The party has finally stopped in Ireland after their momentous Grand Slam and now the preparations begin for next year’s NatWest 6 Nations – where they hope to do it all again.
Joe Schmidt’s side have shown they are steady as a rock at home and tough enough to win away, but 2019 throws up some tough fixtures for the current champions.
Here, we look at how Ireland’s journey through the 2019 Championship will look.
02/02/19 – Ireland v England (Aviva Stadium)
Ireland will pick up where they left off in 2018, with a contest against England – although this time they will be in the comfort of their own stadium rather than Twickenham.
Ireland have certainly got the edge over their fierce rivals, with three wins from their last four Championship match-ups and there is no doubt that this match, despite being at an early stage, will shape both side’s campaigns.
This is one of just two home games Ireland will have in 2019 so they must make it count, with England’s 2013 success their only one in Dublin in seven attempts.
09/02/19 – Scotland v Ireland (BT Murrayfield)
Hot off the back of what will no doubt be an intense and physical encounter with England, Ireland will take a short trip across the Irish Sea to Edinburgh and BT Murrayfield.
Scotland’s home record is as good as they come and Ireland will have a score to settle following their defeat 27-22 defeat there in 2017.
Schmidt’s men won 28-8 this year but Scotland are a different beast in front of their own supporters, where they have lost just once in ten Test matches.
24/02/19 – Italy v Ireland (Stadio Olimpico)
Ireland have a strong record in Rome and they will hope that bodes well ahead of their trip to the Stadio Olimpico in round three.
An impressive eight wins from nine visits to the city is a good omen, although Italy always provide a stern test in front of their own supporters.
The fact Italy are coached by Irishman Conor O’Shea adds a nice edge to the match.
10/03/19 – Ireland v France (Aviva Stadium)
After back-to-back away games, Ireland will be glad to be home in round four as they welcome France to Dublin.
The Championship will be heating up with just two games to go and history is on Ireland’s side against France, who have not tasted victory in Dublin since 2011. Johnny Sexton’s last-gasp drop-goal in round one this year set Ireland on their way to Grand Slam glory – the men in green will hope something similar happens again.
16/03/19 – Wales v Ireland (Principality Stadium)
For the second straight year, Ireland will finish on the road but instead of England it will be Wales on Super Saturday.
Memories of their 2009 Grand Slam, secured at Principality Stadium, will come flooding back on the eve of this match and Schmidt will no doubt hope lightning can strike twice.
Wales have beaten Ireland in their last two Championship clashes in Cardiff but the games are always tight, making this a fine way to end their campaigns
