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O'Driscoll gives his verdict on Ireland's Grand Slam bid

By Russell Greaves
Ireland celebrate a try against Wales

Brian O’Driscoll has backed Ireland to claim their first Grand Slam since 2009, but warned that England will be out for revenge.

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Joe Schmidt’s side are on track for a clean sweep at this year’s Natwest 6 Nations, while England’s loss to Scotland last time out ended their hopes.

But the title is still up for grabs heading into the penultimate round of games, when Ireland host Scotland and Eddie Jones’ men travel to France.

Twickenham will then host what could be a decisive contest in the last set of fixtures, when Ireland legend O’Driscoll believes his compatriots could end a nine-year wait for a Slam, having dashed England’s dreams of achieving the feat in 2017.

“Provided the job gets done against Scotland at home I think this team has a steeliness and a resolve to them,” O’Driscoll told Omnisport, speaking courtesy of the Laureus World Sports Awards, when asked of Ireland’s Grand Slam chances.

“I think they make themselves hard to beat, don’t concede a lot and pretty good at taking their opportunities.

“That all said it is one of the more of the difficult places to go and play in Twickenham. We denied England the grand slam last year, is it their turn to return the favour?

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“I think if Ireland want to do anything in the World Cup in 18 months’ time they’re going to have to go Twickenham and perform well, let that take care of the result, but I certainly wouldn’t be one to bet against them.”

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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