Down through the years, there have been quite a few prominent voices in the rugby media that have been less than convinced by Ireland's credentials as one of the best teams in the world.
That was probably fair for quite some time, with Ireland sometimes flattering to deceive. They would display some excellent achievements during some periods with a certain style of play, only to then fail to perform on the biggest stage.
However, that narrative has reversed in recent times.
While Ireland did get knocked out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage last year, there was no sense that it was down to lack of talent or mettle in the side. Their play has been extraordinary over the last couple of years and has only improved in 2024.
As a result, quite a few doubters have been turned into believers.
In saying that, we can take some solace in the fact that one of our old foes has not been for turning.
READ HERE: Ex-Scotland Captain Admits He Is Shocked By Ireland's Post-Sexton Form
Rugby: Stephen Jones downplays brilliance of current Ireland team
Stephen Jones has a certain reputation among the Irish rugby public. Not only has he seemingly blocked half of them on Twitter, but he also continues to downplay the talent within the Ireland squad.
That has continued once again this week during the buildup to the game against England at Twickenham.
When writing in The Times about how England should approach that game, he made the rather unorthodox statement that they should not too much effort into training prior to the fixture.
He believes that not only was that due to the over-complication of the sport by some coaches, but also down to the fact that Ireland just aren't that good.
So in the week ahead, if I were England, I would devote Monday to an examination of what makes Ireland so good. But that does not mean that England have to find a reaction to every part of the Irish plan.
Ireland are wonderfully motivated, but there is nothing much that you might call cerebral about what is needed to hold them.
Basically, they’re a bunch of tough old boys, proud and motivated. But they are not the basis for a new mystery play.
Probably, I would then give England’s players the rest of the week off to prepare for one final signature session on Thursday, perhaps with a few extras for individuals on Friday.
I would keep orders and lily-gilding to a minimum. I would tell my lads that they are all international players, and that when they start, they make up their own minds what to do when the ball arrives.
Jones essentially boils this Ireland team down to being a bunch of muckers that try hard despite their limitations and don't exactly play a 'cerebral' brand of rugby.
In the past, Ireland have been given a huge amount of credit for the 'passion' they bring to the game. That is often an backhanded compliment, insinuating that they are not as talented as their results would suggest.
Anyone who has watched this side over the last couple of years would probably tell you that such a summation couldn't be anything further from the truth.
Of course, we wouldn't expect anything less from Stephen Jones at this point.
SEE ALSO: English Journalist Takes Aim At Irish Stars In Rugby Eligibility Hit Piece
