Sunday Times columnist Stephen Jones has claimed that there is "arrogance" surrounding the Irish rugby team ahead of their clash with England in Twickenham this weekend.
The all-conquering Ireland team is aiming to win their second Grand Slam in two years and will face a stern test against England in London. However, pundits, bookies, and fans all expect Ireland to overcome the English test.
Ireland has beaten everyone under Farrell, England included, to become one of, if not the best, rugby teams on the planet. Few can live with the Irish team, and it appears that not everyone is happy that Farrell's Irish team is as good as they are.
The Irish team can claim the championship next weekend if they beat England in Twickenham, and the Slam if they beat Scotland the weekend after.
English writer Jones praised the ruthless efficiency of the Ireland team but also threw in a verbal jab that the team has now become arrogant because of their dominance in the sport. He believes that England cannot succumb to the noise that Ireland is the best in the competition.
"There will be no discussion about Ireland’s attitude. They will be merciless; they are a merciless team. All the rest of their game is subordinate to attacking the opposition up front, in the tackle, and just behind the forward phases," said Jones in the piece for The Times.
"For me and many others, they remain at their best, and they are the best team in the world...
James Lowe of Ireland is tackled by Marcus Smith of England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) )"England cannot afford to subside lamely or to give us a "we’ll-be-better-next-time" promise. The implications of a hammering would be horrendous. They should close their ears to the crowing Irish and to the flecks of arrogance now emerging around the team."
Jones also aimed digs at two of Ireland's best players, James Lowe and Bundee Aki. Both arrived in Ireland from overseas to improve their rugby careers and qualified for Ireland through rugby's international eligibility rules. Jones described Aki as a "Kiwi-born centre now thundering along at a career high" and Lowe as an "ex-donkey turned world-class winger." While also leaving out that Samoa-born England centre Manu Tuilagi was ironically not born in England.
"Manu Tuilagi is the one player with the requisite power to take England forward with a crunch, and he is needed to compete against the rampaging Bundee Aki, the Kiwi-born centre now thundering along at a career high. They cannot allow Bundee to beast England," he added.
"England also has to look after the extraordinary James Lowe, the ex-donkey turned world-class wing with so much all-round talent that he could be a circus act."
Ireland vs England kicks-off at 4.45 on Saturday
The game will be broadcast live on ITV (UK) and RTÉ (ROI)
