Iain Henderson - needed
Match 2
seems a bit early for it all to come to tears for Ireland in this years 6
Nations – but that’s what happened on Saturday against France. After dominating
France in the first half, and for the first 10 minutes of the second half, we
fell away in spectacular fashion, our scrum crumbled, we conceded a try and the
lead, and didn’t look like getting back into it after that. This match followed
last week’s early loss of players, and with O’Brien and Dave Kearney both off,
we were running out of players and running out of energy too. I don’t want to
go through a gruesome autopsy of our failings right now. We’re getting into the
right positions, but can’t take our opportunities – we are missing Paul O’Connell,
and could really do with Ian Henderson back. It could be a long Championship. And
just to cheer you up even more, both the ladies and the U20’s got hockeyed by
the French.
Scotland
hung in there…for a long time, then got blown away by the Welsh power. The
Scots are getting better and playing better, but not getting better results. It
must be very frustrating for their fans! Let’s hope it doesn’t all come
together against Ireland! Wales, meanwhile, move forward with purpose.
Italy were
right, right in the game against England right up until the 50th
minute – an then they weren’t. After getting over the initial shock of a testosterone
powered surge from the Italians, England regrouped, and then landed telling
blow after telling blow, while the hapless Italians staggered around in
disarray. Could still be in for a few twists and turns, but otherwise it’s shaping
up to be England v Wales for the Championship.
Meanwhile,
in the Pro12, it was wins for all the Irish provinces bar Munster. Connacht had
a great win over the Scarlets. Munster’s match was an epic battle, which the
Ospreys had to win to stay in touch with the top six. I’d love to see what
Munster would look with Sam Davies pulling the strings
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Saturday, February 13
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France 10 - 9
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Ireland
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Wales 27 - 23
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Scotland
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Sunday, February 14
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Italy 9 - 40
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England
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Friday, February 12
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Leinster 52 - 0
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Zebre
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Ulster 13 - 10
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Glasgow Warriors
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Scarlets 22 - 21
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Edinburgh
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Saturday, February 13
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Benetton Treviso 13 - 7
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Cardiff Blues
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Sunday, February 14
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Munster 17 - 21
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Ospreys
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