Murray Kinsella reports from London
IT CERTAINLY WASN’T pretty, but Sean O’Brien feels Ireland will be the better for their nervous 16-9 win over Italy on Sunday, particularly with a massive game against France to come this weekend.
Despite expectations of a strong Ireland win against the Italians, they were made to work incredibly hard to come away with four match points after what was an uninspired collective display.
Jacques Brunel’s Italians thundered into the collisions in a manner Canada and Romania hadn’t in Ireland’s two previous World Cup games, giving Ireland a timely physical test before facing France.
“Yeah, I think we did (need it),” said Sean O’Brien. “I think it’s really started now, you know? It could be no harm for us in the long run. It was a very physical game, they came hard off the line at us and the French will do the same next week.
We know as a group of players that nothing is going to be easy, but I suppose it’s more about us and what we can bring to the table and we didn’t do that at times (against Italy).
“We know what we’re coming up against next weekend and we know that we’re going to have to improve an awful lot and make sure that we’re on our game.”
Ireland were relatively pleased with their defensive effort, according to O’Brien, particularly given that their turnovers allowed Italy to test it in demanding ways on the counter-attack. Peter O’Mahony’s try-saving tackle was an obvious memorable moment.
O’Brien says that it was Ireland’s attack that stuttered.
“They made us uncomfortable at times, but I thought our D actually wasn’t too bad,” said O’Brien. “We got caught that time when Pete threw in that last tackle, but other than that I thought our shape at ‘D’ was pretty good.
We were making some good hits as well. I think it was our own attack that stopped us getting in better positions on the field and getting us scoring opportunities. We can look back and work on that. And, as I said, get those things right for next week.”
O’Brien himself was far from his best form, enduring a frustrating game at the breakdown and failing to be as effective as he can be when carrying the ball. The openside will be critical of himself in reviewing the game and head coach Joe Schmidt will certainly expect more from one of his key men.
The flanker wasn’t the only man to drop below his usual performance level and the improvements will need to come across the board for Ireland.
“We’re going to have to be a lot better and really up our game and make sure that all our basics are done really well,” said O’Brien. “Then we can get excited for the week ahead.”
Listening to the Sky sports panel. Alan McInally seems to be genuinely confused as to why Wayne Rooney has been left on the bench!! Christ where did they get him from??
Everton Robert. In 2004.
He’s on for the second half – I’ve never seen a United team as devoid of passion or any spark as this one. Christ it’s bleak.
You’re not wrong Robert. Painful to watch. Fellaini is absolute shite as usual.
I will not lie, the way they play is horrendous, but these comments sections make up for it!
Fellaini not the worst of them. Memphis, herrera and blind all absolute rubbish. And all bought by van gaal.
He’s out of shape and has been for his entire career. Rooney has coasted on talent and cut every possible corner. It’s no wonder that he’s 30 and looks and plays like a 35 year old.
He has played top level first team football sooner then most. No suprise the body is starting to get weary.
Compare him physically to Ronaldo. There is no comparison.
Its a weary story. He’s unmotivated, unfit, long long past his best, overindulged by LVG, grossly overpaid, a smoker/drinker/junk food fiend, basically an all round poor professional. He’s been sanitised by captaincy of England and without the old snarl is a neutered threat. He’ll never be the football statesman he’s angling to be. Plus he clearly fancies a swansong in Everton before retirement. Time to say goodbye
He wouldn’t get in the Everton team.
He’s a throw back to the footballers of the 1980s
Lvg in.
Dwight Yorke is a shocking pundit. Calling Rooney “Wazza” goes to show where his prerogative is.
Agree. One of the many brain dead cliche-ridden ex-player pundits that Sky use. Redknapp, Henry as well.
And I forgot to mention the sleep inducing Niall Quinn who tops the lot in my opinion.
So, he finally drops his worst player. The fans get what they want. He even brought him on for the second half to prove that he was right to drop him. Then, after all this time trying to get the guy dropped, there are still morons who question why he dropped him. I give in! Here’s how the game went:
http://whysayanything.com/2015/12/26/united-van-gaal-do-nothing-to-convince/
its time for Rooney to be moved on. He has been useless for the last 3 seasons. should have kept Hernandez
Looks more like a darts player than a footballer
Sad to see a pathetic Utd again today.
Watched a “must win” game today and there was only one team playing to win!
Fellani, Jones and Memphis are not Utd players and like LVG should be given their P45s. It’s the manner in which Utd are losing is the worst thing. No fight, class or willingness to win! Attitude is all wrong! That must stem from LVG and I include the mute Giggs in that. I watched the three management team sit quietly throughout the whole game. No giving out, cajoling or even given out instructions – just sitting mutely as another 3pts goes away. ‘ three stooges’.
I hear they are lacking confidence!! Their bank accounts are not and also no urgency!!! If inevitably Jose does get the job- he will have to sign quite a lot of “January players” and turn average players into workers. I wouldn’t bank on it- they will give the job to Giggs – who has not been able to change these players already !! Top 4 is a distant dream- get use to Thursday night football!!
Dude, on every article?
United looked better when he was on the pitch which is saying alot about what went on in the first half .
LVG is in a no win situation. He will pay the price like all managers of non performing teams. Rooney has been poor for a long time and really has been overrated for years. All great to see as a non utd supporter.
Fletcher scored.. Should have kept him as well I suppose