O'Connell: 'We're still going strong'
Ireland second row Paul O’Connell has dismissed suggestions that impending retirements will provide the motivation for Saturday’s crunch RBS 6 Nations showdown against Wales.
With some members of the Triple Crown holders’ pack nearing the end of their Test careers, speculation has been mounting that the Millennium Stadium appointment could be the current squad's last match together.
The 26-19 defeat by France on Saturday ended Ireland’s Grand Slam dream and raised doubts over the future of a side which has produced one of the most successful periods in the nation’s rugby history.
Victory over Wales – who are gunning for their own tournament clean sweep - would mark a fitting Test farewell in Irish colours for veterans such as Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan and Anthony Foley.
But O’Connell, at 25 the second youngest member of Ireland’s pack, insists the subject has not been raised and blamed the talk on his side’s transformation into serious title contenders.
He said: “There may be one or two guys maximum who are looking at their last shout, but I don’t think anyone has thought about retiring.
“Just because of one loss everyone looks at the side as if it’s going to break up.
“That’s strange and there’s certainly no motivation to be had from the idea of people retiring because there’s been no discussion of that happening so far.
“I guess it’s all part of the expectation which now surrounds this team – we lose to France by seven points and there is a big outcry over it.
“That doesn’t bother us though. It’s the pressure we want and it comes with being a good team.
“Hopefully we can deal with that pressure and turn it around against Wales.”
Ireland can successfully defend their Triple Crown on Saturday while the championship title is also up for grabs in Cardiff, and both achievements would reflect well on Eddie O’Sullivan’s men.
But although O’Connell covets these prizes, the towering Munster lock insists Irish sights must be trained on winning Grand Slams as frequently as possible.
He continued: “We still have a championship and Triple Crown to win but because of the success of recent years it’s a disappointment that that’s all we’re playing for at this stage,” he said.
“Back-to-back Triple Crowns would be a fabulous achievement for us and we haven’t lost focus on that. Triple Crowns don’t come around that often so it would be great to do that.
“But this is a team that wants to be in a position to win Grand Slams every year – that’s why we found the defeat by France so disappointing.”
Ireland began the tournament as favourites but Wales have since usurped their throne with magnificent performances against England and France helping them to the brink of Grand Slam glory.
Brian O’Driscoll and Co have not looked entirely convincing – they made Italy look better than they are, started slowly against Scotland, just edged past a weak England side on home soil and were outclassed by France.
In contrast, Wales have built up momentum ever since upsetting England in their Six Nations opener and O’Connell, who will win his 29th cap on Saturday, admits they are the team to beat.
He said: “Wales thrive on confidence.
“They’ve been knocking on the door of claiming a big scalp for some time and got the breakthrough at the start of the championship when they beat England.
“They have been playing a lot better since doing that. The confidence gained from beating England allowed them to come through the French game when they were under severe pressure and it looked like they were going to get swamped.
“They played very well against Scotland – off-loading constantly, always looking to pass and keep the ball alive.
“They try to avoid rucks and anything that will slow the ball down. They can tear you to pieces if you give them the space.”
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