IRELAND TAKE ON New Zealand in the Under 20 World Cup tomorrow (KO 19.30) knowing that they will have to be at their very best to challenge the young men from the other side of the world.
What should give Nigel Carolan’s side a confidence boost though is how close Argentina came to shocking the Junior ABs in their match on Saturday.
Sure, New Zealand ran in four absolutely stunning tries. But some solid place-kicking followed by two late mauls brought them back on level terms with four minutes remaining.
Ireland managed to out-kick Argentina to claim a win in the opening round of Pool fixtures. And despite showing their try-scoring threat off set moves and phaseplay in the first half against Scotland, the Wolfpuppies will also be looking for a big improvement tomorrow.
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)