Kidney optomistic about 6 nations

As his team prepare for the RBS Six Nations coach Declan Kidney has said this is a golden era for Irish rugby.

The former Munster coach took over the reigns from Eddie O'Sullivan, who paid the price for a disappointing 2008 championship.

And Kidney has the weight of expectations on his shoulders to succeed where his predecessor failed and delivered the title.

Kidney, however, has insisted O'Sullivan's achievements in turning in winning three Triple Crowns should be saluted given the nature of sport in Ireland.

"There's never been such a good period in Irish rugby as the last six years," said Kidney.

"Ireland have won three Triple Crowns and were two seconds away from a championship. That would do me fine.

Belief

"It's nice that people have expectations as it shows belief in our ability. But you have to be realistic as well.

"In Ireland we play hurling, football and soccer as well as rugby. Rugby has grown more popular in recent years and that has increased expectations.

"But the truth is we have four professional sides in Ireland. For some countries it's their primary game. We're competing against that and we're a small country."

Ireland open their campaign at home to France on Saturday, February 7, and Kidney has put his faith in the players to do themselves justice.

"I accepted my job because of my belief in the players. If we work hard let's see what we can do," he said.

"I have a group of players who are honest enough to give everything they have in every match.

"I don't expect to win any match, I expect to roll up and give it our best shot."

United benighted at house of Commons

IN THE seven years their managerial careers overlapped in England, Brian Clough used to love getting one over on the pre-knighted Alex Ferguson, and now there is a fighting chance that the son of Old Big 'Ead can keep up family traditions.

Nigel Clough will certainly be encouraged by his first impressions of a Derby side that deserve the slender lend they will take to Old Trafford for the second leg of this semi-final.

The imbalance of talent between these teams is so immense Manchester United should still be considered favourites to reach Wembley. Last night, however, was as poor a performance from United for as long as Ferguson will care to remember.

Derby, on the other hand, seemed to be inspired by Clough's presence in the directors' box.

It was certainly an uncomfortable evening at times for both of United's centre-halves, Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans, and Ferguson will wince when he sees the replays of how Commons was allowed to advance, unchallenged, towards the penalty area en route to punishing Derby's opponents for their lethargy.

As the game wore on, however, Derby began to defend increasingly deeply. This encouraged their opponents and, for the first time, United finally began to put together some prolonged spells of possession and there was a collective shiver of apprehension among the home supporters in the 63rd minute when Ferguson brought on Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo for Welbeck and Paul Scholes.

Even then, United struggled to break down resolute opponents. Ronaldo sent a dipping, swerving free-kick inches wide, but there was little else and, soon afterwards, Hulse blazed over an open goal from a Commons rebound.

How damaging will that miss be for Derby?

Man United 0 Derby 1