Rugby Union Powerhouse Ireland Marches Towards Historic Back-to-Back Grand Slams

As Ireland’s rugby union team prepares to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, former Irish captain Rory Best believes Andy Farrell’s side is on the cusp of cementing their status as one of the greatest of the modern era.

After their Six Nations Grand Slam triumph in 2023 and three consecutive bonus-point wins over France, Italy, and Wales this year, Ireland is on course to achieve a remarkable feat – back-to-back clean sweeps in the tournament. No team has accomplished this in the history of the Six Nations since Italy joined the competition.

“If they win back-to-back Grand Slams, I think you have to put this Ireland team up there with one of the best of the modern era,” said Best, who himself won four Six Nations titles and two clean sweeps during his illustrious career.

The former hooker believes that Ireland’s seamless transition from their disappointing 2023 World Cup quarter-final exit to the start of the Six Nations has been remarkable. “They’ve understood it’s a new start and I don’t think Andy would have allowed any of the players or staff to feel sorry for themselves,” he added.

While Ireland’s World Cup record remains a “blot on their copybook,” with no Ireland side having made it past the quarter-final stage, Best is confident that Farrell’s current crop can surpass even the lofty standards set by the legendary England team of 2003 that won a World Cup.

“There’s no doubt about it because no-one has done it before. The big question mark for Irish people is can you set this team alongside Martin Johnson’s England side of 2003?” he said.

Ireland’s dominance in the northern hemisphere has been evident in this year’s Six Nations, with their bonus-point victories over France, Italy, and Wales leaving the opposition in awe. Best believes that the “level of performance against France was right up there in terms of quality that hasn’t been replicated since.”

However, the former captain warns that the job is “only really half done” for Ireland, with two tough tests against England and Scotland still to come. He believes Twickenham will be a particularly difficult challenge, as away victories in the Six Nations are “very, very tough to come by.”

In preparation for the clash against England, Best has identified the key areas where Ireland will need to excel. “It’s all about the gainline. If you give Ireland the gainline, they’re very, very difficult to stop,” he said, adding that winning the breakdown battle will also be crucial.

As Ireland stands on the brink of making Six Nations history, rugby union enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of their clash with England at Twickenham. With the bbc rugby union, rugby union gameplay, rugby union scores, and rugby union news surrounding this momentous occasion, the stage is set for a truly captivating encounter.

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