Sports reporter Jennifer Keating spoke with Bernard Jackman, former Leinster and Irish rugby player turned pundit and commentator, to get his views on Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
The 2026 Six Nations tournament is well underway, with three rounds completed already. Top rugby pundit Bernard Jackman has warned of a likely knock in confidence among the Irish squad, as an aging team is renewed.
After recent retirements of several important players, Jackman said “I think it’d be surprising if we aren’t in a transition period.
“It’s been a pretty underwhelming provincial campaign so far. The year after the World Cup, we didn’t really make cultural changes. We generally stuck with the tried and tested.”
“Last year, we finished third with a similar squad. Now we’re heading into the second last Six Nations before the next World Cup.
“It’s the last real opportunity for (Andy) Farrell to start some of those uncapped players or players who haven’t had a lot of caps and see how high their ceiling is.”
After mixed results from the Autumn, Jackman still believes the mood in the Irish camp will be high. “I think the mood in camp is very good because Farrell and his coaches have created an unbelievable environment, but I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a bit of self-belief dented.”
Mentioning the loss at home to France last year and the two disappointing games against New Zealand and South Africa in the Autumn, he said “It was hard to get too excited, it felt like there was a gap between the teams.”
The humbling loss to the French on opening weekend only solidified that growing gap.
“I don’t know what way it’s going to go”
Head coach Andy Farrell’s 37-man squad raised plenty of reactions from pundits and fans alike.
Team selection was always going to be a contentious issue, particularly the out-half debate. “I don’t know what way it’s going to go,” Jackman said. “I think Andy Farrell named Harry Byrne a lot during November, but I still think he’s third choice.”
“Our three primary kickers are a bit off where they need to be. It’s certainly plenty for Johnny Sexton to fix. I think that’s why Farrell is keen to have a third name in there, to take it away from being a two-horse race, because it’s a lot of pressure on two young players.”
Leinster’s Sam Prendergast started the first two games, but Jack Crowley came into the starting 15 for the massive away win against England.
Discussing how Ireland can improve their current situation, he said “Ireland had a very clear playing philosophy that led us to be number one in the world going to the World Cup in France.
“Since then, we’ve seen us struggle to implement that consistently. They need to re-find that and have some big performances.”
Jackman reiterated the three elements he believes are imperative for Ireland’s improvement; “Rebuild confidence, re-identify how we want to play, and find a couple of new starters.”
“There’s going to be some pain”
Jackman also shared his analysis on Munster’s season so far; the first with new head coach Clayton McMillan.
After a blistering start that saw them win five games on the trot, including a massive win against Leinster in Croke Park, the Reds have hit a poor patch of form recently.
Speaking about McMillan’s appointment, Jackman said “He’s very honest. He doesn’t try and sugarcoat performances that are below par. He doesn’t make excuses.
“After both the Ulster and Castres games, two bad games, he was incredibly honest in terms of what’s acceptable and what it means to wear a Munster jersey. I think the fans have had enough. They want proper change, and they know there’s going to be some pain – but they believe in him.
“He’s done it before in New Zealand at the highest level. I just think you give him the time, give him the backing, and he will build that team to a team that the fans can be proud of.”
Jackman name checked Dan Kelly, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson and Seán and Edwin Edogbo as some of Munster’s most promising domestic talent.
“McMillan will be very keen to expose them and build the team around them over the next couple of years.
“It can take a while for a new coach’s message to really bed in. I think that Munster probably need at least two off seasons to recruit well, and for some of those young players to get enough game time where they’re comfortable at the level.
“I just think that more time with Clayton McMillan will pay off. Certainly, they’re in a bit of a sticky spot at the moment after having had a great start. It will be a case of trying to finish the season strongly and qualify for Europe again next year.”
Ireland face Wales in the Aviva Stadium next Friday at 8:10pm while Munster return to URC action against Zebre Parma tomorrow at 5:30pm in Thomond Park.
REMAINING SIX NATIONS FIXTURES:
- Wales (H) Friday, 6 Mar 8:10pm
- Scotland (H) Saturday, 14 Mar 2:10pm