UNLESS YOU HAD an exceptionally heavy St. Stephen’s night you will know by now that Munster comprehensively beat Leinster 28-13 at Thomond Park.
The majority of the game saw Munster employ a similar pick-and-go style that they used in the first fixture between the sides this season at the Aviva – and the men in red enjoyed just as much success this time around.
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But while CJ Stander and Dave O’Callaghan burrowed over from close range for the home side, their second try, scored by Andrew Conway, was an impressive show of strength that sent the crowd wild.
Ian Keatley gets the ball and gives it in one fluid movement, which allows Conway to explode onto the pass. His running line gets him through the initial gap but in the replay you see that he gets a great fend on Dave Kearney.
Leinster’s attack was uninspired for much of the defeat but there was one lovely moment of skill from replacement back row Jack Conan late on. Conan showed great dexterity to free one hand and throw a lovely little pop pass for Shane Jennings to dot down.
It is the kind of pass that Sonny Bill Williams uses frequently – he moves the size 5 ball around in one hand like a normal person holds a mini rugby ball. It might not always be the most economical way to throw a pass, but you look damn cool when doing it.
That was nice from Conan, but he still has a long way to go to be as good an offloader as the maestro.
Source: SportsViids/YouTube
You can watch some extended match highlights here.
Source: Leinster Rugby TV/YouTube
So what did you prefer, Conway’s strength or Conan’s skill?
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CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that lock Quinn Roux will remain at the province until the end of the 2014/15 season at least.
The 24-year-old South African joined Pat Lam’s squad at the start of the current campaign on a loan deal from Leinster and has been in impressive form ever since.
Roux signed for Leinster from Super Rugby’s Stormers on a one-year deal in 2012, extending that contract for another two years in 2013. Opportunities at Leinster proved limited, however, and Lam pounced to secure the second row on loan terms.
Roux has gone on to start 12 games for Connacht this season, demonstrating the aggression, ball-carrying ability and set-piece grunt that had originally convinced Leinster to lure the lock to Ireland.
“We are pleased to say we have extended Quinn Roux’s deal until the end of the season which is great,” said Connacht head coach Lam of the extension.
It remains to be seen whether Connacht will look to sign Roux beyond this season on a permanent deal, but his performances in this campaign suggest that is a strong possibility.
Meanwhile, Connacht are hopeful that out-half Craig Ronaldson will be available for Friday evening’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Edinburgh at the Sportsground.
The former Lansdowne man is following return-to-play protocols after suffering concussion against Munster on New Year’s Day, and has not yet been ruled out of this weekend’s fixture.
Ronaldson was impressive during Connacht’s win over Munster. Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Tom McCartney and Aly Muldowney missed Connacht training yesterday with a stomach bug and chest infection respectively, but the hooker and lock are both expected to be available against Edinburgh.
Prop Ronan Loughney and second row Michael Swift were back in training yesterday, while lock Mick Kearney is expected to make his training return next week and be available for the Challenge Cup clash with Exeter on 18 January.
Connacht will name their side for the Edinburgh game at noon on Thursday.
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YOU DON’T RATTLE Peter O’Mahony easily. But if you know the buttons to push you just might see him flinch.
In the week of a big game, the Munster captain has a stony-faced concentration about him. And so the gathered media, who love to talk about pressure, pain and all that kind of nonsense, get rebuffed with a simple ‘get on with it’.
With three of Ireland’s four TV broadcasters on top of the rights holders from across the water, all ready to put the spotlight on the blindside one remark does manage to shake his game-face off.
‘What’s up with your hair, Pete?’
‘What the…?’
There was nothing untoward up with his hair. Back to the serious business of beating Saracens and extending the Munster interest in this remodelled competition deep in to 2015.
“It’s cup rugby come Saturday. It’s win or bust, cup rugby, there’s nothing goes past Saturday,” says the captain.
“They were an important few weeks in the Pro12, but it was always there in the back of our minds to be preparing – we trained on the 3G [pitch in UL] a few times, getting ready for it. It’s a big week for the club certainly.”
That artificial surface is a big talking point for some players and coaches within the Munster camp. However, as a man who can cover the ground efficiently and isn’t expecting to kick the ball, O’Mahony tallies the impact of the surface on his gameplan to a nice round figure, “Zero”.
What will have a say in the outcome is his performance, and how he matches up with the Saracens back row. A game that doesn’t count the breakdown as a deciding factor is an extreme rarity (if it even exists), but on a hard surface that promises a clean dry ball, the tackle area will be 9/10s of the law.
“It’s such a cliché, but we’ve got to get go-forward ball,” says the 25-year-old captain in that trademark matter-of-fact way of his.
In Munster Rugby ‘everyone’ means absolutely everyone, not just the men on the pitch or with dressing room access. Munster aren’t better when they’re bitter, they’re better when in complete harmony with their supporters.
So as the playing staff sets about ransacking Saracens’ latest attempt at European glory, it’s curious that the hosts have generously added grist to the mill for away fans by inserting cunning obstacles in the way of non-sanctioned ticket sales. Obstacles like suspicious treatment of people with an Irish accent calling looking for tickets.
“You can be fairly sure they’ve been putting on fake English accents to get them,” smiles O’Mahony at the thought of some red-shirted hybrid between Dick van Dyke and Fonejacker.
“It’s unbelievable. I don’t know how they get the tickets, but they show up for us every time. We can’t get around to everyone to say thank you, but we’d love to. It’s hugely important for us and we’ve no doubt they’ll be there on Saturday.”
O’Mahony won’t be letting his hair, or anyone else, down any time soon.
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Updated 15.35
IRELAND HEAD COACH Joe Schmidt has today unveiled his 46-man squad ahead of the defence of the Six Nations Championship.
There are two uncapped players in the extended squad at either end of the age-scale with 33 -year-old Nathan White involved in his second squad and 22-year-old Leinster back row Jack Conan.
Neither O’Brien or Fitzgerald have won a cap since Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand in 2013. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Sean O’Brien, Iain Henderson and Cian Healy are all named among the squad as they near a return to fitness after a prolonged spell on the sidelines, with Luke Fitzgerald aiming for a first cap since November 2013.
The inflated squad number will also provide the pool for Schmidt to select a Wolfhounds team to face England when the traditional pre-tournament fixture is played in Cork next Friday
With a spate of injuries denying Schmidt of a host of players – such as Andrew Trimble, Chris Henry, Luke Marshall, Donnacha Ryan and Mike Sherry – the Kiwi said that this squad provides a chance for younger players to stake a claim in either the Wolfhounds or the Test arena.
The breakdown of the squad by club is; one from Racing Metro, three from Connacht, eight from Ulster, 10 from Munster and 24 from Leinster.
Ireland squad, 2015 Six Nations
(Uncapped players in bold)
Props
Jack McGrath, Michael Bent, James Cronin, Cian Healy, Nathan White, Martin Moore, Mike Ross.
Hookers
Rob Herring, Sean Cronin, Rory Best, Richardt Strauss
Second rows
Dave Foley, Paul O’Connell, Mike McCarthy, Devin Toner
Back row
Jordi Murphy, Sean O’Brien, Tommy O’Donnell, Peter O’Mahony, Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Jamie Heaslip, Jack Conan, Robbie Diack.
Half-backs
Kieran Marmion, Isaac Boss, Eoin Reddan, Conor Murray, Ian Keatley, Ian Madigan, Jonathan Sexton.
Centres
Darren Cave, Gordon D’Arcy, Jared Payne, Noel Reid, Luke Fitzgerald, Robbie Henshaw
Back threes
Craig Gilroy, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Felix Jones, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Simon Zebo.
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WITH LITTLE OVER a week to go before the start of the Six Nations, competition for places in the finalised squads of both Joe Schmidt’s Ireland and Stuart Lancaster’s England is intense.
Tomorrow night’s ‘A’ international between Ireland Wolfhounds and England Saxons will feature players who are looking to make their case to their coach. However, in Ireland’s case, we also have players desperately in need of match fitness and form so it’s not simply a matter of giving lads a run and sending them home.
Ian Madigan is short on time playing at number 10 and Schmidt needs to test run viable option at scrum-half if Conor Murray can’t satisfy his neck specialist.
The Saxons promise to play Sam Burgess and Chris Ashton, so they won’t be wanting for power, while the Wolfhounds provide an opportunity for Iain Henderson, Sean O’Brien and possibly Cian Healy to get some minutes under their belt after long stretches on the sidelines.
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Who would you pick to start or give 20 minutes off the bench to against the Saxons?
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KELLY HAIMONA WILL make his Six Nations debut in Italy’s tournament opener against Ireland.
The New Zealand-born out-half starts alongside Eduardo Gori for Saturday’s meeting with the defending champions in Rome.
Haimona, 28, won his first cap in the November Series win against Samoa and held down his spot for the defeats against Argentina and South Africa.
He returns again in an experienced side which sees Jacques Brunel makes just two changes from the 22-6 defeat against the Boks in Padova.
George Biagi replaces the injured Quintin Geldenhuys and starts alongside John Furno in the second row, while Francesco Minto starts at openside with Samuela Vunisa missing out.
Brunel is hoping for a repeat of the 2013 clash in Rome, which Italy won 22-15, rather than last year’s Dublin renewal which saw Joe Schmidt’s side run out 39-point winners.
“Two years ago we dominated the game,” he said. ”Last year it was impossible to avoid their domination when all the statistics, like possession and tackles, were so negative.
“Something has to change and we will try to do so.”
Italy
15. Andrea Masi
14. Leonardo Sarto
13. Michele Campagnaro
12. Luca Morisi
11. Luke McLean
10. Kelly Haimona
9. Edoardo Gori
1. Matias Aguero
2. Leonardo Ghiraldini
3. Martin Castrogiovanni
4. Josh Furno
5. George Biagi
6. Alessandro Zanni
7. Francesco Minto
8. Sergio Parisse (c)
Replacements:
16. Andrea Manici
17. Alberto De Marchi
18. Dario Chistolini
19. Marco Fuser
20. Robert Barbini
21. Guglielmo Palazzani
22. Tommaso Allan
23. Giovanbattista Venditti
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CAST YOUR EYES towards Rob Kearney during this afternoon’s Irish anthems and you’ll get a glimpse of what the fullback refers to as “the weakest moment of my week.”
Kearney wins his 60th Ireland cap this afternoon. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
Kearney will line up alongside Johnny Sexton and the rest of his Ireland teammates, then pick out the parents’ box in the stand as Amhrán na bhFiann bursts into life, briefly allowing the emotion to sweep over him as he spots David and Siobhán.
“That’s the one time you feel at your most vulnerable,” says Kearney of the instant when he sees his proud parents watching on.
He’s been through it enough times before to regather his composure instantly, however, immediately focusing back in on the demanding task that lies ahead today. This is cap number 60 for the Louth man; his mental readiness is never an issue.
Kearney’s Ireland career began in Buenos Aires in the summer of 2007 with a debut on the left wing against the Pumas. More than seven years as the premier fullback in the country have followed, but he says this particular milestone is not one he was even aware of until midweek.
“50 is a milestone and from that perspective, that was a proud day being able to lead the boys out against Scotland in the Six Nations last year. 60 is no different to 59.”
Those 59 appearances have seen the fullback help Ireland to a Grand Slam in 2009 as well as last year’s Six Nations Championship under Joe Schmidt. Add in a central role at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and Kearney’s international career so far is an impressive one.
Still, he is far from satisfied with what he has achieved and points to a persistent hunger for more.
“We’re animals, we’re greedy. I’ve been blessed to be part of so many great teams over the last nine, 10 years and I’ve won a lot of brilliant things, but you always want more.
Kearney on his Ireland debut in 2007. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
“The 2013 Lions tour in Australia was probably the single biggest period that I’ve been disappointed with in terms of my career and how that all panned out, and a World Cup is a huge arena and a competition you want to achieve in too.”
Those wrongs can be righted in the coming months and years perhaps, but there are more pressing concerns for Kearney this weekend. As well as being a greedy breed, rugby players are short-term beings.
Schmidt has built a culture of focusing only on the next task at hand, and with Stuart Lancaster’s England visiting today there is every reason to forget about the future.
Kearney himself has played against England five times, with the 2009 victory at Croke Park remaining his only success in this fixture. He points to 2012’s dark day in Twickenham as the lowest point of his on-field relationship with the English.
The Leinster man was not involved in the home victory in Dublin in 2011, the last time Ireland beat England. Kearney argues that the recent run of four defeats against the old enemy means very little to proceedings this afternoon.
“But I’m a fan of the game, a supporter of the game, I love rugby, so naturally I’m going to look back over what’s happened in history, that’s only a natural thing.
“At the same time, I know it will have no bearing on the outcome of this game.”
Speaking of records, runs of results and such matters, Ireland have the chance to equal their best-ever winning streak of 10 today. That record has stood since 2003 and Kearney reveals that head coach Schmidt “mentioned it to us last week.”
Kearney is now a key leader for Ireland. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Achieving 10 victories in a row is not a primal focus for Ireland though, this meeting with England being more about improving their chances of retaining the Six Nations title. Any pressure or expectation on the outside is very much that, as Kearney explains.
“You can see just how much of a bubble we’re in down at Carton House. It’s bed, to meeting rooms, to training field, to gym, to meetings, to bed. Joe Soap on the street has more insight into the expectations on the Irish rugby team than the guys in the team itself do.
“That’s probably a good thing.”
Instead of concentrating on equalling longstanding records, Kearney and Ireland will have narrowed in on the game plan and the tangible factors that can help them to beat England.
As against France last time out, the kicking game is certain to be key.
“We’ve got some of the best kicking halfbacks in the world, some of the best catchers in the world; you’d be mad not to play to your strengths. Sometimes the kicking game gets unfair criticism, but you’d be mad not to take to the field and not do things you’re good at.”
Whatever about playing to strengths, one senses that there is more to come from Ireland in terms of passing and attacking teams on the outside edge. Kearney agrees, but also points to the difficulty of doing so against a team like England.
Kearney’s aerial ability is crucial for Ireland. Source: Colm O’Neill/INPHO
“Against France we certainly left a few opportunities out there. England do rush very hard, they play strong up, so being able to get to those outside channels is a little bit more difficult.
“The chances of back lines being able to throw two long passes now are diminished, because by the time that second man gets the ball, he’s hit. I think it’s a combination of being a little bit more ballsy sometimes to throw that pass into the next channel, and the strong, hard-up defences making it more difficult.
“One intercept is the game now, seven points is the game changed. It’s getting there, and it will come. It’s something we have spoken about, something we recognise we need to get a little better at.”
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CONNACHT WERE BEATEN at the death in Cardiff last night, as a late try put a hefty dent in their Pro12 top six ambitions.
The home side crossed the line in injury time but Pat Lam isn’t satisfied with the level of officiating late on in the 18-17 loss.
Lam was furious with the decision of touch judge Leighton Hodges to call hands in the ruck in the 83rd minute when it appeared that a Cardiff player had knocked on, which would have seen the westerners secure a 17-11 victory.
After the game, Lam spoke to Rob Murphy of Knockon.ie, and with the aid of a laptop he explained exactly how he felt Connacht had been let down by the officials.
“I’m extremely gutted and disappointed and there is a changing room there that deserved more,” Lam said.
Lam went on to say he will lodge a former complaint with referee chief Ed Morrison about Hodges’ decision.
The Connacht boss stressed that he wasn’t merely making a knee-jerk reaction to a defeat.
“All I want to talk about here is facts, not opinion,” Lam said.
“That is pretty clear.”
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Lam then said that he hopes Hodges is taken off the Munster v Connacht game in three weeks time, which he is currently down to officiate.
You can listen to the full interview here.
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IRELAND COACH JOE Schmidt cut a disconsolate figure after Ireland’s 23 – 16 defeat to Wales in the Millennium Stadium.
Scott Williams second half try put the Grand Slam beyond Ireland and reeled the reigning champions back into a title race with their hosts today and England.
“When you know it’s going to be such a fine margin, when those things escape you you know you’ve got to fight your way back in to the game,” the New Zealander told RTE post-match.
“I thought we did that really well and even right at the end I thought we got our maul set up really well and it was disappointing not to come out with one point at the end of it.”
Though he needed little reminding that the Championship remains an active target despite the loss, Schmidt moves to compare the loss in Cardiff to his last.
“A lot of credit falls on the Welsh defence and a bit of our inaccuracy.”
He added: “The fine margins got away on us.
“We probably lost the battle in the air, we got slow ruck ball in that second half – the way it was in the first half, if you were at all near the ball you were quickly penalised – we just didn’t get that consistency in the second half. And we didn’t quite get the speed of ruck ball that would have helped us, but we didn’t help ourselves.
“We’ve only got ourselves to blame and a lot of credit has to go to the Welsh defence. They made a lot of tackles and they hung in really well when we did get pressure inside their 22.”
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