Last year Six Nations 2010: Rugby Six Nations 2nd place behind Grand Slam winners France, the Irish had a hot and cold Championship that was good in London but unfortunately poor in Paris. That 33-10 demolition at Stade de France showed just how far Les Bleus were ahead of their rivals and despite beating England at Twickenham, the Irish campaign ended terribly with a 23-20 defeat to Scotland.
This year Six Nations 2011: Ireland will be quietly confident of reclaiming the title they won back in 2009 as their draw cannot be sniffed at. Home ties against France and England will encourage both management and supporters alike and if they can avoid any slip-ups in Italy and Scotland - a tough ask - then they have a big chance of lifting a trophy. Brian O'Driscoll, Jonathan Sexton and Jamie Heaslip will be key as we expect that the off-loading game of Leinster to shine. One big question that needs answering though is whether Declan Kidney believes it is time for David Wallace to step aside for Sean O'Brien, once Stephen Ferris returns from injury.
Coach Six Nations 2011: Softly-spoken Declan Kidney took over after a disastrous 2007 World Cup, which saw the country fail to make the knockout stages, followed by further Six Nations woe under Eddie O'Sullivan. The latter had to go and announced his resignation in March 2008 after winning three Triple Crowns in his seven-year tenure. His successor has a knack of winning big trophies, however, and Kidney's record with Munster has transferred to Ireland as they claimed the Grand Slam in 2009. Last year's championship saw them finish in defeat at home to Scotland, hinting that it might be time for Kidney to go with the youth.
Captain: Star centre Brian O'Driscoll was appointed to lead Ireland after the retirement of legendary hooker Keith Wood following the 2003 RWC. Probably the best backline player in world rugby, 'BOD' has shown before that captaincy brings out the best in his play, which could only be a good thing for Irish rugby. He was also British & Irish Lions captain on the 2005 tour to New Zealand, and the serious shoulder injury he suffered has not hampered his form since. South Africa in 2009 saw that. Still the darling of Irish rugby.
Player to watch Six Nations 2011: The back-row has been a strong area for Ireland in recent seasons and the next one off the conveyor belt is someone to watch. Sean O'Brien has been doing the business for Leinster and has been backed in many corners to start for his country this Six Nations. Whether he can usurp David Wallace is difficult to say but on form, he should start.
Fixtures Six Nations 2011:
Saturday 5th Feb: vs Italy -- Stadio Flaminio
Sunday 13th Feb: vs France -- Aviva Stadium
Sunday 27th Feb: vs Scotland -- Murrayfield
Saturday 12th Mar: vs Wales -- Millennium Stadium
Saturday 19th Mar: vs England -- Aviva Stadium
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