Ireland have a rare rugby opportunity

What magnificent Irish teams they were in 1968-1972; Wales crushed at Lansdowne Road 14-0 in 1970 and France beaten at Stades Colombes in 1972 (Johnny Moloney of Mary’s scoring a try on his international debut).

Indeed the magnificent Irish team of 1972 remains the only Irish team to have beaten France and England away from home in the same season (Scotland and Wales unfortunately not turning up in Dublin in 1972).

Now Eddie Jones has taken England back to the bad old days of the 1970s, lacking pride and unable to run with the ball or pass the ball. The RFU never learns with a British anthem accompanied by a slave spiritual. For ENGLAND!

Ireland have an opportunity on Saturday given to few. I wish them well. But I would prefer ‘There is An Isle’ to ‘Ireland´s Call’.

Gerald Morgan, Dublin