Ireland Looks To Finally Taste Grand Slam Success

An Irish Grand Slam—they are heady words indeed for any Irishman. Only once has the team from the Emerald Isles had the privilege, and that was back in 1948. 

With the exception of Italy, every team in the Six Nations has amassed many more of what is arguably Europe’s greatest accolade. 

Current champions Wales have achieved it 10 times and even Scotland has three, but Ireland has been agonisingly close in recent years.

In 2006 and 2007, only losses to France and an inferior points difference cost them the Slam. In 2003 and 2004, again solitary losses stood between Ireland and the European double of a Six Nations championship and Grand Slam.

Five times in the last eight years this talented Irish team has fallen at the final hurdle, but this year their perennial conquerors of such ambitions have been vanquished. 

Victories over France and England in this championship again have Ireland on the verge of history. But when reflecting on the past, one cannot help but wonder if Ireland approach Murrayfield with nervous anticipation. 

In 2001, after winning their first four matches, they arrived in Edinburgh only needing to defeat Scotland to take the title and Slam.

In the previous year, Ireland had finally beaten Scotland, halting a 13-match losing streak stretching back to 1989. 

Just as the Irish were beginning to evolve into arguably the finest side to wear the famous green, a fierce Scottish team hammered them 32-10 in what has been termed "the foot and mouth fumble."

Ireland has lost only once to Scotland since that match in September 2001, and is on a seven-match winning streak against them in Six Nations matches.

Some might think that this is the last chance saloon for Ireland, but under Coach Declan Kidney they appear to be growing in mental strength. 

For a long time, this Irish team has had the players to compete with the best in the world, but there seemed to be steel that was talked but not so often walked.

In a sense, Ireland had become the chokers of world rugby.

When it comes to character-defining achievements, it is apt to look at the other demon that Ireland has struggled to conquer outside of the Six Nations.

The demon of a team clad in Black.

The All Blacks remain the only team in world rugby that the Irish have not beaten, and in reality they should have done it in recent years. 

While they have ushered some fearsome hidings to Ireland in their 22 clashes, New Zealand were in positions to lose at home in both matches in 2006 and in 2008.

But despite the confidence that has permeated the Irish camp, they could never seal the deal. In a sense, they never really believed.

No doubt Scotland and Wales, who will be hosting the Irish, will present formidable opposition to the Grand Slammers elect.

Ireland has the arsenal to defeat both of these teams. Their old guard, their veteran division, is in fine touch, led by Brian O’Driscoll, who is having his best season in years. 

Equally the rising of the next generation, highlighted by Rob Kearney and Stephen Ferris, ensures that Irish rugby is in good health, buttressed by the might of provinces such as Leinster and Munster.

It is insulting to say that Scotland and Wales are mere road bumps, but again, one feels that the only ones to defeat the Irish will be themselves.