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The Guinness Men’s Six Nations has long been a sprint tournament based on momentum and recent form. Ireland, under the guidance of Andy Farrell, have long been the masters of this technique, spurred on by cohesion and their style of play.
Osborne (16'), Conan (42'), Baloucoune (56')
Tries
Nicotera (32')
Crowley (57')
Conversions
Garbisi (33')
Crowley (62')
Penalties
Garbisi (20', 65')
The Guinness Men’s Six Nations has long been a sprint tournament based on momentum and recent form. Ireland, under the guidance of Andy Farrell, have long been the masters of this technique, spurred on by cohesion and their style of play.
However, with the opening fortnight of action now in the books, the world class sprint leaders are starting to look pretty ordinary.
Withold the obituary pieces for at least another week, but it would be unbecoming of our eyes and minds not to steer into what is unfolding.
Got Out Alive
Almost to a man, praise for Italy’s performance in Dublin was wide-ranging. And after finishing within a score of Ireland in the Aviva Stadium for the first time; it was well deserved.
If not for a marginal forward pass or even just a sheer lack of composure near the death, the visitors could have taken a rare win or draw from Lansdowne Road, but Ireland will also feel unfortunate not to have snatched a try bonus-point; albeit that would have been true robbery.
There’s always value in winning games however ugly, especially one that Ireland trailed with 25 minutes remaining; but they know a vastly improved showing is needed in Twickenham to keep their slim chances alive.
New Norm
The galling reality blinding us all right now is that this is Ireland’s new level. No longer kingpins of Europe nor a world leader, the recent evidence shows Ireland have regressed.
Last Monday, John Fogarty vehemently downplayed such a notion, but recent results say otherwise. Losses to France (x2), South Africa and New Zealand plus narrow wins over Italy (x2), Wales and England does not scream excellence.
If anything, Ireland are now firmly amongst the moshpit chasing pack.
Impotent
Another striking cause for concern for Ireland will have, or should be, their vanilla attack. With Andy Farrell scrubbing his hands clean of any mess caused in the #10 hotseat, the sheer questioning of faults in the position has now been put to bed… (I jest).
It has become incredibly difficult to rationally analyse Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley in this ‘toxic landscape’; with the provincial lens seen as distorting any and all conversation. However, from my vantage point; it seems simple.
Sam Prendergast is a better kicker; Jack Crowley is the better athlete. And you can argue about floors, ceilings or walls for as long as you desire; but Ireland look more fluid and dangerous with the athlete in the driving seat as opposed to the punter.
This was again laid bare on Saturday, as it was against France, England, and Australia in games gone by. As Ireland looked to kick prominently in the first half, they forgot a golden rule; “you have got to earn the right to go wide”.
So it should come as no surprise that Crowley’s introduction, a move which helped them speed up their pace of play and become a more direct team, helped them get to space much, much easier.
If Farrell, Sexton, Goodman and other pundits can’t see it; then there’s none more blind than those who refuse to see.
What next?
Round 3 sees Ireland travel to Twickenham to face a wonded England, with both sides hanging on for dear life. Ireland still have title and triple crown aspirations; but they could go up in smoke if the pig-headed approach to form and selection continues.
Irish Player Ratings:
Jamie Osborne - 8; Robert Baloucoune - 9, Garry Ringrose - 7.5, Stuart McCloskey - 9, James Lowe - 8.5; Sam Prendergast - 5, Craig Casey - 7; Jeremy Loughman - 6.5, Dan Sheehan - 6, Tom Clarkson - 5; Joe McCarthy - 5.5, James Ryan - 7; Cormac Izuchukwu - 8, Caelan Doris - 7.5, Jack Conan - 8.
R. Kelleher – 7.5, T. O’Toole - 7, T. Furlong - 6.5, E. Edogbo - 8, T. Beirne - 7, N. Timoney - 7.5, J. Gibson-Park - 8, J. Crowley - 8.5.
Coaches - 7
