Listen to the full analysis in the Monday Night Rugby podcast which includes an interview with Luke Fitzgerald.
In some ways, Joe Schmidt can be thankful that the Six Nations see Ireland start off with two home games.
Then again we also face away games against France and England, which Eddie O'Sullivan described as "tricky" on Off The Ball tonight.
However, the former Ireland head coach is optimistic that Ireland can be successful provided that they can win the opening home games against Scotland and Wales, before a Twickenham encounter on the third matchday.
"I think the key is the away games. We should and we can win our home games and there's three at home. It's always a tricky year for Ireland when you've got England and France away. In that sense, it's important to win the first two games. It gives us momentum before we head off to Twickenham," said Eddie, admitting that it is a "fine line" and that the Wales game is the "fulcrum".
Paul O'Connell of Ireland, Sergio Parisse of Italy, Sam Warburton of Wales, Chris Robshaw of England, Kelly Brown of Scotland and Pascal Pape of France ©INPHO/James Crombie
"Our record against England in the last ten years has been excellent, even at Twickenham. It's not a place for us to fear. We have to play well to beat them there but it's doable. And then if you've got three games under your belt, then you have to think that the Grand Slam is on. It would be a brilliant Grand Slam to pull off with England and France away. Italy certainly shouldn't cause us problems at home and then you have all the momentum going to Paris. It depends on where the French are - I've a feeling they could go either way in this one with injuries, young guys coming in and one eye on the World Cup - and we know with the French, if their form slips, they are struggling and walk away."
Eddie also felt that Ireland's XV for the Scotland game is relatively straight forward and thinks an All-Leinster back three is a real possibility with Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney and Fergus McFadden.
Listen to Eddie's full assessment of Ireland's chances and you can also listen to Luke Fitzgerald's interview with Dave by clicking here.
Image: Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
