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O'Driscoll gives his verdict on Ireland's Grand Slam bid
By Russell Greaves
Brian O'Driscoll has backed Ireland to claim their first Grand Slam since 2009, but warned that England will be out for revenge.
Joe Schmidt's side are on track for a clean sweep at this year's Natwest 6 Nations, while England's loss to Scotland last time out ended their hopes.
But the title is still up for grabs heading into the penultimate round of games, when Ireland host Scotland and Eddie Jones' men travel to France.
Twickenham will then host what could be a decisive contest in the last set of fixtures, when Ireland legend O'Driscoll believes his compatriots could end a nine-year wait for a Slam, having dashed England's dreams of achieving the feat in 2017.
"Provided the job gets done against Scotland at home I think this team has a steeliness and a resolve to them," O'Driscoll told Omnisport, speaking courtesy of the Laureus World Sports Awards, when asked of Ireland's Grand Slam chances.
"I think they make themselves hard to beat, don't concede a lot and pretty good at taking their opportunities.
"That all said it is one of the more of the difficult places to go and play in Twickenham. We denied England the grand slam last year, is it their turn to return the favour?
"I think if Ireland want to do anything in the World Cup in 18 months' time they're going to have to go Twickenham and perform well, let that take care of the result, but I certainly wouldn't be one to bet against them."
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It took a whole season to wash the Foster stink out to be fair. There's still been substantial change though. I think only 7 starters from the RWC QF v IRE started the IRE test in Dublin. This year wasn't the year for full innovation, transition needs to be balanced, & incremental. The new coaches will be able to stamp their full mark on the ABs from 2025 when Razor will select his first proper squad from a mega talented player pool. Exciting times ahead.
Go to commentsWhat on earth is Tele'a doing passing the ball away so quickly on his line break, like a fatty making a bust and trying to find a winger to give the ball to lol
The amount of inconsistency with the head contact law coming into the game. No red yesterday and no yellow today, but then another player gets a suspension for a side on headonhead (as apposed to these two sweet shoulders) contact last week. Happy if there is a referee change to having a bit more commensense.
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