The memory of Ireland’s 6 Nations Championship title in 2009 will be spurring on both fans and players ahead of the 2014 championship. As rugby’s premier event approaches, Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has the weight of his country’s expectations on his shoulders. After guiding the Irish team to their first Grand Slam since 1948, hopes are high that he, and his Irish warriors, can once again take the title back to the Emerald Isle.
(original photo by: Paul)
Ireland’s victory in 2009 was unexpected, and in many ways that success has heaped more pressure on Kidney’s players. However, with Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll in fine form for his club, the omens certainly look good. The one thing Ireland have is consistency. As well as having their mercurial head coach at the helm once again, the likes of Donnacha O’Callaghan and Paddy Wallace will also be taking to the field this year, and that should give Ireland an outside chance of winning the title again.
A huge event
This year’s 6 Nations Championships gets underway at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday 1st February 2014. Six weeks of pulsating action follow, culminating in a final match and potential championship decider between France and Ireland on Saturday 15th March. Games will be played in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Dublin, Rome and Paris, so there will be plenty of opportunities for Ireland fans to follow the IRFU while taking in some of the biggest and best cities in Europe.
Home Away Matches
Ireland get their own campaign started with a home match against Scotland on Sunday 2nd February. They follow that up with another home tie against Wales on Saturday 8th February. Ireland’s first away trip will be to Twickenham, where they will take on a resurgent England team on Saturday 22nd February. After a two-week break, Ireland have a third home match against Italy on Saturday 8th March before flying to Paris for the closing game of the championship against France on Saturday 15th March.
If you are planning to take in one of Ireland’s home games, there are some fantastic hotels near Aviva Stadium, Dublin – both the Four Seasons Hotel and the Tara Towers Hotel are within walking distance of the venue. If Ireland’s match with England is tempting you, there are also some excellent hotels near Twickenham Stadium, London, including the stunning Corinthia Hotel and the reasonably priced Marriott London Twickenham. And if Ireland’s potential title decider with France appeals, the hotels near Stade de France, Paris are exceptional, including the Suite Novotel Paris Saint Denis Stade and the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Saint Denis.
Get the information you need all at once by reading our short recap and make sure you don’t miss out by booking your hotel accommodation before it’s too late.
Opponent Squad: Scotland
Date: 2nd February 3 pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Where to stay: hotels near Aviva Stadium, DublinÂ
Opponent Squad: Wales
Date: 8th February 2:30 pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Where to stay: hotels near Aviva Stadium, DublinÂ
Opponent Squad: England
Date: 22nd February 4 pm
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Where to stay: hotels near Twickenham Stadium, LondonÂ
Opponent Squad: Italy
Date: 8th March 2:30 pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Where to stay: hotels near Aviva Stadium, DublinÂ
Opponent Squad: France
Date: 15th March 6 pm
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Where to stay: hotels near Stade de France, Paris
Ireland shocked the rugby world when they lifted the 6 Nations title in 2009. Although they had a disappointing tournament last year, they will be hoping to mount a serious campaign this time around. Will their experience of winning count in their favour? Or will the expectations of a nation prove too much to bear?
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Article source: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/amateur-rugby/north-wales-rugby-rgc-must-6398877
Your Guide to Ireland"s 2014 6 Nations Rugby Campaign
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