Why Ireland could be undone by Croker choker
- 8 Feb 07, 03:39 PM
Dublin 鈥 La France, un accueil chaleureux au parc de Croke.
Gauls against Gaels at the cathedral of Irish sport where this weekend .
The French are certainly accustomed to what Dublin itself has to offer, and were well used to the concrete mausoleum that was with its shifting, swirling winds.
However, the little corner in the north of the city may surprise, or even shock the visitors. They鈥檒l enjoy themselves, but hopefully not too much on the green acreage around Jones鈥檚 Road!
Yes, Les Bleus do like to embrace their rugby in the purest sense, particularly on hard, perfect surfaces with wide open spaces like the one that will be offered on Sunday.
They will come with no hang-ups, little knowledge of the enormous sacrifices given and certainly will not be terrified with the noise that will vibrate and echo around the ground.
After all, they are well used to playing in front of a vociferous 82,000 audience at Stade de France. Another 1,300 will make little difference. Bernard Laporte鈥檚 side will just come and play rugby with their aggressive hombres up front to feed their calypso three-quarters.
It will be all grist to the mill.
We have heard it all before. that the French are not too keen on travelling during the winter months. A fallacy, of course. However, what will cement the French this time around is that there are World Cup places up for grabs, so their players might be even more interested.
Representing one鈥檚 country on home soil will undoubtedly produce a positive psychological attitude and Laporte will milk that dry. They will not lie down. Take it from me.
On the other hand, Ireland are well aware of what the craic is all about. The nerves will be on the verge of shredding. It will be pressure-cooker stuff, and Ireland could inevitably suffer more than France.
At Lansdowne Road, the cosy familiarity of the dressing rooms, where every player had his own little lucky niche to placate the nerves, will be no more.
Out in the open, , or indeed threaten to send a shiver down the spines of the opposition.
The radar of the players will also be affected. Ronan O鈥橤ara could find the corners of Lansdowne Road in his sleep. But will he be able to drift his tactical kicks into space within the millisecond it takes a flanker to floor him?
I also remember Ireland could never win at the . They never did in the 28 years they played there. It was only when France moved to the Saint Denis area in the north of Paris five years ago did Ireland finally register that rare victory on French soil.
In fact, France couldn鈥檛 buy a victory when they first played at their new stadium, so beware Ireland, it will take more than a boisterous crowd to succeed.
Mind you Ireland proved against Wales that they can tough it out when still stuck in second gear, and we have been promised that it will be smoother motoring on Sunday.
It will be interesting to see whether referee Steve Walsh affords Ireland as much latitude at the breakdown as his fellow countryman Kelvin Deaker did against Wales.
was a clever piece of psychological sparing by the Irish coach. Eddie鈥檚 quite good at that . . . it鈥檚 now part and parcel of an international coach鈥檚 curriculum vitae and he鈥檚 quite adept at it.
Anyway, it was a little naughty of Welsh assistant coach Nigel Davies to drop Mr Walsh in the soup over what he鈥檚 going to do to Ireland at the breakdown.
So what (JB!) if Ireland attempt to slow the ball at rucks? Let鈥檚 be honest, for goodness sake, every team does it. It鈥檚 just that some are better at it than others.
Unfortunately it is looking likely that Brian O鈥橠riscoll will miss leading Ireland out for the game. In any case, most would prefer him to be ready for England, rather than exacerbate his hamstring injury.
At least Shaggy Horgan is back. It was a real left-field move by O鈥橲ullivan. Nobody saw it coming and a boost for Ireland. Ah, the wonders of modern rehabilitation programmes.
Now what we want is a game worthy of the occasion. If we are treated to a repeat of when 10 tries and 74 points kept the scoreboard ticking along, then Croker will be well broken in as to the virtues of rugby union.
Wales 27-18 England
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What ever pressure the Irish team are under this week it is going to be nothing compared to the stratospheric levels it will reach the coming fortnight when England come to Croker. Even so I can't see us loosing to England but I would be much warier of France this weekend. However if we get over Les Bleus, the 6N is ours only to loose!
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Good luck to Ireland against the French. Driscoll will be a loss but it's a shame that him being ready for the english is more important than being ready for the French. If they can't beat the english (us) just now they'll certainly struggle in the future. Driscoll and his pal may well run rings around Farrell and his long slow legs but they would have benefitted from a practice at the French first.
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Brilliant article and spot on. Most people in Ireland think all we have to do is turn up and we will win (91热爆 advantage for Ireland, France can't play away from home, Playing in such a great stadium for the first time) France can't possible ruin the party or can they?? I hope not, but I have a bad feeling. I think we should all go to mass on Sunday before the match and try and get some divine help. I think we will need it and a lot of luck as well.
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Thanks again for another great article. Think this will be Irelands toughest game. Not least if BOD doesn't play. Like all games the 1st 15-20mins will be critical. Could be one of two results for me. Ireland by a small margin or France by a bigger one. Depends on those first few minutes. But should be cracker.
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It wasn't naughty at all of Nigel Davies to question the referee's interpretation of the breakdown area last Saturday.
Ireland were allowed to get away with far too much in the ruck and maul area that other referee's probably would have clamped down on.
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What an interesting blog, it took me over an hour to read all the comments. I'm an Irish expatriate and though not a dedicated sports fan I enjoy the craic in Irish pubs on match days, whatever the game played. It has always amused me to watch both fans and players running out of steam after the first verse of a National Anthem, mumbling a few syllables out of sync with the music. But the racist, bigotted nature of hymn singing always disgusts me. How can a player's dedication to team or country be measured by his/her ability to sing a bloodthirsty rabble-rouser, is a gruelling training routine and the risk of injury not enough?
So I wonder, since anthem renditions are so divisive, why do we bother? I can think of only one reason: deference to Govenment representatives attending a match in an official capacity. But sport has nothing to do with politics, a match should not be a PR event for above the law oil conspirators. I don't think anyone of the 50-80000 spectators really cares about two VIPs in their cosy lounge at the stadium who's idea of the added value of a match is 19.6% tax. Do they sing to each other when they meet to discuss our future? Can you imagine, just after the traditional fireplace photo at Number 10, Tony says to Bertie: "Go on, givus a few bars on the piano an we'll get ye a pint" ?
I think we should scrap National Anthems at all matches, they are too divisive and confusing. What will be sung when Lizzy Windsor finally pops her clogs, God save Not too Sure?
Singing will always be a feature of "fanship", a match is a great occasion to hear a Nation's repertoire of folk songs sung by thousands. But to those who wish to gloat over blood soaked fields and dance merrily 'mid cannons' roar and rifles' peal I suggest they join an army. Let them feel the adrenalin rush when bayoneting a mutilated survivor of artillery barrage and arial bombardment. I'm sure they will then agree with most combat veterans that there is a better way to spend an afternoon. Low lie those fields... in shame.
A Grand Slam in Rome will mean it will be Saint Patrick's Day for the rest of the year, surely a great reason to visit Ireland, maybe even attend a GAA match! All welcome... the pints are on us, if yez sing for it!
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I didn't notice the Irish whingeing about the Welsh hooker continually throwing-in crooked to the line-out? Get over it! You played the best and lost. It happens to every country every now and again. In 1991 Ireland had a Grand Slam of moral victories, but ended-up with the Wooden Spoon. Disappointing, but you get on with it.
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Do you agree that Argentina should be allowed to join the six nations? The competition could be divided into two, with an A & B tournament. Scotland, Romania, Bulgaria, Holland, Poland and Iceland could make up the B competition with France, Ireland, Wales, Argentina, England and Italy the A one. What do you think?
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Obviously I am biased, but if england get mroe points on the board against italy and focus on practicing not giving away penalties they could wipe away ireland. Compare the 2 performances, and i think england were the better team. They conceeded one silly try and too many penalties, but if it wasn't for them, 42-7 would be an appropriate scoreboard. They have jonny (beats o'driscoll hands down) who brings the atmosphere, brings the support, and takes 3 men out of play thanks to reputation. He'll kick the hell out of ronana o'gara who looked pathetic on sunday, and I fully expect Ireland's six nations promises to be unfounded. France are the team to muddle this competition. If they play poorely against England, it will be a 3 horse race for certain.
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What?? Dan, England are not going to 'wipe away' ireland any time in the next few years, even if they play out of their skin. You seem to forget it wasn't so long ago you were beaten by a second string nation - at home! You have one victory against an extremely poor scotland team and suddenly you'll wipe the floor with Ireland? You seem to think Scotland were lucky to score against you, and yet one of your tries came from Scotland failing to pick the ball up beyond their try line. Not exactly first class rugby. Yet another delusional England fan claiming a guy who's played 80 mins of intl rugby in 4 years is the best player on the planet. Get a life man!
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A plea to the 91热爆. Could we please have someone other than Eddie Butler commentating on England games. He is so anti-english I am tempted to turn off. His argument with Brian Moore on Saturday was embarrassing (Moore is by no means blameless and he is by all accounts a poor pundit), a good commentator would not allow themselves to be dragged into it.
England didn't play that well and still scored 40 points, albeit against a poor Scottish side (the defense for Lund's try was schoolboy quality at best). The reason for this is simple - Ashton picks players on form and in their best positions. Not once did Robinson pick an openside at no. seven (if anyone mentions Andy Hazell they obviously do not understand rugby).
That said Ireland will still beat us if they play to their full potential - England will need to keep it tight to stand any chance and stop BOD getting the ball. Irelands scrummage is the worst in the tournament but it is their only weakness. Good to see some improvement from England but please don't start mentioning World Cups being retained.
My biggest hope for this years tournament is that Italy win a game, they deserve it, preferably against Scotland. Frank Hadden is the most arrogant coach around without the players to give him any reason to be.
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As an ulsterman my opinion here may well be biased but I for one think that Neil Best and Andrew Trimble have been treated unfairly by the IRFU and EOS. As a ravenhill season ticket holder I can honestly say that Besty has been our best player consistently since the autumn. How then does EOS come to the conclusion that Easterby is better? For example, in the early stages of the wales game it was Easterby who was giving the majority of the penalties! And as for Andy Trimble, he did no more wrong than Denis Hickie to not only be dropped from the XV but the entire squad!! Nevertheless I will be making the journey to croke park to cheer on Ireland!!
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Too early to announce the winners of the Six Nations. The Italian failure to perform may have made the French look better than they truely are, and whilst some fans are proclaiming a glorious return to form this Six Nations England are still a one-trick-pony: If Jonny Wilkinson gets crocked it is difficult to see them improving on their performances of last autumn.
Neither Wales nor Ireland played to their true potential last Sunday. If Ireland don't let the atmosphere and pressure of playing at Croke Park get to them then they should be able to get wins over France and England - BOD or no BOD. Wales have the depth of talent and skills to deal with France and England.....so long as Tango isn't anywhere near the starting 22.
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I think some of you Irish lads are forgetting what Leicester did to Munster a few weeks back. The Leicester forwards ate the Munster forwards alive. I believe the Irish backs are the bees knees, but I am not convinced by the Irish pack. If the English forwards get their act together, the tactics are right and Wilko is still standing after the Italy game, then Ireland are in for a tough time. 24-16 to England - 7 penalties and a drop goal to two tries & 2 penalties!
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Ireland are a team that do suffer nerves from time to time!. I am anxious that the Croke park factor may not work in their favour. Key to the game will be the first 20mins and i fear if the French have a lucky break within the first 15mins we could well be in trouble.
I have a gut feeling it will be a very tight game. I have always felt it is the french who are real favourites for the tournament.
P.S I am feeeling sorry for Argentina, having to play club teams for experiance. Why are they the only team in the top 10 being disadvantaged, could the IRB not find them a place in the 6 nations or Tri nations. It is important for world Rugby to have a strong nation in South America, vital to promote the game worldwide.
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i'm loving the way the irish are underestimating the french and english challengers
agreed both had easy games first up but both have the ability to win the forward battle against ireland and then who knows what could happen
dont get too cocky ireland, the 6N has a habit of unseating the over-confident
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Enda - tend to agree with you. Had the Argentina conversation on another thread. The problem goes that the Trinations don't feel there is enough money in Arg and anyway most of their players play in the NH. I know this sounds racist/xenophobic but, having lived in Oz, I also believe they don't want another team there, especially a team they percieve as "2nd tier", that might beat them. Aussies love to win and boast, not so hot at losing. When Italy joined the 5N's I was continually confronted by Aussies who couldn't get why we would let a weak side in.
Don't know if you remember but there was a farore about Italy joining the 5N's because of fixture congestion. So, a further team is unlikely. Of course if everybody goes to centralised contracts that might "fix" that problem. Personally, I would like to see a 2 league system set up with promotion and relegation. 6/5N's the "premier" league and a second league with mainly European teams. Gives a very clear path and point to aim for for the "minor" teams whilst giving them challenging games and spreading the word. Problem here is that the "big 5" will fear being demoted and probably not agree. :-)
Back to the subject. Being favourites has always been hard in the 6N's. Which is one of the reasons it is so exciting.
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I agree with the over confidence thing.
Both packs will take a hammering this weekend then its about who can take their chances...who'd bet against the French...?
Ireland looked mighty nervous in Cardiff...it's not going to get any easier.
Ain't over till Brian moore sings.
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Adam Canning....could'nt agree with you more. Best was by far the most impressive back row player in the Autumn internationals and i can't understand EOS's decision of playing Easterby on Sunday ahead of him. Against the French we will in particular need big hittting from the back row against the likes of Hardinourdqouy and Betson. One can only hope EOS has some plan to spring him from the bench should the French back row show domination early in the game. I still think Trimble is not the complete player he should be just yet tho'. He seems to lack a bit confidence and I'd would love to see him attempt some more line breaks and just go for it occasionally. He also needs to improve his line kicking (if that's not a paradoxical statement!). He's definitley one for the future tho' but for the moment Horgan and Hickie are our two best options out wide. As for the English pompous statements above the return of Jonny "Golden Oval Balls".....one spring does not make a summer. He had a good game against a very poor Scottish side, was never once under pressure from a non-existent Scottish back-row...but he kicked well, I'll give him that. Against the Irish at Croke Park tho' he will wilt, I gaurantee you. Don't forget, Ashton is an Irish coaching reject and he will be shown up for that.
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As an Irish sportsman and sports follower of all codes, I am eagerly looking forward to the first rugby match in Croke Park. I have attended rugby internationals in the seventies, eighties and nineties but now find it difficult to get tickets. I also follow Hurling, Gaelic Football and Soccer, and attend many big matches whenever I can.
It is difficult to express how important and historic this match actually is for Irish people. In my opinion, it is probably one of the biggest sporting occasions EVER held in Ireland. I would love to be there and will probably try to get a ticket right up to the kick-off.
I really hope that Mr Walsh, the referee, is objective and impartial. He worries me with his recent antics.
Either way I hope that the match itself matches the importance of the occasion.
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Mr. Stokes, Try taking your statement about Ireland's handling in the ruck to its logical conclusion and see where that leaves the game. Rules are there for a reason. In Cardiff, Ireland broke the rules; Eddie O'Sullivan tried to tar a respected official with words that did dishonour to the IRFU. The fact that other teams have also been known the break the rules occasionally is irrelevant. O'Sullivan owes Mr. Walsh an apology. That he will not give one is as certain as anything ever can be in the unpredictable world of Irish rugby.
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As proud an Englishman as I am, the statement made earlier that we will'wipe away' the Irish was foolish to say the least. I think that if we can gain the advantage up front then it will be a titanic battle but we are still too one dimensional in the backs. both Tindall and Farrell played as battering rams against Scotland and it worked as their defense was shocking but as the Irish showed against Wales, that is not the case with them.If we are going to win the 6N, firstly I will be giggling for ever as it is so unlikely but more importantly we are going to have to find another style of backs play as it is all far too one dimensional at the moment. Improving yes...good, no!
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Ireland must be the most overrated side in the world. How they can be considered clear favourites is beyond me. They ooze mediocrity throughout the side, including BOD (does anyone still pretend he's the "best centre in the world?"; does anyone remember his last incredible international try?).
All Irish know that if they played England at Twickenham, they would probably lose, and they are incredibly fortunate to have the two big sides at home. But they will still lose at least one of those games.
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There seems to be too many over-confident, one-eyed, bordering on arrogant, comments and predictions on this blog, which may come back and bite you in the ass.
You expect it from certain nationalities, but whatever happened to we'd rather say we're underdogs, with quiet inner confidence that the Irish used to have. Has the Munster Heineken cup win gone to their heads?
Like most rugby realists I recognise that the games between Ireland, England & France are just too close to call at the moment (particularly after last weekend). Real rugby fans don't brag about winning before the game, in fact they don't brag about winning at all, they savour victories and just get on and enjoy the craic win or lose.
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Hi Richard, thanks for your comment. Of course, if you take every misdeamour in ANY sport to its conclusion, chaos will reign.
But in rugby union the tackle and any ensuing ruck that evolves is a very grey area for referees, and players are at will to take advantage ... and I mean most players, no matter what team, not just Ireland!
The sooner the IRB bring in a free-for-all like it was in my days (shows you how old I am), the better.
Being an academic, you might remember the line from Hamlet which says "This above all: to thine own self be true ... Thou canst not then be false to any man".
But how many players in today's professional area would adhere to that. It would be very blas茅 to say that laws are there to be broken. But it is just human nature to question authority and to take things as far as they can. Every team is told to play to the referee. Ireland did that against Wales.
As for the Ireland coach approaching Sunday's referee Steve Walsh, who by the way I have every respect for.. Eddie O'Sullivan certainly did not attempt to 'tar' Mr Walsh's reputation. He was responding to media reports.
Would you not have approached an arbritor in your profession, if someone had threatened to come down hard on your staff? Every coach has the opportunity to talk over matters before every Test match. That's what Mr O'Sullivan did.
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Hi Richard, thanks for your comment. Of course, if you take every misdeamour in ANY sport to its conclusion, chaos will reign.
But in rugby union the tackle and any ensuing ruck that evolves is a very grey area for referees, and players are at will to take advantage ... and I mean most players, no matter what team, not just Ireland!
The sooner the IRB bring in a free-for-all like it was in my days (shows you how old I am), the better.
Being an academic, you might remember the line from Hamlet which says "This above all: to thine own self be true ... Thou canst not then be false to any man".
But how many players in today's professional area would adhere to that. It would be very blas茅 to say that laws are there to be broken. But it is just human nature to question authority and to take things as far as they can. Every team is told to play to the referee. Ireland did that against Wales.
As for the Ireland coach approaching Sunday's referee Steve Walsh, who by the way I have every respect for.. Eddie O'Sullivan certainly did not attempt to 'tar' Mr Walsh's reputation. He was responding to media reports.
Would you not have approached an arbritor in your profession, if someone had threatened to come down hard on your staff? Every coach has the opportunity to talk over matters before every Test match. That's what Mr O'Sullivan did.
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Reality check - here, here. It's going to be close and they are going to be good. Here's to some great rugby and a hard fought contest. May the best team win!
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We can speculate all we want on to the winners but every fan must see areas of weakness in every team. Thats's why we all enjoy watching the game so much. I think it is very difficult to pick a winner at this stage. There is no doubt that Ireland are a good side with some awesome players but they need to start proving it by winning this competition, maybe a grand slam and in the world cup. Who knows about the French but they have a wealth of talent which cannot be ignored. England hopefully on the mend but we cannot escape the fact there is a long way to go. Scotland and Italy look poor and the Welsh are missing some key players. We all know the All Backs are miles in front but I can't help but think all the Northern Hemisphere teams would struggle against a full strength SA or Australian outfit. Maybe I am wrong but I can't wait to find out this year.
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A great blog, inviting some excellent comments.
I want it to be a 3 horse race - Ireland, England, France. Or a 6 horse race for that matter. Any side being capable of winning it, depending on guts and the bounce of the ballin the end. Who wants it more, kind of stuff.
However, I think France has the best balanced side, front and back, with no obvoius weaknesses. All of the other sides have very obvious weaknesses and weaknesses that can be exploited. These are so obvious, they do not deserve comment - Irish front row, English centres, a depleted Welsh team, Scottish lack of pace, no Italian backline whatsoever etc. Why are the French not favourites, by the way? How many 6 nations titles do these guys have to win..?
Just because a team gets stuffed by NZ at home (in a friendly), it doesn't really say much. There isn't a team at the moment to compete with NZ (bar NZ seconds), so why even consider the game?
I think France will probably beat Ireland this weekend, and they will probably beat England too. They will more than likely beat Wales and Scotland too.
So there you go. It is probably a one horse race. Damn.
1. France
2. Ireland
3. England
4. Wales
5. Scotalnd
6. Italy
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Mike Buckley,
Your comment 'Wilkinson will wilt under the pressure at Croke Park is the stuff of comedy'!!
Are you so anti-English that you won't believe what you've seen with your own eye's?
Are we talking about the same Jonny that has the highest points average in world rugby, the guy that helped England win 19 consecutive games against the southern hemisphere and the guy that scored the winning drop goal in the World Cup final off his right peg? Wilkinson has faced more pressure in his rugby career than most of your Irish lads put together!
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Post number 8 Hector Camacho.
You're a funny guy Hector. Pity you have little, or no brains regarding the game of rugby.
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HT, being a centre is not all about attack; especially when you are widely considered one of the best attacking centres in the world and are likely to attract a considerable amount of defensive attention. Yet BOD still breaks the line, still scores tries, and as importantly, is also one of the best defenders in the modern game.
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Barrel::
What are you talking about?
Eddie Butler was spot on in his view that it was not a penalty. It obviously wasn't. Moore is insanely biased towards England, calling for penalties if an opposition player so much as looks at a white jersey! I turned over to RTEs coverage because of Moore. He's nuts! Funny sometimes to listen though.
As for Ireland V France.
Ireland should win in my opinion. It'll be close if France get the first score, but if Ireland go ahead by more than a converted try I think that France might capitulate. I would really love to see a repeat of the score from last years fixture (reversed obviously). I will never forget that game as long as I live! :)
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While I enjoyed the blog I think far too many assumptions are being made here. While I agree with most of Europe that the French are the distinguished and tallented pain in all our sides, they clearly showed frailties last year after we (the Irish) made a total mess of the opening 25 minutes, an all too commmon an afair with our countries pride. France I believe are in for a shock when they meet the true competition of the 6 nations this year. They cannot expect a result against the likes of Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. This is a year that promises to deliver world cup quality rugby in all of the bigger fixtures.
This being said, year on year the Irish team improves and year on year they generally overcome the 20min spell that sends our emerald isle into a nervy sweaty mess which is only overcome through the common custom of every man, woman and child in Ireland jumping around like lunatics, kissing street lamps, cats, dogs, toilet seats and anything within 1 foot of them when they see our Rocky Balboa'esk lads in green smash triumphantly across the try line.
As 'm sure you have gathered at this stage I am a very proud and entheusiastic Irishman and rugby player.
I believe this is Irelands finest hour and while Sunday's match will be the hardest phsycologically, if we win, the match against this new ambitious and for the first time I believe humble English squad will be the history maker.
While the Scots could have done better, I am delighted to see an English team focused on playing the game and not fighting the opposition and playing to the croud. They fought hard and produced the best match they have had in the last few years. Jonny is obviously a major tallent for them and will carry the team when exceptional defences are met but what's wrong with that. Ireland and Munster rely and Ronin in the same situation.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy what I hope to be a very GREEN 6 NATIONS.
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The 6N is Irelands for the taking all this rubbish about them not handling the pressure is just opposition fans cluching at straws. It was the same for the 2003 England team with the SH teams saying they could'nt win away from home which they then disproved by beating AUS NZ and then winning the world cup. The current Ireland side is second only to NZ and are more than capable of winning the 6N and challaging for the world cup. England (and i say this as a very proud Englishman) are too far behind Ireland to challange for the 6N this year but hopfully that will change given time and a settled team.
PS irlien stay off the Rugby sites your boring
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lets get one thing straight. england beat scotland because of wilko. they had three soft tries one of them not even a try. they battered the scotland defensive line for the opening 10 mins of the first half with no penetration whatsoever. their attack was very static. lets make no mistake that they can beat ireland but only because of wilkonson's boot. ireland will lose if we played like we did against wales. all those penalties will be converted in to points make no mistake. thats the only way we will loose.
the english center partnership has not yet been test properly. when they were tested v scotland they let in a really soft try from henderson. i think they should be a little concerned when facing a more settled backline in ireland.
ireland could potentially lose to france based on last week performance. we all ways say that a team that can produce a win off form is truly world class. ireland are favorites but look at france. a very good result against italy. i think the guys in the irish camp will have the same mentality aswell. one game at a time. if we get the performance right the results will come.
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There are a number of ironies within this blog, and indeed within the media at large, that need to be explored. Firstly, I think we should explore the perceived issue of Irish arrogance. I should perhaps stress the word 'perceived' here as it is quite obvious from an objective stance that this is simply not the case. Why are the other nations so quick to impart quasi-sincere advice toward Ireland for being (as they see it) unjustifiably confident? What happens if a team such as Ireland, being historically the weakest of the original 5 Nations, cannot take pride and confidence in its recent form? History ends up repeating itself. As the saying goes: if you do what you always did, you'll be what you always were: perennial wooden spoonists. Comments such as 'ireland oozing mediocrity' go beyond opinion and are designed purely to offend, since they're so obviously at variance with the truth. Please leave prattish babblings such as that for a soccer blog. It is equally arrogant to state that Ireland will be victims of a 'resurgent' English and French teams based simply on their performances in matches that were technically poor and uninventive (I'm in no way saying Ireland's performance against Wales was beyond this judgement either).
Ireland's mantle of favourites has been thrust upon them because of their performances over an entire season. Does anyone here really believe that if NZ played poorly and still won against a Tri-Nations opponent that they'd suddenly lose their favourites mantle?
This leads me to a second point: nowhere has the hype surrounding the Irish team been more pervasive and suffocating than in the English and French media. Talking up ones opponents before a game not only increases the glory in victory but excuses any shortcomings exposed in defeat. Hence the reasons why Ireland can beat England three years in a row, twice at Twickenham, and it is still considered a blip by the English media at large, a World Cup hangover, symptomatic of a poor system. It may have been all of these things - but it was over and above all of this as a result of Ireland's superior play. Of course, Ireland have lost four times in a row to France - so whatever ambition or confidence Ireland has is grounded in the fact that we are eminently beatable if we play poorly. That's why France are justifiable favourites.
I don't mean to speak for any other Irish bloggers, nor do I want to come across as acting as an apologist of sorts for the psychological warfare that's currently taking place between the teams and fans. But we would all do well to remember that blogs such as this, though they can get rambunctious, shouldn't be a forum where rugby acts as subterfuge for any racist tendencies. Whatever the results over the coming weeks, lets be thankful that Rugby as a sport has had such an ability to escape the kind of thuggery and violence we all witness regularly in football. A sincere good luck to everyone.
Suggestions for the Ireland team: Neil Best and Isaac Boss.
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Ireland without lansdowne road? I never thought I'd see the day. Without a doubt the old stadium had a positive effect on the Irish, it will be intresting to see how the Irish adjust to there new stadium but I think the most worrying thing for them is the loss of O'Driscoll.
He is for Ireland what Carter is for New Zealand or Wilkinson is for England he is the soul of the Irish. There is no doubt the Irish will struggle without him.
On the basis BOD isn't there I'm going to put my money (but not my support) on the French
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Ah now Steve you know fine well the voicing of my opinions on the norn iron fans stem from your inability to back up your assertion that the majority of people n northern ireland are opposed to an all ireland football team.
By the way I see a group of the green and white army attacked a couple of busloads of tourists after Wednesdays game, their crime? travelling with a company called Paddy wagon. Another award in the offing me thinks
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Looking forward to seeing how Ireland play at Croke. Can t stand all the banter, especially over the Ireland/England game. It seems many of the Irish boys think its a dead cert..can t wait to find out!! Please in the name of all things right and good, no Eddie Butler, that guy irritates me so much he puts me off the game!!"That was never a penalty" SHUT UP!!
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Ah wrong stokes blog. apologies all
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No O'Driscoll and Stringer! It's lucky we have very able deputies. It's not too bad to lose Stringer temporarily and I'm glad Boss gets to play now, it'll be very interesting to watch, though I hope he gets the backs going a bit more and not take too much on himself. Reddan on the bench is good cover too. O'Driscoll is a huge loss, but it's better not to risk him, because it'd be terrible if he was missing for the England game. Again, it gives a good opportunity for Murphy to show what he can do, and having Horgan in the centre doesn't weaken us much, though we'll obviously miss the havoc BOD can cause. I also hope Neil Best gets on to do some damage to the French forwards, for more than ten minutes at the end, please, Eddie! I'm actually anticipating the game more now, I can't wait to see what this team can do with the changes made! Though the loss of BOD for the first game at Croker is a tragedy, roll on the English game Drico..
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Hi guys. Peter Stringer and "the best centre in the world" have just cried off for Sunday. It doesn't get any easier, does it!!!
However, at least Shaggy Horgan will do the job in the absence of Brian O'Driscoll, as will Geordan Murphy, who moves from the bench to the wing.
Isaac Boss will certainly bring a different sniping game to the table at scrum-half.
He will at least keep the famed French back-row honest, and maybe leave Ronan O'Gara alone to do his business.
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Ireland will never have a better chance of winning the 6 Nations than this year having relatively weak French and England teams playing them in Ireland.
I somehow get the sneaking suspicion that like England in 2003 they have peaked too early(although we still managed to stumble to the final we had played much better in the previous year ) and by the time the RWC comes around they will not do as well as they expect.
Good Luck to them lets see if they can live up to the expectations
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OK first of all great blog I enjoyed MOST of it. Both sides (considering this blog seems to be mostly Irish and English supporters) are being over confident with some posts.
So let鈥檚 get a few things straight and yes for the record I鈥檓 an avid Irish supporter:
1. Brian O'Driscoll is the best center in the world no quest's asked (give me someone that would take his place).
2. Johnny had a great game last week and is an awesome place kicker, tackler and attacker HOWEVER O鈥橤ara kicking out of hand and distribution to the rest of the back line is far superior and his place kicking is equally outstanding. No doubt about it before Johnny's injuries he was the best out-half in the world however since then the level of out-half鈥檚 around the world has improved Carter, Contepomi, Jones and Hook of Wales to name but a few and even O'Gara has even improved. The thing is he is not as good now as he was then and I don鈥檛 believe he ever will be. Last week was a good performance against a very very poor Scottish side and I can鈥檛 believe he was given that try it was clearly not (please don鈥檛 try and argue that it was). I am glad to seem him back as it was awful to keep seeing him getting knocked back with injuries and he is by far your best outhalf available at the moment but please don鈥檛 kid yourself your team is still very weak. Yes you may run us close but at the end of the day we have much better players. You had a great side back in 03 and 鈥 it pains me to say this 鈥 you deserved to win the W.C but you have lost some many players since and as a result you have been knocked back and it will take time to recover. Do not be fooled into thinking you can contend for the world cup that鈥檚 just pathetic. It鈥檚 the Irelands time now don鈥檛 begrudge us now cause your time has past (until the next), deep down most people cheered you on to win the world cup and those that didn鈥檛 probably realised that this would happen i.e. you would all live off it for years to come like the football.
3. I think Wales are a stronger side at the moment than England and I can see them beating the English. No doubt about it the French Irish match on Sunday will be close and I think it will be tough to call. I think the table will finish as so
Ireland/France
France/Ireland
Wales
England
Scotland
Italy
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I think the English media and a minority of the english rugby fans are getting a bit carried away with their expectations after saturdays resultsagainst a weak scottish side. Some english blogs are saying that england will be abvle to defend their world crown after thrumping scotland. Until England meet a good side like france or Ireland we wont know the potental they have. Enough about Wilkinson, he was okay. The onlyreason he looked very good was that the scots did not put any pressure on him. I think the winner will be decided after the Ireland-france game as I think these are the top two favourites. I would be surprised if England beat Ireland, france or even Wales.
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The eventual winner will be victorious at Croke Park on Sunday.
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jonny vs. o'gara argument, i think it is laughable you can even consider o'gara to be anywhere near as good as jonny. there is no comparison. o'gara was awful at positional kicking the other day so that argument is down the drain for the time being and you already admitted - wel you had to didn't you, statistics prove you wrong otherwise - that jonny is better at spot kicking. however, more than that, o'gara is a kicker, nothign more, nothign less, but he is not even an amazing one, wilkinson is a great tackler, a greatly intuitive player, and has fantastic balance - watch try (i know it didnt count) in slo-mo, its astonishing he got as close as he did - and good passing skills thus setting up robinsons try.
don't compare, you are a moron, whether ireland are the best or not, there is no doubt the best fly half belongs to england.
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David Garrigan asks: Brian O'Driscoll is the best center in the world no quest's asked (give me someone that would take his place).
Might I suggest Gordon D'Arcy? In some ways Darce would be a bigger loss to Ireland than BOD. Its such a shame than the best midfield combo in world rugby have had such limited opportunities to play together. Hopefully all will be right for the England game.
As for the Irish being over confident I can tell you that is far from the truth. The media and the people here are very very wary of our opponents. Its reasonable to say that we think we have a great team, but at the same time but wary of the French and the English.
Either way Sunday (and in particular the game against England) will be a game that transcends sport. Its a new chapter for this country and it is hard to exaggerate the importance of the occasion.
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I think it's absolutely ridiculous to say to call what Ireland do slowing the ball down. They were lucky that Kelvin Deaker's management of the breakdown was poor. Steve Walshe is of a different calibre, and hopefully won't allow such nonsense. Also, I hope Easterby doesn't try stunts like the one he pulled on Czekaj on Sunday.
While I don't care too much for France, I despise everyone lauding the Irish breakdown tactics, and hope for a Les Bleus victory at Croke Park.
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No 37.* At 12:21 PM on 09 Feb 2007,
Michael wrote:
The most literate, intelligent, un-biased, perceptive narrative on present N.H rugby reality.
This was possibly the best expose I have ever read on a rugby blog.
I have mixed it with the best and worst of rugby 鈥渋ntellegencia鈥 (on and off the field) Let鈥檚 make that pissing a lot of people off. Love it.
But that blog shines in its鈥 clarity, conciseness and use of a language that was once foisted on the Irish, as a race. It is just a humble opinion, mind. But it is why we will prevail this time. It is why we have fallen short on recent occasions 鈥 a lack of inner self-belief.
We have the team, we have the cute-hoor of a coach. How he conned us all on the miraculous Shaggy return - proves it to me, at least. Laughed? I nearly wet meself! EOS is a professional chancer! T.G.
BOD is way below par and needs a rest. The other nations actually believe that we are nothing without him (as in JW for England). This, n truth - has long been put to rest in EOS鈥檚 mind. But as he is a humble man from Cork (no such thing) - he just goes on with the blarney.
Shaggy, Leamy, Darcy and POC are key players against Les-Blues.
Stringer - I am sorry to say this Peter, but you don鈥檛 have the stuff that Boss has. You never will.You are a great backup for Boss - which only goes to prove our growing strength-in-depth.
It was the best news (after the return of Shaggy) - I could have had today. As a result of this - we will prevail. Having said that, Stringer is probably one of the best passers of the ball (at speed and under pressure) that I have seen in the modern game. But it is not enough at the level we are striving to attain. EOS, you have to realise this soon 鈥 otherwise it may cost you (and us) - dearly in the end.
No.37 . 鈥淪uggestions for the Ireland team: Neil Best and Isaac Boss鈥
Been saying it for yonks mate. Neil Best should be in for Easterby. Both are potential loose-cannons, but Best is a totally controlled, skilful animal. He will come on when and if the going gets rough. It will.
He is badly needed against the French 鈥 they try to bully you from the off. Always have. Best does not take that kind of craic easily 鈥 no way. Ask the Aussies. Ask Lote Tuqiri (the man is still quivering in his boots) and the Saffis.
I am glad you are having a wee rest Stringer. Boss is chomping-at-the-bit and will wreak havoc on the French on Sunday as a result. By the same reasoning 鈥 for Boss 鈥 see Murphy. Geordan(a.k.a. top blood-replacement) - is hurting and won the game for us - in 5 minutes, on Sunday.Watch him go now.
It is a level of perception shift. Nay, tis鈥 a veritable quantum-leap of a collective consciousness that is the Irish rugby team and its management in the modern game, I say! Mentally and physically honed as a unit - prepared by EOS. He has his eye on the World Cup. Never mind the blarney. He is a master tactician - causing the downfall of two English coaches along the way. The 6-Nations is a testing ground for the WC 2007, this year. The French know this too. It should be compelling stuff. It could go either way. But I know, at last, that we are ready in every department this time. Now, it is down to what happens on the day. As long as BOD has a nice rest and gets himself ready for England in Croker. I can't wait for that one. But it is worth waiting for. So much history involved.
Last year was a lesson. A lesson we have learned well. They are all grown up now. They are mentally ready to go to an even higher level. This was confirmed to me in the Welsh game. I had already seen this against the Saffis and the Aussies in the Autumn. But this was proof-positive stuff. They won smart. They won ugly. They were awful. Except in (our weak) defence 鈥 but they still won by 3 tries to 0. Enough said.
What is all this tripe about our "weak forward-line". Keep on believing it and the men from Munster men will punish ye. They normally do. Thanks for the wake-up call Leicester.
No 37. You have taken so much pressure off those who know.
Because, well - you know. I, however - am totally convinced (not boasting) that we will win the 6-Nations (if not the Slam) and make at least the Semis in the WC 2007.
I look forward to your next observations, 37. It was a grand read. Gur raibh a mile a mhaith agat mo chara. You must be a sports-journo.
If not - you should be. Keep the faith Michael.
My Irish selection for Sunday : Dempsey; Murphy, Horgan, D'Arcy, Hickie; O'Gara, Boss; Horan, R Best, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, N. Best, D Wallace, Leamy.
Believe!
Leinster-mad in The Netherlands.
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What do the AB's have that distinguish them from everybody else? About four or five guys like Neil Best. He needs to be in there with Trimble, D'arcy and Horgan. The likes of hitting with your back line will never mean the same.
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As an Irish ex-pat living in new zealand, to see "croker" open up its doors to forgien games is a historic occasion. To be honest I thought that there would be women priests before the GAA would open its doors!!Growing up in ireland played both hurling and Gaelic football ( and still do even in New Zealand!!), Croke Park was and still is my threatre of dreams. I can understand the people in the GAA who are very against Croke Park allowing rugby and soccer. This is a bitter pill for them to swallow, and their views have to be respected. To them this is scared ground, a ground steepled in history, both good and bad.
But the Ireland today is different, a much tolerent Ireland, opening and embracing change. Today to another chapter in Irish history where a barrier opens and a new dawn rises. I hope come Sunday evening that these people who have had their doubts will support this change and support Ireland in theier quest for a historic Grand Slam.
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Reading the entries above is certainly interesting. Ireland seem to have gone from the team everyone else loves to a team of cheaters who are over rated and of course BOD is a busted flush.
They must be doing some thing right in my opinion.
Killing/slowing ball? Do you think they learnt something from last summers trip to NZ. Have a look at those games again. If Ireland had of been a bit more street smart they would have come back with a couple of wins.
Overconfident? I do not think so. I think they all know what they could be on the verge of and the fear they have is that of messing the whole thing up.
The beauty of Rugby is that it is a very unpredictable game- the best player in the world does not make a bit of difference if his teammates do not win and retain the ball and the best pack in the business cant do much with a static back line.
One thing is that the game has moved on from big immobile players gringing out results and nicking a few penalties- take note England.
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Nigel Davies did nothing wrong. Steve Walsh's comments made it look like he was coming into the match with an agenda, which no official should do. A good official is neutral and calls what he sees on the pitch, not what he's programmed himself to see before going out there.
Could you imagine the furore if a cricket umpire said "I'm going to penalise the dodgy actions of [an international team]'s bowlers" before going into a game?
Steve Walsh muffed it and was rightly taken to task (albeit politely) for it.
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To HT of feb 9th. The last 2 times we played England in Twickenham, remind me, who won those games? Also BO'D is n't the best centre in the world. Gordon D'Arcy is!
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Enjoyed reading the blog but I am distressed by the insults hurled at all sides. As an Irishman living in the U.S. I miss going to internationals, miss the weekends in Dublin, drinking and joking with our opponents supporters. God ! how wonderful are the international weekends in Dublin, Paris, London etc.Excuses to travel and meet some wonderful people. I hope Ireland can win the grand slam this year as it may be their only chance for a while. While everything is equal on the playing field, you must remember that rugby is probably Ireland's third or fourth favourite game. We don't have the depth in playing talent that countries like England and France do. We have three and half professional teams (sorry Connaght)in Ireland and we are lucky that every now and again we can put a team together that can compete on the international stage. When England get their act together they will, and should, have the best team in the NH and hopefully a team that can carry the banner for the NH to take on NZ. The English playing talent is there but the RFU bosses are pitiful in the way they run their rugby. This could be Ireland's finest year, they have the talent and the management to make it happen and with some luck and hard-nosed attitude they can do it. Don't begrudge a minnow it's chance to shine in the spotlight.
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I'm confused. As a Texan, I admit I'm out of my league in rugby comprehension here, but don't almost all of the Irish first side have a lot of experience playing in front of huge crowds? Does Jim Stokes get paid for his commentary?
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Wow! For years I got sick to listening to the crowing of of certain fans who thought they were the best in the world. Now I have to listen to them griping and moaning when they are clearly a second rate team. Living in France I can tell you, the French are not afraid but they are cautious. The second half of last years match probably gives them cause to be. Tomorrow will be close. I won't be surprised if the French walk it and Ireland blow it. But neither team wants to go to the WC with a favourites tag. France are perennially good. If the Irish settle quickly they will it well. But it's a big if. As for Wilko and England? No matter what happens tomorrow, the Irish will play the better match against the English, simply because they will have had time to get comfortable in Croker. This ground is our Wembley you have to have been it to understand it. I think the visitors could be a little in awe when they walk out onto the pitch.
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Joe Padian - Brilliant!
Well observed my Texan friend.
You have the complete and utter honesty to say that your rugby comprehension is not quite there yet. But, if you carry on like that with succinct observations - you will get there. You can learn the rules and ethos of the game and enjoy it immensely. Jim Stokes will not like this, but you, my friend - have found him out. You begged the right question.
You are right Joe, in that one of Ireland's provincial teams, Munster - won the top rugby European competition last year - based on their front-row power.
A front-row that is pilloried on every blog in the media.
Jimmy Stokes is a prime example of compounding this myth.
Leinster, my team - are the best team to watch, in Europe.
Those two teams make up 90% of the Irish team. You do the math(s) Joe.
They (the media) have not quite got it yet, but they will. Believe me, they will. Then they will tell us they knew it already, they always do. It鈥檚 an historical thing, or is that hysterical?
Most people just spend their life giving the wrong answers - instead of asking the right questions. You did not.
Good job Joe Padian! Jim Stokes - eat your little heart out!
In answer to your second question, yes Joe - he does get paid for it!
By the way: Predictions.
I had Scotland by 10 points, they won by 12. 2 points out!
England by 15 points 鈥 they won by 17 (it鈥檚 consistent) and were very lucky to do so. I reckon.
No worries mate, absolutely no worries 鈥 hopefully after tomorrow that is! This is the match, that will decide this 6-Nations 鈥 what do you reckon Jim Stokes?
Watch it and enjoy it Joe Padian.
God bless you man. You made me smile.
Thanks for that.
Leinster man in The Netherlands
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My sincere thanks John for your comments - I found it amusing that I should be defending the Irish from accusations of arrogance only to be praised in a way that would severly test my own ability to remain humble! Alas, I am not a sports journalist - in my studies I'm still trying to reconcile metaphysics with rugby; though observing some of D'arcy's play of late makes me believe it might well be possible.
I think Boss has a dynamism and variation to his play that Ireland sorely need at scrum-half (no offence to Stringer). Crucially, however, he also has a physical prescence that will hopefully make having to resort to back-peddling ankle taps a thing of long ago. Building on the point about physicality again, you're absolutely right about Best - it's as if the Irish and Ulster jerseys are his Full Moon that unleash the beast within him. That said, I truly hope the French are the only ones howling mournfully at the end of the match tomorrow.
In any case, my thanks again John.
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I just read 37. Fantastic! I see a tight match until Flannery and Best come in at the half. Then it gets away from the French. 38-20 Ireland.
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Ireland will definately win this one. The French are playing a rotation team and will be terribly vulnerable on a soaked park. I can see them losing heavily.
It`s part of the script for them to lose against Ireland and England before the WCup, to go soul searching and be written off before they host the Wcup. They love drama.
The Six Nations trophy hinges on the Ireland vs England match. The winner there will take it. All signs indicate that Ireland will be champions this year, albeit to go lose in the quarter final of the Wcup as perrenial under achievers.
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Ireland will definately win this one. The French are playing a rotation team and will be terribly vulnerable on a soaked park. I can see them losing heavily.
It`s part of the script for them to lose against Ireland and England before the WCup, to go soul searching and be written off before they host the Wcup. They love drama.
The Six Nations trophy hinges on the Ireland vs England match. The winner there will take it. All signs indicate that Ireland will be champions this year, albeit to go lose in the quarter final of the Wcup as perrenial under achievers.
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This Irish squad have to make it count this year. We have the best squad in our history with the vast majority of players at their peak. The right manager and a very professionally run RFU. Although I would expect this team to give any past England team a run for their money it helps that they are in transition at the moment. Looking at the age of the squad members I feel this team has a maximum of 3 years before it goes past ist sell-by-date.
I don't know, but I doubth, we have the young players coming through to replace them and keep the momentum going. We are a small nation and a dearth of talten like this only comes along once in a lifetime. 75% of the starting 11 will be well into their 30s when the next WC year some round. I pray to God we make it count at this WC!!
Ireland to beat France by one score today.
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Oops I meant to say starting 15 not starting 11 :)
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lookin at the irish backline for the game dempsey-murphy-horgan-darcy-hickie-ogara-boss. it just lacks that killer edge that brian o'driscoll brings to it, even to have someone like andrew trimble not playing is a shocker. compare the two backlines and they seem fairly even. I would say france have a better pack, so that would give them the edge in this game, but you never know about croke park - it will lift the irish to another level
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Hector Camacho wrote:
"Do you agree that Argentina should be allowed to join the six nations? The competition could be divided into two, with an A & B tournament. Scotland, Romania, Bulgaria, Holland, Poland and Iceland could make up the B competition with France, Ireland, Wales, Argentina, England and Italy the A one. What do you think?"
You make a valid point as i feel Argentina are a good enough side to be in the 6 nations. But you say Scotland should be in the B group? against teams they would beat by 50-90 points. Considering Scotland are the 4th best team in the 6 nations this is a silly and brash comment to make. There should be a 7 nations, but your idea of a B league is crazy to be honest no one cares about how Romania or Holland do.
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Number 64, you must be a time traveller, or somebody who can read the future. To be so sure about Irelands placement in the world cup. Tell me more, whats next week lotto numbers?
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Ireland have the best pack in the world. France picked a pack to tough it out against the Italians and have gone for a more explosive no 8 this week. Laporte would have been lynched over here had he completely dropped Chabal - who the French love - despite the fact that last week was the first time he has made an impact for Les Bleus.
The fact that O'Driscol isn't playing will be a factor though as well as Stringer (don't forget the understanding he has with O'Gara) - how much we will find out. Come on though the rest of the backs aren't bad - most, if not all, would get in any of the 'home' nations teams.
Ireland by 7 - COME ON IRELAND.
Oh yeah in two weeks Ireland by 15 - damn it........
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Just about to hit my local Irish bar for the match, but couldn't leave before posting. I think we (Ireland) definitely have the team and the hunger to take the title this year, as long as we don't let the Croker factor do damage rather than good. The players and management have the right attitude - "it's just another match".
However, I for one will be close to tears when the opening strains of Amhran resound in Irish rugby's temporary home.
As for the French, the fact that they can make 5 changes and not weaken the team is testiment to the great side that they are. Hopefully (for us) the rumoured discontent in the French camp at the rotation system employed by Laporte will unsettle them. It will be a tight one. I think we will edge it by 5.
And England, they really need to stop depending on wonder boy. I would hate to see him get injured (again) but I think England need to play a match without him in order to really assess their development. That's obviously not in Ashton's head though unless he is forced into it. I don't think they will beat France or Ireland.
Enjoy the match all! Ireland for the Grand Slam!!!
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The big day has arrived. We win today and the 6-N is ours to lose.
But it IS France...
I just hope the OTHER France turns up! Although, we should now be able to beat any team out there.
No predictions here.
Just a short message to the Lads and EOS today.
BELIEVE!
Leinster (expectant & nervous) man in The Netherlands.
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A fantastic match between Ireland and France, spoiled by only one thing, Steve Walsh.
A surprising decision to select such a controversial and inept referee for what was being billed as the championship decider, when there are so many consistent and high quality referees available. I sincerely hope that this is the last time I see this man referee any international match.
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Defeat clutched from the jaws of victory!
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Gutted!!!
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I am a fair play Englishman and have, in the past, suppoted Ireland in many sports(after the inevitable English crash and burn). However, I am glad that France have just beaten Ireland at Croke park because of all the nationalist balls about 'foreign' sports that has been spoken about recently. I am 37, have nothing to do with what has happened in the past and believe that Ireland should be united, so, please, treat the next game as a sporting contest(which Ireland are still favourites to win) and enjoy as such. There is enough idiot nationalism around without the rugby fraternity joining in.
Crickers
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Oh, the cruelty. Yes, France were the better side today but I would beg for any other match clincher than they had today. I feel ill, but I do hope they now go forward to win the grand slam (I have no doubt but that they will).
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Yes, they choked - missed too many vital tackles, especially at the end - heart-breaking, but I don't see England beating either of them based on that performance...
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Yes, they choked - missed too many vital tackles, especially at the end - heart-breaking, but I don't see England beating either of them based on that performance...
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Yes, they choked - missed too many vital tackles, especially at the end - heart-breaking, but I don't see England beating either of them based on that performance...
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As much as Ireland lost the game and have only themselves to blame, at the top level rugby games can be extremely close, and referees need to be up to the same quality. Steve Walsh was a million miles short of this. Surely this is his last ever international game?
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A good game but not more. Here (France) we don鈥檛 care about winning or losing this 6N, the WCup is this only stuff we have in mind. Unfortunately or fortunately we have still a lot of room to improve to be a WCup candidate.
For your team, you just need to be more creative at the defensive end. Defence could help but its offence which makes win happen.
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A good game but not more. Here (France) we don鈥檛 care about winning or losing this 6N, the WCup is this only stuff we have in mind. Unfortunately or fortunately we have still a lot of room to improve to be a WCup candidate.
For your team, you just need to be more creative at the defensive end. Defence could help but its offence which makes win happen.
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If there is one thing I love about the Irish fans is that they get behind their team. That blind optimism is quite special. There was no way in a million years they would beat France whether by one point or ten. I know it was close and they should have done it but France are a class team who just keep that ball moving. Ireland fell asleep thinking they had won and look what happened.
They won't beat England either who will be more than pumped up for that encounter. The Irish have spirit and a couple of good players but they haven't got the real class to win anything major. Today they had their best team (minus a couple) a massive home advantage and France on the rack for a good part of the second half and they still didn't win. France get a little snippet of space and the game's theirs. Such is international rugby.
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Eddie Butler must Go - Blatant partisanship!
Eddie Butler's partisan commentaries on the Six Nations matches are not acceptable.
To-day we had a brilliantly competitive and even match between France and Ireland but it was ruined for me by Butler's unconconcealed pro Irish bias. In addition, we had to put up with an Irishman in the commentary box alongside him.
The level of bias is not acceptable on the 91热爆. Even if it was argued that a pro British Isles perspective was acceptable on the British Broadcasting Corporation, Butler is not even-handed in his treatment of the four home countries. He is consistently and blatantly hostile to the English.
May we not return to a tradition of authoritative independent or have the choice of different openly committed commentators among whom the listener or viewer could choose.
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Wont beat the english?? Heard that one before and I think we proved them wrong. Nice to see a couple of wins and the english arrogance is back again!!
Gutted about todays result but we cant give the french a head start like that and hope to win. hopefully with stringer and o'driscoll back we can stick it to the english
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In defence of Eddie Butler he's the only 91热爆 commentator with the balls to interfere with the Brian & Jonny, lovin' that we had to endure during the England Scotland match last weekend ..
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Japman...glad to see we both agree on one thing....can the 91热爆 not find someone better than Eddie Butler? Truely awful again yesterday at Croker with his "Paddy for the day" performance. Makes one hanker for the great man himself Bill McLaren to somehow return to the mike...or even Starmer-Smith!!
Steve Walsh also had what must have been the worst international refereeing performance seen in a long time. Astonishing tho' was that it was well balanced awful refereeing with him giving everything to the French in the first half and then to the Irish in the second!
Gutted here tho' and I shall put my hand up and say yes....I truely believed this Irish team would be the first team to land the Grand slam after nearly 60 years waiting. Twas' not to be yesterday. We let nerves and the occasion get to us in the first 25 minutes and once you give the momentum to Les Bleues like that it's very hard to get it back. Indeed it's a testament to this Irish team that they were even able to claw there way back into the game at all. Still, we move on and I look forward to a highly intense charged Irish team running out in 2 weeks time to take on the English.
A very humbled Paddy in Singapore here :o(
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OK first of all great blog I enjoyed MOST of it. Both sides (considering this blog seems to be mostly Irish and English supporters) are being over confident with some posts.
So let鈥檚 get a few things straight and yes for the record I鈥檓 an avid Irish supporter:
1. Brian O'Driscoll is the best center in the world no quest's asked (give me someone that would take his place).
2. Johnny had a great game last week and is an awesome place kicker, tackler and attacker HOWEVER O鈥橤ara kicking out of hand and distribution to the rest of the back line is far superior and his place kicking is equally outstanding. No doubt about it before Johnny's injuries he was the best out-half in the world however since then the level of out-half鈥檚 around the world has improved Carter, Contepomi, Jones and Hook of Wales to name but a few and even O'Gara has even improved. The thing is he is not as good now as he was then and I don鈥檛 believe he ever will be. Last week was a good performance against a very very poor Scottish side and I can鈥檛 believe he was given that try it was clearly not (please don鈥檛 try and argue that it was). I am glad to seem him back as it was awful to keep seeing him getting knocked back with injuries and he is by far your best outhalf available at the moment but please don鈥檛 kid yourself your team is still very weak. Yes you may run us close but at the end of the day we have much better players. You had a great side back in 03 and 鈥 it pains me to say this 鈥 you deserved to win the W.C but you have lost some many players since and as a result you have been knocked back and it will take time to recover. Do not be fooled into thinking you can contend for the world cup that鈥檚 just pathetic. It鈥檚 the Irelands time now don鈥檛 begrudge us now cause your time has past (until the next), deep down most people cheered you on to win the world cup and those that didn鈥檛 probably realised that this would happen i.e. you would all live off it for years to come like the football.
3. I think Wales are a stronger side at the moment than England and I can see them beating the English. No doubt about it the French Irish match on Sunday will be close and I think it will be tough to call. I think the table will finish as so
Ireland/France
France/Ireland
Wales
England
Scotland
Italy
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I cannot believe Ireland were favourites again, it seems like a bad omen when this happens. I do think we will now do better in the world cup as a result of yesterdays performance. Bring on the English!!!!!!!!!!!
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