David Corkery on Irish rugby, Jack Crowley's form and where it's gone wrong for Wales 

Is all forgiven or do we need more proof?

Consistency is the key element that turns good teams into great ones. I can’t stress enough the importance of Ireland finishing off this year’s Six Nations campaign with two solid and convincing wins.

After Italy very nearly and deservingly took their scalp, many were speculating that the Andy Farrell era was as good as over.

The Ireland that had previously entertained us for many years was missing and they looked like a side trying hard, but failing miserably to find an identity.

Thankfully, Ireland took to the hallowed surface of Twickenham and furnished us with a performance that will live long in the memory. Not only did Ireland win, they ended up completely demolishing a much-fancied English side and restored much of the faith that was lost after the opening weekend thrashing by France.

The English as only they can, portrayed Ireland's victory as a once-off blip in their rise to global domination and put their capitulation down to a host of very peculiar mistakes. In truth, the home players completely bottled it and should have been ashamed.

On 38 occasions, they lost possession of the ball by either losing the battle at the breakdown, kicking the ball dead, knocking the ball on, mixing up their line-out calls or by poor execution of the basic skills. Put it this way, if the local U14s played like that, you’d be suggesting that line-dancing might be a better hobby.

At the same time, it was the relentless pressure Ireland put on their hosts that made them make so many mistakes.

In complete contrast to how the men in green played in their opening two games, they attacked with purpose, their defence was disciplined, organised and committed, and everyone knew what their job entailed. 

Their scrum was only average, but was solid enough not to give England much of an upper hand. And the line-out was great.

Jack Crowley led by example and guided his fellow players into the areas of the field where England were not comfortable.

I would think that the debate as to who is Ireland's main number 10 is over for now and that Crowley will be the starting playmaker for the foreseeable future. 

LEADERSHIP

I also believe that Sam Prendergast will be there nipping at the Cork man’s heels. Both players will use each other to become more accomplished leaders. 

Competition is a vital ingredient in achieving success and we are blessed to have two great players in this pivotal position.

Now for Wales.

I really don’t know where to start. As rugby nations go, few are as passionate and honest so to see their demise develop over the last few years has been heartbreaking.

For as long as I’ve been watching and playing rugby, the Welsh have entertained us with displays of bravery, skill and a kind of stubbornness that was unique to the way their land was worked. Their supporters were nurtured in the valleys and coal mines that fed their families.

The collapse of the industrial world in the 1980s, followed by rugby’s professionalisation after the 1995 World Cup, stripped the sport in Wales of its foundations. Town-based clubs gave way to the regional game, losing the intimate ties players had to their home teams.

I can tell you now that rugby needs a strong Wales. If those in charge of Welsh rugby don’t take their finger out and take the necessary actions, the game that gave us players like Garreth Edwards, JPR Williams, Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, Sam Warburton, Neil Jenkins, Jamie Roberts, Gethin Jenkins and Scott Gibbs will be nothing but mythical stories that parents will tell their children about.

Realistically, Wales should have no hope against Ireland. While they will fight hard and look to gain field position by kicking the leather off the ball, Ireland's strength in depth and confidence should see them win by a very comfortable margin.

Without wanting to add more pain to our Celtic cousins' misery, Ireland should be looking at this game as an opportunity to send out a message that they can be ruthless when required to do so.

Minimum requirements from this game are: a try-scoring bonus-point victory, 100% success from their own scrums and line-outs, Wales to score no more than 14 points and a winning margin of 20 plus.