Ireland lose a test, but find a prop

Time for a Caveman? (picture http://es.pn/LJ5jNx)

Well, I have to fess up from the start, admit that I have no life, and that I watched every minute of the three NH/SH matches.  My only useful contribution to society was taking the kids out to the library, and mowing the lawn.

My prediction of a Northern Hemisphere sweep may have been little bit off the mark, but I was expecting at least one win.
However bullish I was last Friday, it was still a wing and a prayer that Ireland were going to beat the All Blacks, and we got smashed in the end, letting in a few easy tries to see the score really blow out. Before I put size 10 boots into the team and the coach, let’s look at the positives. First up has to be Declan Fitzpatrick, hidden in the depths of Ulster. Tony Woodcock may not be what he used to be, but he’s still one of the finest tightheads in the game, and to at least match him was huge result for Fitzpatrick. He also got around the field – is there any chance Ulster could play him a bit more, or could he move to Munster? The pack on the whole did a great job – they won all their lineouts, scrum was solid, and they got quite a few turnovers. I thought Tuohy and O’Mahoney had fairly quiet  games, although I’d expect them to step up a gear next weekend, and Heaslip looks like he’s carrying an injury – he seemed to be hesitant going into contact.

The backline didn’t do too badly either, a bit disorganized in defense, but winmgs in centeres, centres in wings, and new players, it’s going to happen. I though Earls did OK, but would still way prefer him on the wing. Time to start Cave? Murray is the one player I’d start on the bench, Reddan has the ability to give the game tempo, and Murray doesn’t.

I’m not either  going to go for Kidney, we had the organisation and determination to keep the AB’s pegged back for the first 20 minutes, and after that they had the class to hit us on the counter almost at will, with a depressing succession of tries.  DC10 is back again, Savea had a dream debut, and Aaron Smith showed the virtue of a quick scrum half. Anyway, at least we scored a try!

Wales looked like they were still on Welsh time, it was 11.00 O’clock in the morning for them, and way too early to be playing rugby. Australia were not in brilliant form themselves, but Will Genia made the difference as they bounced back from defeat to Scotland. If he gets injured, they’re knackered. Let’s hope Wales have worked out the time zones for next week’s match.

The Boks look beefy but blunt – decent debuts for Kruger, Etzebeth, and Coetzee, but no cutting edge. Why Kirchner is in the team I have no idea, I’d have Pieterson any day, and de Jongh in as well. England need to play it a bit smarter – surely no great feat against the Boks, and keep the ball running.

Saturday , June 9
New Zealand 42 - 10 Ireland
Australia 27 - 19 Wales 
Argentina 37 - 22 Italy 
South Africa 22 - 17 England