ROG demands consistency from Ireland
Ronan O'Gara has said consistency is key for Ireland heading into the start of the RBS 6 Nations this weekend.
Since retiring O'Gara has become Jonathan Sexton's kicking coach at Racing Metro in Paris.
He had also done some television work for RTÉ during the disappointing November international series.
O'Gara believes there is Grand Slam winning potential written all over the squad but added it won't be achieved until Ireland develop a winning mentality.
"The Australia game was so disappointing and then New Zealand was so good. What's been missing for the past few years has been consistency," O'Gara said.
"That's the challenge for this 6 Nations, but I see no reason why it can't be there. I think the players are there, the coaching ticket is there and I think the support from the public will be there which is crucial. I think when you have those three ingredients, everything is possible.
"The fixtures have fallen nicely; Scotland, Wales and you could be going to Twickenham, potentially, for a Triple Crown. Then Italy, you have to win that game and hopefully you're looking at a potential championship or GS game against France," continued the former Munster legend.
At the beginning of this week Brian O'Driscoll, who becomes Ireland's most capped player on Sunday against Scotland, admitted that with all the quality the other nations bring to the table, it's hard to see the tournament ending with a Grandslam.
"Yeah, but that (quality) is always there. I think that's why it is such a special thing, why it is so hard to do? But Ireland need to be doing that more," O’Gara reacted.
"I think Scotland have four Grand Slams in their history, Ireland have two. We need to address that. I think the fascinating thing about Joe Schmidt is that I don't think you need to be in contention first.
"He is capable of going from last year's no-show, to potential champions this year, like he did with Leinster. With me, I would have always thought you need to put layer upon layer, building blocks to knock on the door like we did with Munster.
"It's an exciting time, because the players are lucky enough to have a fascinating two months ahead of them, it's a great time to be an Irish rugby player," said the Racing Metro assistant coach.
During the week Jonathan Sexton was quoted by the BBC in saying that he wanted to leave Racing Metro and come home to Ireland. It's been a season to forget for the French Top 14 side who are out of the Heineken Cup and only eighth in the Top 14 table.
O'Gara pointed out that Racing form throughout the season can spark a huge amount of frustration in a player.
"Ah, yeah. I would have been aware of that. Johnny's hugely competitive and used to winning, so the results over there haven't been great and it's hugely frustrating at times.
"But that's the reality and you have to deal with that and get on with it, that's what Johnny's doing. It hasn't been easy, he's left the comfy surrounds of Dublin and he's gone into a completely different environment where knowledge of players would be a lot less than he'd have.
"It's one thing for me dealing with it as a coach, but as a player, he has been frustrated, he will be frustrated in the future again, but he has to deal with it," said O’Gara.
