On any other day, the Irish might have beaten New Zealand in that 2023 World Cup quarter-final, and it is why, in the last six matches between the two teams, they are level at three wins each.
Under Andy Farrell they are in this rich vein of form and, despite World Cups regularly being big downers for the Irish, this was different. You can see the honesty of the Irish players in the way they have bounced back after being gutted, with all expectations blown away, because they have looked at it, and accepted that they didn’t throw it away, but just got beaten by the finest margin.
In those circumstances, you accept that the better team on the day beat you, and then close that chapter and embark on your new mission.
In Ireland’s case, it is to achieve fulfilment and a happy ending from 2024 through to 2027, and what a start they made against the French. Their 38-17 victory was so complete, and doing it away from home against quality opposition is what makes it so impressive.
The Irish have lost a huge personality in Johnny Sexton, but what we have seen is a pattern of play where, when a player of that stature moves out of the team, and a lesser-known fly-half like Jack Crowley replaces him, there is no change. It’s the same Ireland.
It’s almost as if the Irish are setting their own challenge in this Six Nations, because the main competition was from France – and because you cannot imagine there being any complacency with Farrell as coach even though the rest of the teams do not pose as a big a threat.
The main danger that faces Ireland, like most teams, is if they lose four experienced players together at the end of a season through injury, loss of form, or retirement. You can lose one or two players, but overall you need the band to stay together.
Esta historia es de la edición February 11, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 11, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.