We have an England v Ireland prediction for you from former Irish international Luke Fitzgerald.
The former Leinster star has shot down talk of a double digits win for Ireland in Twickenham while pinpointing 3 key areas in which England could exploit Ireland.
He also gave us his take on where he thinks Ireland went wrong at the Rugby World Cup, a player that he thinks should be starting for Ireland and the one factor that Andy Farrell embraces that Joe Schmidt didn’t.
Ireland Will Be Nervous About an England Backlash – But They Are A Far Better Team
Twickenham will always have that trepidation factor for Ireland. Traditionally it has been a difficult place to go but of late that fear factor has diminished. Ireland will be nervous about how backed into a corner this English team is. They could face a backlash.
There has been a lot of chat in Ireland this week about who if any of the England team would get into the Irish side. I have never heard that sort of rhetoric before an England v Ireland match.
We are normally the underdog. Now we are the justifiable favourites.
Ireland look far more comfortable in their game plan. They understand what they are trying to do in different parts of the pitch. In phase play, when it is unstructured, the Irish team has a way of playing; they know each other’s game very well.
Their skill sets are further on from the English too. If they see a gap and an area they want to target, the ball does get there with this Irish team. It’s not dissimilar to the great New Zealand and Australia sides of old.
Everyone is comfortable with ball in hand and can make a pass, throw a dummy, and has good footwork. They know more about themselves than England who, especially in attack, look muddled. As a cohesive unit there is a big disparity in terms of where both teams are at.
Ireland are clear favourites and would have to play poorly to lose.
*Ireland are -12-point favourites against England per our rugby betting odds at BoyleSports.
3 Weaknesses That England Can Exploit
There is a way in for England which won’t be very appealing but could be effective. Referees still have doubts about how the Irish scrum. England will target that area and they would be right to.
Ireland’s line out, which has been a traditional strength, has been vulnerable, and Wales competed brilliantly there.
Given Steve Borthwick is an expert in his lineout knowledge that is an area I would target as well and force Ireland to throw to the back of the lineout.
If Hugo Keenan, who is the best fullback in the world in my opinion, doesn't play, then I would attack in the air 100%, sending high balls. There is nothing that saps a team’s confidence more than not being able to take those high balls.
The physical battle will be so important. England will show up big there.
But Ireland will win because they are more comfortable in their own skin, they are further down the tracks, are more experienced and have better quality at this level. England will come out fighting and it will be a massively physical encounter. But Ireland will prevail.
Ireland Tried To Be Too Clever At The Rugby World Cup
I think they have simplified things, and they are a lot crisper. At the World Cup Ireland were trying to be a little bit too smart.
Their timing is much better now. If Ireland stick to that and get clean ball, they are a real attacking force with so many weapons.
James Ryan Should Start
He would be starting in the team for me, but what a luxury to have him on your bench.
Beirne and McCarthy have started so well together Ryan will have to wait for an injury or a bad game which hasn’t happened yet.
I love Ryan; he is one of my favourite players. I have loved his battles with Itoje over the years.
Ireland’s Love For Andy Farrell
He is the perfect guy to take Joe Scmidt’s learnings and take Ireland to a different place. He has a mixture of intensity and laid-back persona and is a guy who you would follow into battle.
He is also very technical and he has the buy-in from the players. They just love him and love being in camp. Cian Healey says it is the best environment he has ever been involved with.
He has done something special. The Irish love the tough humble northern English hard-nosed individual with an appropriate mindset, but also a man of the people. Stuart Lancaster is the same. They are guys built to lead Irish teams. We love Andy Farrell. He has made a tweak to the Irish mindset.
Rugby Australia have made the best decision ever in picking Joe Schmidt as their head coach.
He is one of the best capable of building from the ground up. Farrell has tackled a couple of things. One thing I love about him is that he has embraced chaos.
Schmidt is unbelievably organised but if something did not go according to plan, it would cause consternation. Farrell is brilliant at seeing the best in any situation. He has changed the mindset. A setback is also an opportunity.
The players really believe in him, they love wearing the jersey, they love fighting for each other. Levels continue to go up.
England v Ireland Prediction
Ireland by five at least. People are talking about double digits and point to Ireland’s amazing run. I don’t see it. A five-point win at Twickenham is still a big win.
*Back Ireland to win by 1-12 points at 7/4 with our rugby odds at BoyleSports.
*Simon Zebo was bullish about how Ireland will fare in his England v Ireland prediction where he predicted a record win for the Irish in Twickenham.
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
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