ON 31st July 2010 a young Ulsterman scored the first try in a challenge match to mark the opening of the Aviva Stadium. Another reporter turned to me and said “Remember the name. You’ll need it for pub quizzes for years to come.”
Ireland
Ireland v Argentina: The Preview
Posted 177 days ago
A MUCH improved Argentina went to Cardiff a fortnight ago and deservedly beat a faltering Wales 26-12 so Ireland have no excuses for getting caught cold. They know they need to step-up against a fired up Pumas looking to cement their place in the Top 8 of the IRB rankings, which is so vital to the World Cup draw.
Debate: Is it time to rethink Ireland’s backrow?
Posted 180 days ago
IN 21st century Test rugby, superstars play at No 7. Richie McCaw, David Pocock and Sam Warburton have all been heralded, with Michael Hooper, after his performance against England, set to be added to the list. The question most Ireland fans are asking themselves is whether they have enough depth in their back row and where the next superstar is coming from.
Ireland XV v Fiji: What did we learn?
Posted 180 days ago
AN EXPERIMENTAL Ireland XV convincingly swept aside Fiji 53-0 on a damp, and blustery Saturday evening in Limerick. So far, so good, yet the game lacked Test match intensity. This was partly due to Irelands’ dominance in every facet of play, but also because of the misguided decision to downgrade this autumn fixture to an uncapped international.
Ireland XV 53-0 Fiji: The Verdict
Posted 182 days ago
IN WHAT turned out to be nothing more than a training ground run around, Ireland ran in eight unanswered tries in this non-cap match at Thomond Park. Fiji laboured in the lashing rain, but could not get anywhere near their Irish counterparts.
Ireland XV v Fiji: The Preview
Posted 185 days ago
THIS IS not to belittle England’s 50-point spree last weekend but the Fiji squad touring Britain and Ireland is a desperately mediocre bunch. No team should concede tries as soft as that scored by Ugo Monye at Twickenham and Fiji’s midweek defeat at Gloucester will have done nothing to lift the spirits of a team that has a decent midfield and not a lot else.
Ireland need to get back to winning ways
Posted 188 days ago
I CAN’T begin to imagine the impact on Ireland’s pysche having come so close to beating the World Champions on their own turf, and then suffering a record defeat the following week and being nilled in the process. But I’m guessing it comes pretty close to complete demoralisation.
Ireland 12 South Africa 16: The Verdict
Posted 190 days ago
IT WAS an unspectacular match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with the physical exchanges dominating and little creative attacking play on show. Ireland built a healthy 12-3 half-time lead, capitalising on South Africa’s poor discipline, but the Boks started the second period with aplomb.
Ireland v South Africa: The Preview
Posted 191 days ago
JAMIE HEASLIP will lead Ireland out against the Springboks for the first time, promising to ‘give the Irish people something to cheer about’. The big Leinsterman added for good measure. “We don’t like losing in our back garden. It will be a full house on Saturday and the place will be rocking.”
Five Lions ‘bolters’ to tour Australia
Posted 204 days ago
EVERY FOUR years, a player not considered for the Lions tour suddenly finds themselves on the plane, regardless of Test experience or age. Ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia next summer, here are five potential ‘bolters’:
