Well long gone are the days when the men in green were the underdogs fighting for the wooden spoon. In 2007 Ireland have been tagged as the favourites for the tournament, with a confident captain believing they can live up to the expectations.

The Irish team have continued to improve year on year since 2002/2003 however their ability to cope with the pressure has never enabled to win a major championship. Ireland finished runners up to England in 2003, in 2004 they claimed the triple crown however Ireland were one of the favourites in 2005 but lost to France at home and again to Wales who clinched the grand slam. In 2006 the team managed to improve on their performance and receive the triple crown is 2007 the year for Irish rugby?

Jerry Flannery has been named as one of three hookers to be named in the Ireland squad for their opener against Wales. Flannery missed the autumn internationals due to injury but has been back playing for Munster in recent weeks.

Flannery will join two other hookers in the squad, experienced veteran Frankie Sheahan and Ulster man Rory Best.

Ireland Squad
Forwards: N Best, R Best, S Best, S Easterby, J Flannery, J Hayes, M Horan, D Leamy, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, M O’Driscoll, M O’Kelly, F Sheahan, D Wallace
Backs: I Boss, G Dempsey, G D’Arcy, D Hickie, G Murphy, B O’Driscoll, R O’Gara, P Stringer, A Trimble, P Wallace.

Ireland’s winger Shane Horgan could miss the start of the Six Nations with a knee injury. The Irish and Leinster player picked up the injury last night in a Heineken cup game against Gloucester, Horgan was carried off the pitch and now looks doubtful for Ireland’s first game against Wales on Sunday 4^th February.

More information on the injury is expected soon.

Ireland have announced their thirty five man squad, who start this years tournament as the favourites.