Priorities the same in game's new age

THIS afternoon's match is the beginning of a new era for Irish rugby in a number of ways. For a start, it marks the true beginning of the professional game.

One of the players has indicated that he expects payment, or rather the fear of losing it, to drive some of the players to a higher level of performance. Personally, I have never thought anybody needed an incentive to play for Ireland. Maybe, times have changed. However, there is no doubt that the public will have heightened expectations because of the greater resources made available to the players. The more genuine and knowledgeable the supporter, the greater that expectation will be.

We also face the beginning, in a competitive sense, of the Ireland New Zealand partnership. With Murray Kidd as coach, John Mitchell helping out the forwards, Kurt McQuilkin in the centre, Sean McCahill in the substitutes, and John Gallagher playing for the B team, they represent a huge influence.

Their immediate effect can only be good for Irish rugby. Their long term effect, however, is in the hands of the administrators rather than the people Just named. They, I am sure, will do everything that is required of them. On a personal level, I regret that the opportunity was never made available to Bruce Deans to compete for an Irish jersey.

This is also the beginning of the build up to the next World Cup; Although it seems too far away to think about, our performance in that competition will be determined by our preparations over the next three seasons.

Ireland and Scotland both had their hopes in the last World Cup dashed by France. We can all recall how fortunate the French were to steal a last minute victory over the Scots, thus avoiding the favourites, the All Blacks, in the semi finals. Ireland, though level at half time, were never at the races in the second half against the French. Yet, we are extremely optimistic about this afternoon.

This appears to be based on the belief that Ireland are better prepared than Scotland at the moment, and also on the basis that Scotland have declined since the World Cup. The single most important factor in that decline has, undoubtedly, been the departure of Gavin Hastings, their match winner on so many occasions. On paper, however, their team still looks reasonably balanced and I would, personally, be fearful of any Scottish side which enters a game against Ireland as underdogs. Our record in recent years against the Scots is very poor. It is such that the Irish players will be less inclined to see themselves as favourites.

Turning to the Irish team, we can be confident that, in Staples, Geoghegan and Wallace, we have three players with tremendous attacking flair. I sincerely hope that they are given sufficient ball to have a go at the opposition. Both centres - Bell and McQuilkin - are very strong and from what I have seen of them to date, they seem to be as competent in attack as in defence. Saverimutto impressed greatly against Fiji and appears to have done well in difficult conditions against the US.

This leaves Eric Elwood. While Eric made a name for himself as a kicking out half, I know he has been expanding his game in recent years. Lansdowne have been trying to play a running game and this will have benefitted him greatly.

The selection of Peter Clohessy, in preference to Paul Wallace, and the omission of Victor Costello were the two talking points when the pack was announced. The decision between Clohessy and Wallace must have been a very tight one. Obviously, the selectors opted for Clohessy's experience over Wallace's enthusiasm.

The front row of Popplewell, Kingston and Clohessy is an extremely formidable unit. I am sure that both props have done an enormous amount of training to get themselves physically fit. There is no substitute, however, for match practice and I hope their lack of it does not come against them. Kingston, as always, can be relied upon to give everything.

Both Neil Francis and Gabriel Fulcher can be relied upon for a steady supply of possession from our own throw ins. It appears to me, however, that more and more games are being decided on the ability of the team to prevent the opposition from winning their own ball. The Scots have great ability at counteracting other teams and Doddy Weir is a competent jumper in any position in the line out.

It is a pity that Victor Costello, who has been outstanding all season, will not be playing. In saying that, I believe his best position is number eight. He is very much a modern, driving number eight, in the New Zealand mode.

I hope the weather is good. This is a very tall back row, and on a wet and windy day they would really have their work cut out against the Scottish back row, who are particularly good scavengers. I believe the Irish back row trio are better suited to a controlled, disciplined game.

During Kidd's periods at Garryowen and Sunday's Well, both sides played fast, aggressive rugby. The ball was not moved wide recklessly - usually the damage had been done by running offrucks. I have no doubt this will be the approach this afternoon as well.

Ireland will probably rely on the line out to gain a platform in Scottish territory. It is an effective form of play, but it is imperative that the players are patient, even if the results do not come immediately. Ireland have a better side than Scotland and have the better individual players. On that basis, I believe that we will win.

Regarding the remainder of the championship, France are favourites this season. Skrela, who retired from French rugby because he disagreed with the Fouroux style, and Pierre Villepreux have been responsible for making Toulouse the dominant team of French rugby.

The success they have achieved has been remarkable. More importantly, they have played outstanding rugby. Skrela will not change his style for short term gain, and you can be sure that every game France play this year will be an enjoyable spectacle. Although they lost against New Zealand in the second Test recently, the margin should have been a lot closer at the end. They should be capable of fending off their most likely challengers, England, with the assistance of home advantage.

England, for so many years the professional amateurs, appear, all of a sudden, to have become the amateur professionals. They have got themselves into an almighty mess, both on and off the pitch, and it may take some time to sort the whole thing out. They are also finding out - just as Kerry football did some years ago - that when the same players are on the team for a long time, the development of their successors is restricted. Despite their problems, however, their sheer physical presence will make them hard to beat.

Wales will, obviously, be encouraged by their defeat of Italy, who have achieved some notable success recently. The successful run by Cardiff in the European club championship will also have encouraged the national side. However, I think the problems in Wales run deep.

All in all, this should be an interesting season. Let us hope that Irish optimism is rewarded.