Ireland vs England Betting Preview

What a difference two years makes. The last time England travelled to Lansdowne Road it was for the Grand Slam clash of 2003, and they were arguably at the peak of their powers. The 42-6 demolition of the Irish was a searing example of complete rugby, and it could be argued that they would never again reach these heights, not even during the campaign that led to wins in New Zealand and Australia, and ultimately the World Cup crown.The team was at its strongest, the game plan executed superbly and the whole rugby world was left drooling in admiration. These days it is Ireland who are possibly at the pinnacle of their powers, and if they are to ever win a Grand Slam, this has surely got to be their year. The two forces of recent years, England and France are far below their best, and both have the disadvantage of having to take on the men in green away from home.It could all come down to a fascinating all Celtic clash against Wales on the final day, but they would do well not to take the English challenge lightly.It was actually Eddie O'Sullivan's men who were the first to beat England as World Champions, and since that day last March, the men in white have lost six of eight fixtures. Whilst this does mark a note worthy shift in power away from Head Quarters Twickenham, it should also be noted that other than the southern hemisphere losses in the summer, no side has won by more than two points.Goal kicking is always important, and international teams have almost been able to take a high percentage rate for granted in recent years. This only served to display the inadequacies of England in this department even more starkly against France. Six penalties and a meat and drink drop goal went astray, and a comfortable win was replaced by an infuriating one-point loss.Despite his failings, Charlie Hodgson has retained the number ten shirt and has another chance to prove his worth. Nobody doubts that he can kick well (eight from eight attempts against South Africa in the autumn prove this), but even Andy Robinson will be left hoping that the Sale man chooses to have one of his good days.Olly Barkley will provide back up in this department, as he did a fortnight ago, and the blustery conditions which are typical at Lansdowne Road are not entirely different to those often witnessed at the Recreation Ground where he plays outstandingly for Bath.Coach Robinson reacted to the Wales defeat last month by changing a third of the team. Some saw this as rash, and there was not an awful lot of encouragement to be taken from the display of the new team against France. He has not reacted in the same way this time however, and had it not been for an arm injury to Phil Vickery, the same fifteen men would have been selected. Matt Stevens takes Vickery's place at tight head prop.Much has been made of the collapse of English, and to a certain extent this is true. However, the list of retirees and injuries is extensive, and the fact they are still competing speaks volumes of their strength in depth. It takes several seasons for an international team to really gel. Ireland for example have had near enough the same personnel involved for the past four years, and their results have steadily improved.Only four of the World Cup winners will start this game for England, and yet they have only been losing matches by the narrowest margins.Being genuine favourites against England will be a new experience for Ireland. So often in the past they have profited from occupying the role of underdogs, and we expect them to be tested fully on Sunday. There is talent all over the team sheet, and recalling Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy is sure to stir something within Jamie Noon and Barkley who oppose them in the English midfield. Many of the men involved, including the four mentioned are likely to be on the Lions plane to New Zealand in the summer, and this competition for places makes a fascinating sub plot. Virtually every man on the pitch will be up against another very serious contender for that famous red jersey.Having said all of this, the price on an English upset is too short at 6/4, and 3/5 for Ireland does not appeal either.A +5 point start looks good for England though, at 10/11 with Victor Chandler. Since beating the Tri-Nations Champions South Africa, they have lost three times in succession, but the combined margin has been five points. Assuming Hodgson or Barkley have their kicking boots on, they should have more than enough ability and desire to keep within a score of the men in green.