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.
Full Time score from the @AVIVAStadium: IRELAND 20-32 ENGLAND#TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder #IrevEng pic.twitter.com/6pbOetDjCe
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 2, 2025
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.
Not the result we wanted but an incredible experience nonetheless and proud of @CJStander playing 62 mins with two fractures in his cheek and eye socket ? pic.twitter.com/GUswqOO8QJ
— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) February 2, 2025
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
