A performance approaching perfection

Analysis: We have become accustomed to associating such an incredibly aggressive display with English teams.

Some may be content to term it as confidence but even the body language of the marauding Irish forwards screamed arrogance. And why not? They utterly believed it was their right to win.

The accuracy and execution of the play were near perfection, while every player was mentally tuned in.

The contrast to the French performance is amazing. There were no errors in the opening 15 minutes.

If these aggression levels had been evident for Croke Park's first taste of rugby then winning the Grand Slam would have been a mere formality this morning. What is now evident is this team have the capabilities to win a slam - more is the pity that it cannot be achieved in 2007.

Every player was magnificent but Paul O'Connell was imperious. It was almost as if he was slowly building to this performance all season. Along with Shane Horgan, in particular, the Munster captain personified the required aggression levels. His leadership was also evident throughout.

Brian O'Driscoll has now reached a tier above praise. Peter Stringer's smooth supply line allowed the Irish midfield to cut their counterparts to pieces.

England adopted an umbrella defence - à la Wasps against Munster in the 2004 European Cup semi-final at Lansdowne Road. The line stands close together, covering 60 per cent of pitch width, and the outside centre sprints up to close off an outside break. The passing execution of Ireland's three-quarters got them outside this ploy before the hit could be made.

Girvan Dempsey is another player who deserves to be singled out for peerless positional play that contributed to Jonny Wilkinson being a peripheral figure.

The Irish back row were supreme - in fact, apart from a couple of Martin Corry contributions, I didn't notice the English back row at all. Simon Easterby fulfilled his coach's faith in him.

Horgan was tested by the new cap David Strettle on the outside early on but his ability to offload in the tackle was a major factor in the Irish continuity game.

Horgan's Gaelic football abilities and the technical ability and bravery of O'Gara to put in a crossfield kick for the killer try again exposed the English defensive pattern.

At Leinster we used the "Drogheda Express" to regain restarts up the middle. I also liked the way he gave Strettle an early "welcome" to international rugby.

The lineout provided the usual well oiled platform but the problems at scrum remain.

England made a mini second-half revival but Perry Freshwater was penalised by Joël Jutge when it appeared that Marcus Horan was rolling in.

Horan plays like an additional flanker around the park but he remains in desperate need of guidance from a scrum coach.

Ireland got lucky and any growing English momentum dissipated.

England never recovered from the 14 points conceded during Danny Grewcock's time in the bin. They had no strike runners in the back row or three-quarters. Bizarrely, they attacked Ireland around the fringes, where the lumbering carriers were smashed by the Irish back row. The second-half width came too late.

I understand now why my old mate Alan Gaffney attempted to turn Andy Farrell into a blindside flanker because he is certainly not an international 12. Gordon D'Arcy gave him a free lesson in how to wrap and steal possession from your opponent.

Tindall should be selected at 12 as he lacks the pace to be an outside centre.

The weekend's results show that without a long-term national policy, geared to prioritising the Test team, a rugby nation cannot be a Grand Slam or World Cup contender.

You may not like him but Clive Woodward realised this. Scotland had one while I was coach but have since abandoned it. The defeat to Italy was utterly predictable.

Ireland have had one in place for seven years and are now reaping the rewards.

The English club scene is overburdened with foreigners and is supplying little support to the national set-up. It's actually become a benefit to the overflow of Irish talent. For proof glance through the Leicester Tigers' roster.

This unforgettable occasion displayed the fraternity, talent, passion, energy and intellect of a proud nation. Unfortunately a negative pattern has become evident. This team must break out of the cycle of the past three years that only sees them reach their peak every three to four games.

It has taken two Test matches to regain, and surpass, the tempo required to blow Australia away in November. Before that it was March in Twickenham.

Between these peaks and Saturday have been three defeats in the Southern Hemisphere and of course the French experience a fortnight ago.

Only when the coach can harness improved consistency levels will Ireland finally win a Grand Slam and become a genuine threat to New Zealand at the World Cup. Saturday's performance suggests there is still time for the utopia scenario to unfold.