Originally posted by trevor33
explain why you think they are over-rated?
Over the past fix or six years each and every six nations I have heard the same rhetoric, this is Irelands year. I don't disagree that the Irish team has some very talented players, some of the best in the world even, but collectively as a team they are not as good as everyone makes out they are. They have been courted as this great side, but quite simply great sides win tournaments, they have been close to winning the six nations for a number of years, but failed. Their world cup record is less impressive. The All Blacks are regarded by a lot as the best side in the world, although I know a number of Springbok that would argue that point. Why are the NZs so desperate to take home the world cup? 20 Years being regarded as one of the greatest, if not the, rugby nation and not a world cup to lament such a claim.
Ireland had their best chance at Crooke Park to win the six nations and grand slam this year, they squandered it to the French. They can't cross the line and win, they are a good team, but I am bored of hearing how well they will do in each and every six nations and now the world cup, sorry they don’t deserve such a build up.
Ireland cannot win this world cup, they will at best get to the quarter finals, where they will meet the All Blacks and crash out, that is if they manage to beat Argentina, and last world cup they only managed to scrape that one, the Irish line up hasn’t shifted a whole lot since then where the Argentineans have improved greatly.
I can’t argue the Irish backs are not up to it, they are fantastic and they have one of the best second rows in the world, what I’m saying is in sport you can have all the talent in the world, but without the mentality you’ll get no where. And that is what marks a champion team or sportsman, those who don’t fall short when the question is asked or freeze at the last.
If I were Irish I would be worried as I feel their best chance at winning a six nations is about to pass them by, England will not do so good in this world cup (semis at best) and bounce back in the six nations, France will be under new management after the world cup so who knows, Italy getting better, Scotland showing signs they can compete (well maybe!) and Wales….well issues there so anyone’s guess really, the six nations to come are going to be tough affairs.
I guess after all I have said you could turn around and say they are still a great team but underachieved, maybe, but no one remembers those teams.