England icon Andy Goode has cast doubts over whether Ireland have the big game mentality to secure a Six Nations Grand Slam.
Simon Easterby’s team are top of the Six Nations table after winning their opening two games but face a huge showdown with France in between clashes with Wales and Italy.
And Goode told the Rugby Pod: “It could happen, this France team is still ridiculous even though they lost to England.
“Just about Ireland now, you go back to last year, [they were] overwhelming favourites going to Twickenham to keep the Grand Slam dream alive, and England beat them with the last kick of the game, a Marcus Smith drop goal.
“Then you go back, quarter-finals of a World Cup, [they] couldn’t get over the line versus New Zealand.
“And I know we’re talking like the top end games but to answer any questions that Ireland have now around the little bit of pain they’ve had with World Cups and didn’t win the Grand Slam last year when they should’ve. [They were] 17-8 up against England in the second half and then they lose the game.”