Former Ireland back-row Alan Quinlan believes that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell could reach ‘Jackie Charlton status’, should he continue his success within the 2024 Six Nations. Charlton was the former manager of the Republic of Ireland football team, and took the side to two World Cups and one European Championship when in charge.
Despite not winning any silverware with Republic of Ireland, the accomplishments of reaching the major competitions could not have been understated for the side at the time. The former Leeds United centre-back is remembered as a legend amongst Irish football fans, and Quinlan can well see Farrell achieving the same status as the late, great manager. Speaking to Betway, Quinlan said;
“Jack was incredible for Irish football. He had a huge impact on football here. But Andy won’t mind me saying this but we would have needed to get to a World Cup semi-final for him to attain Jackie Charlton status. But he may be heading that way!
“There is no reason why he won’t. He is doing a top job and is appreciated not just by his players, but by people at large who see a player who was as hard as nails and so likeable.”
Quinlan then eyed up this Saturday’s fixture, as Ireland head down to Twickenham for a fourth round clash with England. The former Munster man believes that Ireland should be confident heading into the match, and will back his men against England’s approach of blitz defence.
“They are pretty good at adapting to all situations. They will be very mindful of the physical confrontational approach England will bring. With Felix Jones now being part of the England set up, they will be mindful of the very aggressive blitz defence.
“Ireland will have to be careful. I wouldn’t change what their big strengths are: fitness, continuity, skillset and their ability to go from one touchline to another and find space.
“The one thing they should look to do is kick a little bit more and get into the English half and push them back. They should also have some close in carries early on, but I think Ireland will back themselves.”
Despite the ongoing success that the Ireland team are enjoying, Quinlan does not see the current path to glory as the beginning of an Irish ‘dynasty’. The former All-Ireland player accredits this to the talent pool being too small upon the Emerald Isle, with no certainty that the current stalwarts will have an ideal replacement when they hang up their boots in the coming years.
“This could all change very quickly. I played for a very strong Munster side for 12 years or so. Suddenly it can change when players retire. When you have a small playing pool there is no guarantee that the next Andrew Porter, Tadgh Furlong or Peter O’Mahony and Johnny Sexton will come through. Jack Crowley has done very well, however.
“You can never say this is going to go on for a long time. The age profile of some of these players is quite high. I would be optimistic that there is good talent coming through though. The IRFU deserve a lot of credit because rugby in this country is the fourth or fifth most popular sport in terms of participation.”
Casting back to the aligned accomplishments of the Republic of Ireland’s football side, Quinlan admitted how on occasion there can be some sporting tribalism emerge throughout supporters from the Emerald Isle. Quinlan admitted how there can sometimes be a sense of jealousy from the football fanbase, when they see the Ireland rugby team reach new heights across the test match stage.
“You only have to look at the support at the (2023 Rugby) World Cup, up to 60,000 people at games. It was staggering. The vast majority of Irish people are connected with the rugby team. It is a hugely positive thing.
“When it comes to international sport we are a very small nation. That is why we hail our successful golfers, athletes, boxers as well as our team. It brings joy and excitement.
“There are still knockers though about the rugby team. There is a jealousy in some quarters that rugby is doing well and football is not. Critics say there is an entitlement about rugby here because the vast majority of players come from private schools.
“We are pretty good at knocking our own at times, a very small majority who take joy in certain people not doing well in sport. But most of those people are those who hide away behind computer screens.”
Looking at Ireland’s opponents for the weekend, Quinlan was disappointed at how England let the game get away from them in their defeat to Scotland. Despite taking a fast lead through the opening try, England were unable to really build a firm grip on the game following George Furbank’s score. Quinlan believes that against Ireland, England could well play with nothing to lose.
“I saw glimpses in the first half when they tried to put width on the ball. But they were getting disorganised and their shape went.
“What disappointed me was their inability to get back into the game in the second half. With 10 minutes to go and nine points down they’re still box kicking. They just revert to type. Just take a chance. There’s nothing to lose.
“I wasn’t surprised but I was very disappointed. The concern is still in multi-phase. What are they trying to do? If they’re not powering over people what’s the option? England just kick.”
Rounding off the discussion, Quinlan gave his prediction for the fixture and favoured his countrymen for their trip to the stadium known as ‘HQ’. Quinlan expects a contest, yet sees the men in green standing tall at 80 minutes, with a eight to 10 point margin of victory.
“When you look at the last three Six Nations games, Ireland have won by 13-16 points. The spread is 12 points and I think that’s pretty accurate.
“England will cause them problems but my fear for England is that they should be mindful that if this Ireland team changes gears, they can be very dangerous. If Ireland have that ruthless edge at Twickenham it could be a very long day for England but my prediction is Ireland to win in a close run game by 8 to 10 points.”