ONE YEAR AGO few could have predicted the position of power that the Irish national team would be in heading into a World Cup year. Nine wins out of ten, a 6 Nations title and a November clean sweep were all achieved in 2014 and Ireland are now ranked third in the world.

There were some rumblings after the November Tests that Ireland lacked some cutting edge in attack but over the course of the year they scored some scintillating tries. Here are ten of the best from what was a remarkable 2014 for Ireland.

Rob Kearney vs Scotland

Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube

Ireland’s first 6 Nations game under Joe Schmidt was a dominant win that was capped off with this powerful finish by Rob Kearney, who showed great footwork and strength to slice through the Scottish rearguard.

Rob Kearney vs England

Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube

This was a great score and I was never going to pass up the chance to write ‘that was a try that came straight from the training paddock’.

Johnny Sexton vs Italy

Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube

Of all the things we should thank Dr Phil Contepomi for, at the top of the list has to be bringing the wraparound move to Irish rugby.

Andrew Trimble vs Italy

Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube

This show-and-go from Brian O’Driscoll is knee-buckling; there’s no other way to describe it.

Johnny Sexton try vs Italy

Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube

That offload was one of Brian O’Driscoll’s last acts in an Ireland jersey. One of his best too. Excuse me a minute… *sniff*

Andrew Trimble vs France

Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube

This is clinical rugby. O’Driscoll’s half-break, Murray’s full-break and Trimble’s support line.

Johnny Sexton vs France

Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube

Trimble has been out injured for a good while so it is easy to forget how effective he was in the 6 Nations with the ball in hand.

Johnny Sexton vs Argentina

Source: Rugby Riot/YouTube

Sexton again?? Yes, unfortunately for this list (but fortunately for the team) Sexton’s clever support runs put him in great positions to finish off some good team scores (second try in the video).

Stuart Olding vs Georgia

Source: AnLaighin King/YouTube

Yes, it was against a knackered Georgian defence, but fringe players need to take their chances when they come and Olding looked explosive when rounding the fullback.

Simon Zebo vs Australia

A lovely kick by Sexton that completely bamboozled the Australian defence allowed Zebo to steal in. A great way to power to an autumn clean sweep.

What was your favourite Irish try of the season?

This Fijian offload answers the question of what it would look like if an octopus played rugby‘Henshaw would be a great player for Leinster to be interested in’ — Leo Cullen