In a thrilling and tension-filled match, Ireland secured their fourth ever Grand Slam title, triumphing over England with a 29-16 bonus point victory in Dublin. Despite a challenging six-day turnaround and an English side determined to demonstrate that they were not in Dublin to make up the numbers, Ireland dug deep into their mental resilience to overcome some early problems and ultimately emerge victorious.

The match was rife with uncharacteristic errors as a result of some intense defensive tactics from England, making the win all the more impressive for the Irish squad. England were reduced to 14 men in the first half, after Freddie Steward made contact with Hugo Keenan’s head. 

It proved a game-changing moment as England were left with little option but to slow the game down and try to contain Ireland. Ireland pulled away in the last 20 minutes as England wilted from the pressures of trying to play Test rugby with a man down and Ireland went on to record an epic tournament success. 

Ireland’s dominating performance in the Six Nations championship has cemented their status as the team to beat in the rugby world. Andy Farrell and his team deserve immense credit for their outstanding efforts and strategic brilliance.  As the 2023 World Cup draws close Ireland enters as heavy favourites, poised to make a significant impact on the tournament.

This championship has provided Farrell with an invaluable depth of talent that has been lacking in previous World Cup campaigns. Historically, Ireland has struggled in knockout games, failing to reach a World Cup semi-final. However, this current squad, with its blend of high paced rugby style, has the potential to overcome the psychological barriers that have held Irish teams back in the past.

As Ireland looks forward to the World Cup, the focus must not be merely on participation, but on the ultimate prize: lifting the trophy. With the calibre of players at their disposal and a newfound winning mentality, there is every reason to believe that this Irish team can make history and bring home their first World Cup title.

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Entering this year’s Six Nations as the world’s top-ranked rugby nation, Ireland had high expectations to meet from their supporters and themselves. So when Johnny Sexton, in his final Six Nations appearance, lifted the trophy at the Aviva Stadium, it was a clear statement that Ireland could be the team to beat in the upcoming World Cup. The coaching staff from South Africa and New Zealand were watching from the stands in Dublin and they may now consider Ireland their most formidable opponent.

But, long before the difficulties against England, the journey to Six Nations glory was far from smooth. Ireland faced numerous obstacles and challenges, which they hope will ultimately serve as ideal preparation for the World Cup. 

From the the extraordinary situation in Murrayfield, where a substitute prop played hooker for the first time since his schoolboy days, and the World Player of the Year openside threw lineout balls for 40 minutes, to the epic battle against pre-tournament favourites France and then to a tense Lansdowne Road on Saturday, Ireland demonstrated their resilience and adaptability.

The team’s depth was also tested, as a series of soft tissue injuries side-lined several key players. However, this setback proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it provided opportunities for emerging talents like McCloskey, Byrne, Casey, Herring, O’Toole and Baird to prove they could hold their own at the highest level. Ireland’s success was built upon a foundation of critical elements that allowed them to rise to the top. 

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Ireland’s try of the Six Nations

Ireland sent a powerful message to France while drawing inspiration from Joe Schmidt’s playbook, when executing this brilliant try, reminiscent of those seen against the likes of England and Stade Francais. Ireland proved they were more prepared than their opponents, and the try demonstrated their ability to break through Shaun Edwards’ formidable defensive tactics.

The memorable play began as Ireland’s James Lowe received a goal-line dropout from the French. Lowe swiftly passed to Hugo Keenan, who located Doris, taking the ball into contact just beyond the 10-metre line. With Finley Bealham filling in for the injured Furlong, the stage was set for this well-executed move. Bealham quickly assumed his position on the left side of the ruck, while Keenan concealed himself on the opposite side. As Murray passed the ball to Bealham, he looped around Bealham. The French defence, focusing on Bealham, left a gaping hole inside their first defender. Bealham capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a masterful pass to Keenan, who raced through the French defence at full speed and finished under the posts for Ireland’s first try.

The strategic genius of Joe Schmidt, Ireland’s former head coach, was on full display during this stunning play. It demonstrated Ireland’s tactical prowess and set them up for a great performance.

Embracing adversity

As the World Cup draws near, Ireland have established themselves as a force, with vital ingredients added. Ireland demonstrated an unwavering ability to adapt to challenging situations and overcome adversity. This trait will undoubtedly serve them well on the World Cup stage.

This was never more true than it was against England. All through the tournament, Andy Farrell has wanted that adversity and as preparation for a World Cup quarter final, the Grand Slam decider might have brought every bit of adversity to the fore during that impossibly tense first half.

Throughout the tournament, the squad depth was exposed to a significant role, as injuries provided an opportunity for new players to step up and prove their worth. This showcased the strength and depth of Irish rugby talent. Ireland’s tactical adaptation was outstanding in this year’s tournament. The coaching staff and players demonstrated their ability to adjust strategies and tactics to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. This skill will be crucial in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

They also showed an unrelenting determination that was a vital piece of the puzzle. The never-say-die attitude of this team, exemplified by the leadership of Johnny Sexton, carried them through the toughest moments and inspired their teammates to fight for every point. 

Ireland’s Six Nations victory was a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. With the World Cup on the horizon, Ireland has sent a clear message to the rugby world: they are a force to be reckoned with. 

A squad effort

Throughout this year’s tournament, Ireland utilized 32 players, providing invaluable experience and allowing coach Farrell to assess who can perform at the highest level of competition. As the countdown to the World Cup begins, this strategic move promises to strengthen the Irish squad and enhance their readiness for the global stage.

The provincial impact

As the dust settles on Ireland's remarkable Grand Slam triumph in the 2023 Six Nations Championship, it is important to acknowledge the instrumental role played by the four provincial head coaches Andy Friend, Graham Rowntree, Dan McFarland and Leo Cullen, in shaping the team's success. Andy Farrell would be wise to send a case of champagne to each of them in recognition of their tireless efforts in developing the players and laying the groundwork for this monumental victory.

The environments cultivated by the four provincial head coaches have been pivotal in honing the technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects of the players' development. The high-quality training and nurturing provided by these coaches have undoubtedly contributed to the stellar performances on display throughout the tournament.

Special recognition must be given to Leinster's Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster, whose influence on the Irish squad cannot be overstated. Of the players selected by Farrell, 19 hail from Leinster, with a staggering 12 featuring in the starting line-up in the final match against England (even with Garry Ringrose side-lined due to injury).

This strong Leinster presence has been invaluable in fostering continuity and understanding among the players, a luxury few international teams possess. It is no coincidence that France, the other standout team in this year's championship, also boasts a significant contingent of players from a single club – 11 from Toulouse.

The Irish team's attacking and defensive structures owe much to the Cullen/Lancaster playbook. While most international teams grapple with establishing their strategies within the limited time frames of international windows, the majority of Farrell's squad has the advantage of regularly playing together outside these periods.

Paul O'Connell's influence is visible in some subtle alterations to the lineout structure, but the core elements of the team's approach remain firmly rooted in the Cullen/Lancaster philosophy. This consistency has been a key factor in the team's cohesion and success.

Farrell deserves credit for recognizing and embracing the fortunate situation he finds himself in. By building on the foundations laid by the provincial head coaches, particularly Cullen and Lancaster, he has created a formidable team that has captured the Grand Slam title and the hearts of fans across the nation.

Ireland's defence

A key highlight of this year's tournament was Ireland's remarkable defence, boasting the fewest points conceded among all participating teams. The timing of these conceded points further emphasizes the team's prowess, with only 10 points allowed in the final quarter across all games. This achievement reflects an exceptional combination of physical and mental fortitude, and demonstrates the significant impact that substitutes bring to the Irish side.

Ireland's discipline

In a remarkable display of discipline and self-control, Ireland stood out as the only team in this year's championship to not receive any cards. The squad's unwavering focus on maintaining an impeccable disciplinary record was a key factor in their success, as they conceded just 44 penalties across five games. This extraordinary achievement, not only reflects the team's commitment to fair play, but also serves as a testament to the coaching staff's efforts in instilling a strong sense of discipline throughout the tournament. 

Death Zone Rugby

When Stuart Lancaster joined Leinster's coaching staff nearly seven years ago, he brought with him a training intensity that left many players reeling. As they recount, his initial training sessions pushed them to their physical and mental limits, forcing them to adapt and survive or risk being side-lined in the new era of Irish rugby.

Lancaster's coaching methodology, which emphasizes the development of a team's tactical and strategic capabilities through the integration of game situations and physical demands, shares similarities with approaches popularised by renowned soccer coaches like José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. This comprehensive training has led to the creation of a highly trained Irish squad, capable of meeting and even surpassing the demands of the game.

When France arrived in Dublin to face this formidable Irish side, they soon discovered they were ill-prepared for the physical and mental onslaught that awaited them. The match could be likened to an Everest climber reaching the infamous Death Zone at 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are insufficient to sustain human life for an extended period. France found itself pitted against a team well-versed in playing rugby at its most extreme.

The Ball-in-Play time during that game reached a staggering 46 minutes and 10 seconds, compared to the average of 35 minutes. This elevated intensity, as "Death Zone Rugby," proved too much for France to handle. It is clear that no team can compete with Ireland when they reach this level of relentless, high-intensity play. 

Ireland's ascent to the heights of Death Zone Rugby can be attributed to the transformative influence of Stuart Lancaster and his coaching methods. His unwavering commitment to pushing players beyond their limits, both physically and mentally, has forged a team capable of dominating the international rugby scene. As the Irish squad continues to climb, the rugby world watches in awe, wondering who, if anyone, can survive alongside them in the rarefied air of Death Zone Rugby.