You'd swear we were the worst team in the world. Despite being three points from two wins, the gloom about Irish rugby is worse than ever and not many are giving us a hope against the unbeaten English - but we've found someone.
Sunday Independent columnist Jim Glennon thinks Ireland have the edge going into Twickenham next week.
Why? Because we're smart, like really smart. Glennon gives us the edge in terms of decision making, both on and off the field. Sexton, Best, and Schmidt are the man to have in charge of big decisions ahead of George Ford, Dylan Hartley, and Eddie Jones.
One area in which we should have an advantage over the English is the superior intellectual capacity of our key decision makers on the pitch.
So why are England seven point favourites? Is the unimpressive victory over Scotland, and a facile late hammering of Italy worth that much to England? They are readily acknowledging that they haven't faced a challenge like Ireland under Eddie Jones reign, and it seems that there are some teething issues to iron out.
Meanwhile, Ireland look like they will have the shackles released, playing some of their younger players finally. Notice how eliminated teams often upset the applecart because the pressure lifts?
Ireland are hit with some injuries, but some in-form players are coming in.
This is still going to be a great game.
See Also: We Pick The Ireland Team We Want To See For The Rest Of The Six Nations
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
