Six Nations preview: Ireland

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll and coach Declan Kidney pose with the Six Nations trophy. Photo / Getty Images

An ageing side, past its sell-by date? Or one with enough talent to be able to raise one last hurrah in 2011, Rugby World Cup year?

As ever with an Irish team, you never quite know what to expect. Granted, they may not be in the French class of unpredictability, but perhaps not that far off. Two years ago, Ireland won a first Grand Slam in the 6 Nations for 61 years. A key reason was playing arguably
their toughest opponents, France and England, in Dublin.

That happens again this year and the advantage is obvious. Yet some see only decline just around the corner.

Much of that critical viewpoint is forged upon a weakness in the front row, long acknowledged by outsiders but strangely overlooked by the Irish coaching hierarchy. You could say they have been in denial for too long, but now events must surely force their hand.

They cannot go on any longer with John Hayes; for sure, a wonderful servant but a player who's day is done. Others must be tried, notably Mike Ross, a tight head whom former Harlequins rugby director Dean Richards always insisted was a potential international tight head.

The move should have been made last year but was delayed. And if it isn't Ross, it must be Ulster's Tom Court who can play both sides.

Reasons can be found all over this Ireland side to justify the view that this is a team in decline. Yet I don't necessarily buy that argument. Brian O'Driscoll may be 32 but his form for Leinster in the first half of the season has been immense. And there are enough thrusting young bucks, the likes of Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Jonathan Sexton, Sean O'Brien, Fergus McFadden and others to breathe new life into this Irish squad.

But much will depend upon what game plan is chosen. Will they opt for pace and dynamism, basing their approach on the Leinster model? Or will Kidney be conservative, retaining the tried and trusted philosophy of caution?

For me, Ireland has a vibrant, exciting, dynamic role model staring it in the face. Furthermore, all the Leinster representatives in the national squad have embraced it and become comfortable with it. That style, encouraged by Leinster's New Zealand coach Joe Schmidt, acknowledges the attacking possibilities of the new law interpretations. It has made Leinster the most impressive side in Europe so far this season.

But can the Irish coaching squad transfer it into the national team? Therein, surely, lies the key to Ireland's fortunes. If players are given their heads, I insist there is sufficient talent and ball skills in this squad to make Ireland a potent force. No-one is yet forecasting a second Grand Slam in three years but I'll tell you this - neither England nor France will be licking their lips at a trip to Dublin.

The French match at Lansdowne Road may hold the key to Ireland's whole season. If they win that one, assuming they have beaten Italy in the first game, they can build on a momentum. Scotland and Wales will be tricky, but by no means unbeatable.

A successful season means the likes of Tommy Bowe, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney need to return as quickly as possible. And a dilemma must also be solved at half-back. Again, it depends on the preferred playing style but if Ireland are to seek a wide game based on pace and rapid re-cycling, Peter Stringer is probably still the best bet for his superior pass.

Many imponderables and uncertainties, then, but it is always so with Ireland. Yet do not overlook the quality at their disposal.

Shirt colour: Green
Coach: Declan Kidney
Captain: Brian O'Driscoll
2010 season: 2nd
2011 season forecast: Joint 2nd