6 Nations 2023 - Ireland

[fourthirtythree]

Thought I saw Henderson get his?

Anyway, magnificent achievement, well done the lads, rarely looked rattled throughout apart from the last game where Ireland were clearly spooked. Much credit goes to England for pushing them and making doubt in their minds, but otherwise I think we left far more points behind than our opponents did. I mention that because several, in particular Gatland, were saying that if they'd taken all their chances they'd have won. Well buddy, had Ireland taken all their chances you would have been at the end of a hiding for all the ages.

The game the coaches want pushes the players to the very limits of their ability, and you get some errors. You can see why they play Baird, they were never going to go for a lumbering tighthead lock specialist instead, he did so much good today. And also knocked on twice, at least one was very bad. They have such courage.

Yet again a big congrats to the subs who made such great contributions: Byrne's extra metres in line kicking were important for the last try, O'Toole improved the scrum. Conan's offload was a peach, Murray has been proving why he is still in the team all championship.

This team are a joy and a privilege to follow. Oh, and not to start a one to 23 love in, but Aki really showed up Tuilagi today. Delighted for the guy, he seems to be one of the "glue" players for the squad (Like O'Mahony) and it's notable how many players like McHanson for example have drawn attention to it.
Oh well, chuffed for Herring to get in on the scoring too. Phenomenal third choice hooker. Just does everything well. I was a little disappointed that Sheehan chose to run into a back rather than stepping and outpacing him in the run just before his try. Minor quibble.

[riocard911]

Thought I saw Henderson get his?

Anyway, magnificent achievement, well done the lads, rarely looked rattled throughout apart from the last game where Ireland were clearly spooked. Much credit goes to England for pushing them and making doubt in their minds, but otherwise I think we left far more points behind than our opponents did. I mention that because several, in particular Gatland, were saying that if they'd taken all their chances they'd have won. Well buddy, had Ireland taken all their chances you would have been at the end of a hiding for all the ages.

The game the coaches want pushes the players to the very limits of their ability, and you get some errors. You can see why they play Baird, they were never going to go for a lumbering tighthead lock specialist instead, he did so much good today. And also knocked on twice, at least one was very bad. They have such courage.

Yet again a big congrats to the subs who made such great contributions: Byrne's extra metres in line kicking were important for the last try, O'Toole improved the scrum. Conan's offload was a peach, Murray has been proving why he is still in the team all championship.

This team are a joy and a privilege to follow. Oh, and not to start a one to 23 love in, but Aki really showed up Tuilagi today. Delighted for the guy, he seems to be one of the "glue" players for the squad (Like O'Mahony) and it's notable how many players like McHanson for example have drawn attention to it.
Oh well, chuffed for Herring to get in on the scoring too. Phenomenal third choice hooker. Just does everything well. I was a little disappointed that Sheehan chose to run into a back rather than stepping and outpacing him in the run just before his try. Minor quibble.

"disappointed"? As a former hooker I was delighted! More of this!!!

[Twist]

Ok the subject of minor quibbles, this is the greediest, most ‘spoiled brat’ comment I’ve ever made in my life but; that botched try at the end against Scotland prevented us from doing the perfect Slam with a BP in every match. Kinda rankles!

Anyway, f%~king hell what a team. England were orders of magnitude better than last week. What an unbelievable championship from Ireland. I’m not gonna attempt any serious analysis at this stage, but I’m seriously grateful to have that team to support

[riocard911]

I remember well an incident in a Test match in '84. The French hooker in full flight knew he'd never skin the NZ winger Bernie Frazer, who was built like a brick shithouse, so he went straight through him, steamrolling him in the process. Poor Bernie had to be helped off. Don't think that had ever happened to him before - or after!

[enby]

This is by far the best Irish team I have seen in 52 yrs of trudging along to Lansdowne Rd. Some numbers will illustrate:
In our last 2 6N seasons we have conceded 10 tries in 10 games. That is incredible.

Zero cards of any colour in this year's 6N.

Since the start of last season, we have lost 2 matches (NZ and France away) and have won 17 beating NZx3, SA, Oz, France, Englandx2, Walesx2, Scotlandx2, Italyx2, Argentina, Japan and Fiji.

We all should be so proud of such a magnificent team of players, coaches and staff. Fair dues to IRFU

[Oldschoolsocks]

is it just me or does #IREvENG looks suspiciously like #REVENGE

[Twist]

is it just me or does #IREvENG looks suspiciously like #REVENGE

Ooh well spotted!

[leargas]

From the Torygraph comments section:
Ireland won't win the RWC, We saw their limitations today. It's a level playing field in a RWC with teams able to have the same amount of time together. The only reason Ireland do well in the 6N is because they wrap their Leinster and Ulster boys in cotton wool in the autumn when the English and French are playing each week. Ireland will, as usual, make it no further than the quarters in the RWC, Frankly, good, because their arrogance is insufferable.

[Oldschoolsocks]

From the Torygraph comments section:
Ireland won't win the RWC, We saw their limitations today. It's a level playing field in a RWC with teams able to have the same amount of time together. The only reason Ireland do well in the 6N is because they wrap their Leinster and Ulster boys in cotton wool in the autumn when the English and French are playing each week. Ireland will, as usual, make it no further than the quarters in the RWC, Frankly, good, because their arrogance is insufferable.

yeah, sour grapes maybe?

but again yeah, we do not have an easy path to a semi final in the World Cup - top five all on one side of the draw!!!

[Logorrhea]

Who cares what one anonymous poster on a UK media site thinks? Why post that here?

It was a brilliant day, great occasion, perfect result. They were well deserving of it, and while much of the performance was absolute muck, they took away all the prizes.

[artaneboy]

From the Torygraph comments section:
Ireland won't win the RWC, We saw their limitations today. It's a level playing field in a RWC with teams able to have the same amount of time together. The only reason Ireland do well in the 6N is because they wrap their Leinster and Ulster boys in cotton wool in the autumn when the English and French are playing each week. Ireland will, as usual, make it no further than the quarters in the RWC, Frankly, good, because their arrogance is insufferable.

Ireland got a bonus point win, to top off a Grand Slam campaign. That is,we beat them all- in case anyone missed it. So a little toad is sour that his bullies can’t do it; who cares?

The best revenge is to beat them again. Roll on the RWC: I’m confident we can perform well. But, if this is the best of the year, it’s absolutely more than good enough. Glory in their bitterness.

[nc6000]

Ok the subject of minor quibbles, this is the greediest, most ‘spoiled brat’ comment I’ve ever made in my life but; that botched try at the end against Scotland prevented us from doing the perfect Slam with a BP in every match. Kinda rankles!

Anyway, f%~king hell what a team. England were orders of magnitude better than last week. What an unbelievable championship from Ireland. I’m not gonna attempt any serious analysis at this stage, but I’m seriously grateful to have that team to support

Yeah, winning a Grand Slam with five bonus point wins would have been class! I 100% agree.

What a win and what a team. I was lucky enough to be there today and don't think I've been to an England game since it was the 5 Nations and the bad old days when we lost three times to Italy in advance of them making it the Six Nations.

I'm thrilled after today and can't wait for our next game, I think we can beat anyone (home or away) when it comes down to it.

[sunshiner1]

Guardian player ratings always interested to see how the opposition rates us:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/ ... va-stadium

[wixfjord]

I would think when all the celebrating dies down, Faz and particularly Gary Keegan will be looking at that game and figuring out what went 'wrong' for 50/60 mins or so.

We looked really, really nervous and this played into handling, passing, static attack and guys making uncharacteristic errors.

In a massive RWC (and European Cup) game we've already seen the team that plays the last rugby can often win. Great that we can also grind out victories, but the games against SA and England in last 6 months show how teams can get at us. It's the same way teams have gotten at Leinster.

[wixfjord]

James Ryan would be Irish POTT for me. Incredible performances.

Doris, Sheehan, Hansen, Ringer, Keenan and Porter the pick of the rest.

Baird, Bealham, TOT, Conan all had major impacts in various games.

TOT in particular really, really surprised me. If he can keep up this form he'll be a really important player for Ulster & Ireland.

[Twist]

From the Torygraph comments section:
Ireland won't win the RWC, We saw their limitations today. It's a level playing field in a RWC with teams able to have the same amount of time together. The only reason Ireland do well in the 6N is because they wrap their Leinster and Ulster boys in cotton wool in the autumn when the English and French are playing each week. Ireland will, as usual, make it no further than the quarters in the RWC, Frankly, good, because their arrogance is insufferable.

Yeah we wrapped them in cotton wool by playing South Africa & Australia

[cormac]

32 players played for Ireland in the 6N.

LHP: Porter, Healy, Kilcoyne
THP: Bealham. Furlong, O'Toole
Hooker: Kelleher, Sheehan, Herring
Lock: Baird, Henderson, Ryan, Beirne, Treadwell
BR: Conan, POM, vd Flier, Doris

SH: RTP, Murray, Casey
FH: Sexton, Ross, Crowley
Centre: McCloskey, Aki, Henshaw, Ringrose
B3: Lowe, Keenan, Hansen, O'Brien

33 man squad for the RWC. Definitely need one more added to both the back-row and back 3. Probably lose one of the locks or centres,

[Hippo]

I thought Ryan and VdF were the most consistent performers over the tournament. What's so impressive about this team is that if certain players aren't at their best someone else steps up. Yesterday it was JGP and Sheehan along with those two who steadied the ship at a time when the team as a whole was making numerous errors. Lowe and Furlong were very ordinary and the nerves were obvious. They still find a way to win.

I've been watching since 1969 and this is comfortably the best Irish team I've seen in that time.

[Dave Cahill]

33 man squad for the RWC. Definitely need one more added to both the back-row and back 3. Probably lose one of the locks or centres,

Its a times like this that the likes of Healy, Baird and O'Brien are happiest!

[Twist]

Guardian player ratings always interested to see how the opposition rates us:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/ ... va-stadium

How embarrassing for them to lose to a team they rate so badly