Could Ireland win it?
As a bit of fun, Matt from greenandgoldrugby.com has asked Bloggers from around the world to give 5 reasons their respective countries can win the World Cup next month… As far-fetched as this sounds for Ireland, have a read of my top 5 reasons and feel free to add yours in the comments…
1. Element of Surprise:
With their dismal warm-up games which gave nothing away tactically, they may take the world by surprise. While we all know exactly what Australia can do after the Tri Nations games where they threw everything they had against New Zealand, we didn’t reveal a single back line move in our warm-up! (where is the sarcasm symbol?)
2. Experience:
Ireland are the eldest squad competing in this World Cup, average age of 29. This ‘Golden Generation’ group of players have won 3 from the last 4 European Cup competitions, and were Six Nations Grand Slam winners two seasons ago, it’s time to take this success to the next level and win a World Cup.
3. Last chance saloon:
The majority of this same group of players are playing in their last World Cup and will want to go out with a bang, the psychological scars from Ireland’s disappointing performance in the 2007 competition are still fresh in their memories.
4. The Tullow Tank:
Every World Cup has a player that stands out from the rest and captures the minds of rugby fans worldwide, I think this tournament Sean O’Brien could be that player. The explosive Leinster back-row, named European Player of the year 2011 is crucial to Ireland’s success and if Ireland properly support and utilize him, he can change games.
5. Support:
Official figures of how many Irish fans are traveling are patchy at best, latest estimates are 5,000 traveling, but this group is dwarfed compared to the amount of Irish fans that are already in New Zealand and Australia that will be attending the games. Irish games were the second fastest selling games behind the hosts New Zealand. Lets get the party started!
Check out the opposition’s 5 reasons why they will win the World Cup (will add more as they are published)
Why South Africa will win the World Cup
Why Wales will win the World Cup
Why England will win the World Cup
Why France will win the World Cup
[...] Ireland [...]
[...] now the Irish version. The only thing that would give me pleasure other than a Bok win would be an Irish win. I’d [...]
[...] Ireland, South Africa, Wales [...]