The Irish rugby team's strong performance in Paris two weeks ago has raised hopes for the first win of the season in the Five Nations' Championship match against Wales in Lansdowne Road today.
Wales too are optimistic about their chances following their recent victory over Scotland.
However, in an effort to dispel too much optimism about today, the Irish coach, Warren Gatland, has said he would be satisfied with the narrowest of victories. The really big one is in a fortnight's time against England in Twickenham. England humiliated the Welsh who subsequently redeemed themselves with their win over Scotland.
The Irish captain, Keith Wood, is said to be in form after flu and there is some encouragement also in the fact that out-half Eric Elwood, back in form against France, has been on a winning side four out of five times against Wales.
In what is hopefully not an omen, in yesterday's "A" international at Thomond Park, Limerick, Wales won 42-27. However, in Donnybrook, Ireland's Under-21s had a narrow 27-24 victory.