Rugby

[Carnage]

3 big losses indeed, I thought Murray might have another couple of years in him though. O'Mahoney's role in the team can't be overstated, he's an elder statesman at this stage and really drives them on.

[John Kimble]

Well this is hard to watch...

[Anvil]

For a neutral that would have been a great game to watch...

We wasted too much energy not to score in the first 20 minutes, then France bullied us for 40 minutes.   French defence was so well drilled and just knew what Ireland were going to do. France will be kicking themselves they shit the bed in England.

[Carnage]

Ireland's play throughout the tournament so far meant they were never contenders for this match. Add Lowe's absence and appalling decions from the officials and a win was never on the cards. Handling let them down as per usual, the one positive is that they seem to have gotten their lineouts right for once.

[open face surgery]

Even in the first 20 when we were dominating we still didn't look like we would score. Fair play to France. Even if that 2nd try was disallowed, which is clearly should've been, we were still going to lose.

[Blizzard Beast]

France were worthy winners today, thankfully we kept the scoreline respectable as at one stage it looked like they would going to blitz us with tries second half.
Silly yellows to concede and their bench blew us away second half.

[Carnage]

Well this is shit. Gonna be a long, depressing day for Irish rugby.

[Anvil]

Another enjoyable Six Nations.  France were the best team. Defensively back to their best and their ability to score from your errors is as good as any team I have seen.  Still don't know how they lost to England, they blew that match and a grand slam. It will be interesting to see if they keep using the 7-1 in the future. They have their "easier" Six Nations next year with Ireland and England at home, and have a relatively young team... 

England finishing second really flatters them.  Both France and Scotland should have beaten them. 

Ireland are in a weird place.  Beat England despite only playing well for 25 minutes, the score line flattered England.  Beat Scotland convincingly despite not getting out of second gear.  Struggled to beat a poor Welsh team.  Were in a good position against France (despite not taking our chances), leading after 50 minutes, then fell off and couldn't cope with the French physicality and then struggled against Italy.  Think we have lost our way without Farrell and our attack has really went backwards.

Scotland were typically Scotland.  Loads of line breaks, loads of fancy play but they can't convert that into points or wins. 

Italy were typically Italy.  Lots of great tries, but they just can't find a way to play for 80 minutes. Their indiscipline might have cost them a victory over Ireland yesterday.  A really stupid yellow before half time swung the game. They do have the best two centres in the tournament.   

Wales are in a bad place, you'd be a brave man taking their coaching position but their under 20s did well, so maybe there is hope down the line for them.

[open face surgery]

Perfect summation. Embarrassing to be 3rd to England's 2nd.

[Blizzard Beast]

Yeah Farrell was missed.We looked off even in the autumn internationals though.
The team is going through a few changes,hopefully Pendergast will come good.

[Anvil]

Good point on Farrell and the Autumn Internations.

One thing to remember about Prendergast, he only has 25 Leinster appearances and a lot of those are from the bench.  Ten is a complex enough position, without trying to learn it at the highest level.  I think the future is bright at 10 with him and Crowley duking it out for the position. 

[Carnage]

Big game for Connacht tomorrow in Castlebar, looking forward to it. Haven't been to MacHale Park before but looking forward to it, their biggest home crowd to date. A must win for both teams, I can't see Connacht doing it but hope springs eternal. A couple of local lads playing too so good luck to 'em.

[Carnage]

Not the result I'd have hoped for but the one I'd expected TBH. The game travelled to MacHale Park well, enjoyable day bar the crush under the stand and lack of male toilets. I hope they do it again as it was great to see such a big home crowd for Connacht, even if the atmosphere was lacking somewhat (the wind wouldn't have helped).

[Anvil]

As a neutral, I thought it was an entertaining game and looked a great occasion on the telly box.  Thought Connacht were going to win it in the last 10 minutes.

[Carnage]

Hard to see anyone stopping Leinster if they keep this form up. You can slate Harlequins and Glasgow for poor performances but two major whitewashes in a row put down a serious marker.

Hoping Connacht do the business tomorrow, forgot Farrell was with Racing now. Hopefully he doesn't cripple anyone on the pitch.