World Cup.
Before that, of course, is the upcoming tour to New Zealand and Australia, and while options are clearly limited, it is time for front-row experimentation.
John Hayes has one more World Cup in him provided he is handled in the right way. Were he to be given the summer off to recharge the batteries, it would have the added effect of declaring to those props who do travel that this is the definitive chance to stake their claim.
Take your pick from Marcus Horan, Cian Healy, Mike Ross, Tony Buckley, Tom Court, Brett Wilkinson, Bryan Young, Jamie Hagan and Timmy Ryan but were the call mine, given the seriousness of the problem I would bring most if not all for the four-match tour (the Barbarians match in Limerick included).
What better place than New Zealand training-fields, where top-class scrummaging opposition can be brought in, to develop relatively inexperienced props?
The scrum is about so much more than the front row alone but in both Heineken Cup semi-finals, our limitations were exposed brutally. It was not the sole reason for Munster and Leinster coming second but a major contributing factor. Alarm bells are ringing. In order to avoid a repeat of France '07 it is essential they are answered.
Connacht too gave it a right good lash at the Sportsground on Friday. Defeat to Toulon made for a most disappointing end to a season which 10 days ago had promised so much. In the course of a week, the Heineken breakthrough that departing coach Michael Bradley had craved as his legacy was closed off on all three fronts.
Whether by piggy-backing on Leinster or Munster, or under their own steam, I would dearly love to have seen them make it; alas, it was not to be. Their failure to qualify for the Heineken Cup, though, must not ease the pressure on the IRFU. If Australia can go the extra mile for a fifth professional franchise, then we can certainly pull out the stops for a fourth -- one that has a natural identity, history and tradition already in place.
Qualification for the Heineken Cup would have forced the Union's hand but apparently a watershed decision is imminent anyway. The Union's main concern is marketing, or lack of it. Brand Connacht must follow the same route as the other three if it is to prove itself a viable professional concern. The very least Connacht rugby deserves is that opportunity.
The Galway-based perception must be loosened in whatever way it can. Eric Elwood is an iconic figure, one who epitomises what Connacht rugby is all about. He is one of the West's own, but he is sensible enough to appreciate the need to widen the commercial net way beyond its current limited appeal.
Mind you, if Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan gets his way, however well intentioned his comments on free-to-air, there'll be no decision necessary. We can kiss Connacht goodbye right now and the other three can prepare to scrap it out consistently in the basement of the Magners League.
I hate TV authorities calling the shots but that is the reality of professional sport everywhere. It is the essential component without which rugby cannot exist.
Last weekend was hugely disappointing but Munster and Leinster have not got to where they are by chance. It has taken heavy investment at every level for which the IRFU deserve credit. Under Philip Browne, particularly since the game went open, the Union has served Irish rugby well. We need measured leadership now more than ever. A fourth strong province can only add to our power as a rugby nation
At least let us have an end to this wounded animal syndrome. Either inject Connacht rugby with new life or put the professional arm out of its misery.
- Tony Ward
Irish Independent
