While I wouldn’t go as far as saying that Ireland’s 7-try rout of Italy yesterday has made them world-beaters again, they certainly did get everything they needed and wanted in Rome. They have had landslide wins against Italy but struggled against the better teams in this tournament before, and although a 48-10 victory against a … Continue reading A Sigh Of Relief
Boiler Room
Andy Farrell has taken something of a gamble with his team selection to face Italy on Saturday, but he is a coach under pressure, and this is a must-win game for Ireland. Supporters’ patience is starting to wear thin with the perpetual state of transition that Ireland seem to have been in since the end … Continue reading Boiler Room
Dog Day Afternoon
Iain Henderson’s charge-down of Mathieu Jalibert’s clearance kick bouncing straight into the hands of Gabin Villière in the first minute of Ireland’s clash with France today was a microcosm of how the game went for the home team: incredible effort on their part, but fortune not favouring them. In hindsight, it was an achievement that … Continue reading Dog Day Afternoon
Acid Test
“When Antoine, Virimi and Gaël had the ball, we could feel the panic in the Irish defence,” Ntamack told Midi Olympique. “It’s nice to see the fear on the Irish faces against French players.” -Romain Ntamack, October 31st, 2020. While I can understand the elation that Romain Ntamack and his teammates felt in the aftermath … Continue reading Acid Test
