Former Scotland full-back Ruaridh Jackson has labelled Ireland "arrogant" after comments made by Jamie Heaslip ahead of the England v Ireland Six Nations meeting this weekend.
Speaking on the BBC's Rugby Union Daily podcast, Heaslip said that Ireland would "have to go down to like 14 or 13 players" for England to have any chance of beating them at Twickenham on Saturday.
England are winless in their last four matches against Ireland but victory for Steve Borthwick's men on Saturday could set up a bumper final weekend in which they travel to France while Ireland host Scotland.
"I haven't seen what the bookies are saying, but in order for England to win, Ireland have to go down to like 14 or 13 players and I think England need a couple of trick plays up their sleeve," said Heaslip on the podcast, and his words have been picked up by Jackson over on Twitter.
"And Ireland call Scotland arrogant," he posted. "Never thought I’d like an England side over an Irish team but it’s happened. Come on England!!"
And Ireland call Scotland arrogant 😂
Never thought I’d like an England side over an Irish team but it’s happened. Come on England!! pic.twitter.com/5ydx20G2HS— Ruaridh Jackson (@ruaridh_jackson) March 6, 2024
Jamie Heaslip accused of arrogance
Of course, Jackson has another reason to support England on Saturday, as a win for the home side at Twickenham could leave the door open for Scotland to win a first championship of the Six Nations era.
The Scots travel to Italy this Saturday, where a bonus point win could potentially move them to within a point of leaders Ireland, if everything goes their way down in London.
When it comes to sport, it's normally the English who are accused of arrogance, and a number of Irish fans have commented under Jackson's post to distance the rest us of from Heaslip's remarks.
One thing that can't be denied is the strength of this current Ireland team, as Andy Farrell's side continue on their quest towards back-to-back Grand Slams.
12 March 2022; The Ireland team stand for the national anthem before the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Heaslip compares Ireland to all-conquering All Blacks
In the same conversation, Heaslip went as far as comparing the side to the all-conquering All Blacks team that dominated world rugby from the late 2000s and to mid 2010s.
"They only know winning," said the former Ireland number eight. "It’s a pretty powerful mindset coming into it and fills them with confidence. It kind of reminds me of that Richie McCaw-Dan Carter side with New Zealand.
"That period from 2007 to the 2015 World Cup when they were just so, so dominant. It builds a bit of a flywheel momentum for these guys. They don’t take anything for granted, that’s for sure.
"Andy Farrell won’t let them take anything for granted. They’re not fearful of going there [Twickenham] now but they should definitely understand the history between the two sides. Farrell is definitely one of the best people to remind them of that."
Judging by recent form, Ireland fans should be fairly confident of securing a second consecutive win at Twickenham, but most of us aren't willing to go as far as Heaslip did with his prediction.
Let's hope his comments aren't pinned up on the wall in the home dressing room this Saturday.
See Also: Joe Schmidt Enjoyed Cheeky Dig At Eddie Jones On Aussie Rugby Podcast
