Internationals / Hugh Cahill / 07 November 2008 / Leave a comment

Newstalk's Rugby guru Hugh Cahill previews the first of Ireland's Guinness Series Autumn Internationals against Canada. Can Kidney make an early impression with his new look side?

There's something about Declan. That cool, calm exterior. A rugby brain which exudes confidence. The twinkle in his eye that says: "I know what I'm about. I won't let you down". That almost all of the country appears to buy into it, however, speaks volumes about the honesty and dedication of the man himself. After all, you don't win two Heineken Cups without having something up your sleeve. His reign as Ireland rugby coach has only just begun and already the fans and media are salivating at the prospect of finally fulfilling our potential on the world stage.

It's quite refreshing to have a clean slate; nothing on the board, no history to lament. An unblemished era is upon us, the outcome yet to be decided and the journey still to be written. Nice, isn't it? When Declan Kidney named his first ever Ireland team in Killiney on Wednesday afternoon, you could almost smell the anticipation. We weren't disappointed. Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Tony Buckley and Stephen Ferris were all given their chance to impress in what should be an easy victory against Canada at Thomond Park. This would never have happened under the previous regime. What better way to introduce Earls to the international set up then a debut cap in his home city, at his home stadium against a minnow team that we should beat by 20 points or more?

It's a platform that he should grab with both hands. In Luke Fitzgerald and Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland has an exciting new centre partnership. Both have been in dazzling form for Leinster this season and Fitzgerald seems to relish playing alongside this older and more experienced accomplice. O'Driscoll, it seems, has taught him well. The defeat of Wasps in the Heineken Cup highlighted just how far Fitzgerald has come in the last 18 months.

There are not too many who make that step up from school boy prodigy to senior starlet, but Fitzgerald has done just that. His tackling and work rate is superb. He's hungry for hits, goes looking for the action and when he gets the ball he has the speed off the mark and presence of mind to open up gaps and put team mates away. Like-wise, Rob Kearney has come on leaps and bounds over the past year. I don't think I've seen a more assured pair of hands under a high ball in Irish rugby since Conor O'Shea. He starts on the wing this weekend but I wonder how long it will be before he's moved to what I consider his best position, full back.

Kearney has so many dimensions to his game; the huge left boot, his eye for a gap and sheer bravery under the ball mark him out as potentially our first choice number fifteen. He will be relied on to steady the nerves of Keith Earls in defence and provide the attacking threat out wide.

In the pack there's a welcome rest-bite for John Hayes in the front row. Tony Buckley comes in at tight head after what he will probably admit hasn't been his best start to a season in a Munster jersey. Nevertheless, Declan Kidney recognizes that should anything happen to Hayes, Ireland are severely under strength when it comes to replacements. Buckley is still only 28 and while he hasn't been on the radar for many years now, Kidney obviously still sees enough in him to work with.

The back row also has a new look to it. Shane Jennings and Stephen Ferris line out in the flanks with Jamie Heaslip in at number eight. You won't find three more hungry workers in the country. Ferris and Jennings are typical back row brawlers. They sniff out the ball and chase everything that moves.

Heaslip, too, has proved himself one of the best back rows in the country and certainly I don't think he has any equal in his position right now. These three will be relied on to secure possession around the field but don't be surprised if their names crop up on the scoreboard either.

There's no doubt Ireland will win this match. In fact, anything bar an absolute romp will be considered a disappointing start to the new era. I don't expect that this particular 15 will be the one that takes to the field against the All Blacks in two weeks time, but there is certainly more than enough talent and skill to brush aside the Canadians. And, if Kidney has any aspirations about a first ever victory over New Zealand, he'll be hoping the foundations are laid in Thomond Park on Saturday. A good start and all that...

Recommended: Ireland -32.5 points at just under [2.0]