Mistakes were costly but we need perspective when looking at Ireland’s performance, writes Ryan Cullen
England’s greater adaptability enabled them to triumph in Dublin despite being statistically second best. I am not a stats man particularly, I like to get a sense for a game rather than make judgements based entirely on the statistical evidence. Sunday’s game in Dublin was one of those that proved that statistics do not tell you everything. Despite edging all the statistics (territory, possession, conceding fewer penalties and making (and missing) far few tackles than England – amongst others), you always sensed England was in control.
The scoreboard, or more precisely Ireland’s lack of representation on it in the first half, may have been the cause of this. However it was more than simply this. Ireland never really looked like they were going to cause England major problems. In the main England defended excellently, denying Ireland gainline momentum and slowing Ireland’s major ball carriers effectively. On the few occasions they did manage to penetrate the English line, a handling error followed. As all those who fronted up after the game stressed, to their credit, England played with the same slippery ball as Ireland and thus it was poor execution that proved Ireland’s downfall rather than the Dublin drizzle.
Poor execution on the tactical front was also an issue. Ireland kicked aimlessly throughout and should have been more concerned with finding touch than sheer distance given the problems Tom Youngs was having at the English lineout. I doubt Kidney sent his men out to kick the ball down the throats of English defenders time after time yet that seemed to be the party line. Perhaps they thought an edge could be gained by putting England’s back three under pressure – if so this was emphatically rebuked as Goode had his best game in a white shirt whilst both Ashton and Brown were strong performers. England’s kicking game was much cleverer and more accurate too, kicking to space and backing up their good kicking with a strong kick chase. Ireland’s kick chase was unfathomably non-existent at times.
Its doubtful many Irish fans would have pointed to this as a potential weakness prior to the game. It was more likely you would have heard Irish fans express concerns about the set piece or breakdown as potential problem areas. Yet, these were perhaps the most positive aspects of the game for the men in green. Ireland scrummaged well once Mike Ross got to grips with the height, or lack of it, Joe Marler was bringing at scrum time. Rory Best put in a commendable performance at the lineout whilst Ireland gained a minimum of parity at the breakdown. Yet this was not enough to make up for the lack of precision they showed in other aspects of the game. Many have hypothesized since that Ireland’s players were too hyped up for the game, that their ability to think was overtaken by their desire to go out and smash something. What a damning indictment of an international team it would be if that were true.
In all this criticism of Ireland’s performance on Sunday it would be remiss to forget just how good the English performance was. England played to a clear gameplan, didn’t play in dangerous areas and made sure they didn’t give away penalties in kickable positions. When Ireland applied pressure at the start of the second half they didn’t wilt and fronted up when the time came. The mental and physical fortitude they displayed was exemplary and one cannot escape the feeling that they were just the mentally superior team on the day. They played with focus and a cool determination, distinguishing themselves from the hot headed actions of Cian Healy and the like. Unless France metamorphose by Saturday week then only a trip to Cardiff is likely to pose any threat to England’s Grandslam hopes.
Where now for Ireland then? For all the doom and gloom after Sunday’s defeat it is important to add some perspective to the narrative. Whilst the conditions were the same for both sides it is probably fair to say they hindered Ireland’s desired style of play more and England’s greater ballast undoubtedly helped them. Early injuries to Zebo and, most importantly, Jonathan Sexton certainly didn’t improve Ireland’s chances either. Sadly for Zebo his injury sees him miss the rest of the championship; all Irish fans will be hoping Sexton’s prognosis brings greater cheer. Cian Healy is also likely to miss at least the Scotland trip after his fairly dim-witted ‘rucking’ incident.
One positive may be the return of Stephen Ferris to the squad by the latter rounds of the championship. Ulster’s talisman is likely to get some game time over the next few weeks and, if he proves his fitness, it would be a surprise if he were not in the squad at least by the time France travel to Dublin. Another positive is the two week break between Sunday’s encounter and the visit to Murrayfield. After two bruising encounters in two weeks the squad is carrying a few knocks and will be glad of the extended break. These positives may provide little succour for players and fans alike at the moment but all must remember that with three rounds left, a lot can change.
In Paris, Wales edged an attritional contest which provided an excellent demonstration of just how important confidence is in international rugby. In a game lacking invention and flair, only Dan Biggar’s excellent chip to the corner for George North stands out as a moment of exceptional attacking quality. The Welsh forwards, in particular the backrow, performed excellently baring a few issues at the scrum and the backline proved to be an impenetrable barrier for a French backline poorly marshalled by Michalak, who simply isn’t an international fly half – at least not on his past two showings. Of course with France it is often either feast or famine and England will be aware that the French team that visit’s Twickenham could be a different proposition to the one we have seen so far. For Wales, the victory in Paris represents a turning point in their recent form and their championship pretensions. With England defeating Ireland, Wales have their destiny entirely in their own hands. Away trips to Rome and Edinburgh won’t be walkovers but should they succeed they could yet be in with a chance of taking the championship when they host England.
Scotland produced a break out performance against an Italian side which unsurprisingly failed to back up their victory over France. Whilst the scoreboard does not accurately reflect the contest, Scotland gained a deserved victory and did it with an attacking game rarely seen at Murrayfield in the past decade. Stuart Hogg and Johnnie Beattie continued their form from the game against England, whilst Euan Murray put in a strong performance at both scrum time and in the loose, providing a timely reminder of his potential importance on the plane to Australia in the summer. Ireland will certainly be happy to be taking on the Scottish scrum on a Sunday afternoon rather than a Saturday given Murray’s religious views. For Italy, it was a case of not building on their previous week’s performance. Orquera and Botes reverted to type whilst the Italian offloading game was only demonstrated in occasional glimpses – truthfully it’s what most expected sadly.
So the Six Nations heads in to its first break with the two giants of European rugby topping and tailing the table. I don’t think there were too many of us predicting that a fortnight ago! Of course we are not even halfway through the championship yet so there is still plenty to play for, not to mention the continual Lions audition taking place. A lot can change in three games of rugby and nobody should be written off for now. England may be in the driving seat currently and there are few signs they will fall apart. But stranger things have happened in this championship.
My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.
