Stephen Jones and Ireland rugby fans, it's not exactly a relationship that has thrived down through the years.
The Welsh columnist has made a number of odd comments about the Irish team and its players in the past, often downplaying their achievements on the pitch. On the occasions that they came up short, he rarely pulled any punches in his criticism of the side or Irish rugby in general.
Of course, they have not given him much ammunition in recent times.
Andy Farrell's men have been exemplary over the last couple of years, winning a test series in New Zealand before going on to claim a Grand Slam earlier this year. Their victory over South Africa at the Rugby World Cup at the weekend was a statement one, cementing their status as contenders to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. It was also their 16th victory on the spin.
With all of that in mind, it seems that even Stephen Jones might be softening his stance.
Stephen Jones picks Ireland man as favourite player at RWC
In an article on The Times, the British paper asked their various rugby writers a number of questions about the Rugby World Cup up to this point. One of them included their favourite player at the tournament, with Ireland fans sure to be shocked with his selection:
Tadhg Furlong. Well, could you hold off the mighty Springboks on your own?
We're shook.
As well as that, Jones would tip Ireland to make at least the semi-finals and downplayed the prospect that they could falter against Scotland next week.
Ireland will be coming down cold turkey after a momentous peak, and it’s possible they will falter, but not really.
While he would still suggest that France are his favourites to win the Rugby World Cup, he has hinted that his mind has changed on quite a few occasions.
If Stephen Jones is starting to believe in this Ireland team, we could really be onto a winner. Of course, we also wouldn't be surprised if it was all a ploy to soften us up so he can absolutely hammer them if and when they are eventually eliminated.
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