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6 Nations

The Good, Bad and Ugly Points for Ireland

After Ireland’s loss to England, Joe Schmidt will have plenty to think about before heading to Murrayfield next weekend

Published

7 months ago

on

Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Ireland fans will have been left shocked following their teams first 6 Nations defeat in the Joe Schmidt era and here are some reasons why. 

England ran out 32-20 winners, but there are reasons to be hopeful for the Irish too.

To begin, the bad and firstly Ireland’s lack of ideas in attacking areas.

It was clear for everyone to see that when they went forward, they were well below their normal standards. Up until the closing moments, Johnny Sexton had failed to receive a single loop pass which has become a trademark of the team when heading forward.

Not only this, but they were losing out in the aerial battles far more regularly than we are used to seeing. Even when they attempted to play it out to the wing there was a lack of sharpness, maybe due to nerves, nevertheless, England found themselves facing an off-colour side.

Another view of this, which once more could be a problem, they appeared tired, maybe a downfall to the province’s successes across the board.

The main man who seemed lost of ideas was No 9 Conor Murray, usually reliable, however, eagle-eyed viewers would have noticed the discomfort in his face as he sent every up and under forward.

Injuries are another concern for the world’s second ranked team and scrum-half is of particular worry with Luke McGrath out for the tournament and Kieran Marmionn only coming back. So, Murray’s role in the team is more important than ever.

The injury list that loomed before this game has also been added to, which brings us to the ugly side of things.

CJ Stander is sure to be missing for the remainder of the competition after it was confirmed he played 62 minutes with two fractures in his cheek and eye socket.

That news comes at a time when Ireland are already without Dan Leavy and Sean O’Brien is coming back from injury.

Stander wasn’t the only man to leave the Aviva injured for the men in green as Devin Toner and Keith Earls were casualties of England’s physicality. However, both are expected to be minor knocks.

Amongst all the doom and gloom there were some positives.

Ireland’s defence was simply incredible against a battering, battling English side conceding only four penalties throughout the whole game while completing 90% of their attempted tackles.

They did in fact nearly run a hundred metres more than their opponents, but as mentioned before lacked that flare when doing so.

They also won 11 of 12 line-outs and all three of their scrums showing how solid they are in the set-plays.

In terms of the players, Robbie Henshaw had a good game defensively at full-back, twice getting back to prevent certain tries. While John Cooney came on for his 6 Nations debut and scored a try within a couple of minutes.

Jacob Stockdale looked a constant threat, but craved more ball, and Garry Ringrose gave a brilliant defensive display.

The simple fact is that Joe Schmidt was right in his post-game comments.

“I don’t think tonight was anything other than two really big teams, one winning fine margins and the other not,” he said.

The biggest point Ireland can take from this “reality check” to use Schmidt’s words, is that they played poorly, but if a few decisions had have gone their way and with a little more luck there could have been a completely different outcome.

They must rebuild and get something in Scotland, if they fail to do that then start to worry before then this is only a blip in the system it would seem.

Watch: Post match press conference with Joe Schmidt & Rory Best

Player Ratings? We rated each team post game – Check out the ratings here

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6 Nations

Two Uncapped Players In Ireland Squad For Italy Match

Published

2 weeks ago

on

August 8, 2019

By

(Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

There are two uncapped players included in the Ireland match day squad for the opening game of the Guinness Series against Italy on Saturday.

Munster’s Jean Kleyn will make his Ireland debut in the second row alongside Devin Toner in a new look Ireland side captained by Rhys Ruddock.

Ruddock is joined in the back row by Jordi Murphy and Tommy O’Donnell, who won the last of his 12 caps against Scotland in 2016.

Jack McGrath, Rob Herring and Andrew Porter are named in the front row.

Luke McGrath and Joey Carbery fill the half back positions with Chris Farrell and Garry Ringrose named in the centre.

Jordan Larmour is at fullback with Andrew Conway and David Kearney on the wings.

The uncapped Mike Haley is included in the replacements. He is joined by Niall Scannell, Cian Healy, John Ryan, Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne, Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty.

The match will be live on RTE and Channel 4.

Ireland Team & Replacements (v Italy, Guinness Series 2019, Saturday, August 10, Aviva Stadium, 2pm)

Player/Club/Province/Caps
15. Jordan Larmour (St Mary’s College/Leinster) 13 caps
14. Andrew Conway (Garryowen/Munster) 12 caps caps
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster) 20 caps
12. Chris Farrell (Young Munster/Munster) 5 caps
11. Dave Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
10. Joey Carbery (Clontarf/Munster) 18 caps
9. Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) 10 caps

1. Jack McGrath (St Marys College/Leinster) 54 caps
2. Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 7 caps
3. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) 14 caps
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 64 caps
5. Jean Kleyn (Munster) 0 caps
6. Rhys Ruddock (St Mary’s College/Leinster) 21 caps Captain
7. Tommy O’Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) 12 caps
8. Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Ulster) 27 caps

Replacements
16. Niall Scannell (Dolphin/Munster) 14 caps
17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 88 caps
18. John Ryan (Cork Constitution/Munster) 18 caps
19. Iain Henderson (Queens University/Ulster) 44 caps
20. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster) 5 caps
21. Kieran Marmion (Galwegians/Connacht) 25 caps
22. Jack Carty (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3 caps
23. Mike Haley (Munster) 0 caps

The post Two Uncapped Players In Ireland Squad For Italy Match appeared first on Irish Rugby.

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6 Nations

Alun Wyn Jones Announces Future Plans

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has confirmed his long-awaited decision for the future

Published

1 month ago

on

July 9, 2019

By

(Photo credit PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Image)

Alun Wyn Jones has announced that he has signed a contract extension with both the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys until June 2021.

The second-row, who had been rumoured to be heading overseas come the end of the season has committed his future to his hometown region and confirmed the news on social media.

“I have some news I would like to share with you. I’m happy to announce that I have signed a contract extension to June 2021 with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys and will be playing at the Liberty Stadium for the foreseeable future,” he said.

The Welsh captain who has gone on to make 134 caps at test level (125 with Wales and 9 for the British & Irish Lions), admitted he considered all options available to him but decided to stay put.

“After serious consideration and taking stock of all options, it is the right decision for my career at this point in time, along with my personal ambitions on and off the field, my welfare, and needs of my family. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to tell you directly, in particular to the Ospreys supporters and all those who have supported me during my career to date. Thanks, Alun Wyn,” he added.

Jones is set to head to Switzerland this week for Wales’ first overseas training camp ahead of the Rugby World Cup, and WRU CEO Martyn Phillips is delighted that Jones will be remaining in the country after the tournament in Japan.

“This announcement is a huge boost for Welsh rugby. Alun Wyn is hugely respected across the game and I’m delighted he has committed his future here in Wales and that he will be continuing to play for his hometown region. It is a boost for the game both on and off the field and I’m sure the news will delight both Wales and Ospreys supporters alike as he continues to inspire the next generation. The extension allows the WRU and the Ospreys to continue working together with Alun Wyn to ensure he has the very best of environments to thrive in,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke is also excited to have the clubs most capped player (238 caps) still in his squad and believes it is brilliant news for everyone in the region.

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for us as a club and all Ospreys and Wales supporters. Alun Wyn is a man I have the upmost respect for; he is greatly admired not just because of what he has achieved and what he represents as a local boy playing for his home region and country but importantly because of the ambition and level of performance he consistently displays. He’s a tremendous individual and a winner with a deep hunger for the Ospreys to be successful on and off the field. Alun Wyn has spent his entire career with the Ospreys and I expect him to continue his legacy as a player and well beyond his playing days,” he said.

Jones’ announcement will be a massive boost for all Welsh Rugby supporters and will also be a motivation for the national team heading into the World Cup later this year as they look to add more silverware to their Six Nations Grand Slam from earlier in the year.

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6 Nations

Ireland Add Final Piece to Backroom Puzzle

Ireland have confirmed their final addition to Andy Farrell’s coaching staff

Published

2 months ago

on

June 24, 2019

By

(Photo by Ashley Western/MB Media/Getty Images)

Former England coach Mike Catt has been announced as Ireland’s new attack coach come the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

Catt is currently coaching the Italian national side however; he will leave his post following the conclusion of the World Cup and take up the role of Ireland’s attack coach until 2023.

He is the last of the coaches to be named as a part of Andy Farrell’s backroom staff, with Farrell set to take over from Joe Schmidt once the tournament in Japan is completed.

Catt is delighted to be moving on to work with the Irish side but insists that he is solely focused on his current task with Italy.

“I am looking forward to the Rugby World Cup in Japan and seeing the group of players we have here in Italy fulfil their potential and achieve the objectives we have set for ourselves. Obviously, it is an honour to be given this future opportunity with Ireland, but I will focus on that challenge only after I have given my all for Italy and this group of players,” he said.

Farrell and Catt previously worked together while part of England’s coaching set-up for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and has plenty of experience which is appealing to IRFU performance director David Nucifora.

“Mike brings a wealth of experience to the coaching group and has been operating at the highest level of the international game for some time. He was a smart and innovative player, and he brings those attributes and much more besides in his approach to coaching and player development. We feel that we have secured a talented practitioner who will add significant value to the group and to the wider Irish system,” he said.

Along with Catt, Farrell has added John Fogarty as the side’s new scrum coach, while Simon Easterby and Richie Murphy will continue on as forwards specialist and kicking and skills coaches respectively.

Farrell will be hoping that he will take over the reigns following a successful World Cup campaign and will want to hit the ground running having put together a top-quality backroom set-up.

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