- So it’ll be a play-off in order to get to a play-off then. At the least, unlike Paris though, Ireland will only need a draw against Armenia to cross this particular hurdle. And, for once, that might perfectly suit Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland. Often criticised for seemingly setting up his team to play for a draw at home, that is exactly what he’ll have to do on Tuesday.
- That’s all the more important given the scintillating counter-attacking form of Armenia. With 21 goals – and eight in their last two, including four against Macedonia last night – they’re far and away the top scorers in the group, with most of their finishes coming on the break. As such, it would be fool-hardy for Trapattoni to take the game to Armenia in the manner the Lansdowne Road crowd often demands. Sit tight, take care of the “little details” and Ireland should claim the draw they need.
- In saying that, though, we shouldn’t give Trapattoni too much credit for the manner in which his plan has seemingly come together. As impressive as Russia have been in raising their game as the group wore on, top spot was still there for the taking. Russia are far from resounding winners (provided, of course, they claim at least a draw against Andorra). Had Trapattoni played an extra man in midfield against either Russia at home or Slovakia away – not to mention take the game to the latter at Lansdowne Road – then Ireland could have been looking at automatic qualification as opposed to yet another play-off.
- The only downside to tonight’s win was the suspension of Stephen Ward for a foolish dive. Some still doubt whether the Wolves’ full-back deserves a place in the team after his performance in Moscow. But, whatever the justification for those doubts, his absence does mean Trapattoni will be forced into an inconvenient defensive reshuffle ahead of a game that demands discipline and understanding at the back.
- One of the major upsides in a game that resembled a training exercise was the confidence certain players will glean. Kevin Doyle got his first international goal in over a year while Aiden McGeady scored his second in a decent display. Moreover, the side kept another cleansheet – the eighth in a row
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As a Leinster fan I wish Ulster and Munster well in the quarter finals. Its good to see two Irish teams still in it.
Bad luck Leinster, still it’s good to see Munster got trough.
As a leinster fan I’m sorry to see it happen but it was inevitable after the home Clermont match. In the years we won it we always had a dominating player in the pack – Rocky Elsom, Nathan Hines, Brad Thorn – a guy other teams feared for their physicality and general intensity. These guys were abrasive personalites.
Leo Cullen, while a phenomenal captain, isn’t that sort of player. Devin Toner has no place on a Heineken cup team. He is neither abrasive or talented. The back row and front row, while all physically abrasive, seem not to be thorny individuals. We need someone getting in the face of opponents, on and off the ball. We need someone like the three above, like Dennis Leamy.
I agree for the most part, Cian Healy & Sean O Brien are both mean fookers. I think Leinster need a serious edge in the 2nd row.
Ahhhhh hahahahahaha…I love to see Irish teams doing well but for all the Leinster fans giving Munster fans sh*t over the years…sit on that!
Don’t gloat Thómas, Munster have been there before and will be again. Hard luck to Leinster, tough way to exit the competition. Munster abú.
don’t known any leinster fans that don’t support Munster in the Heineken. Get the chip off your shoulder
There’s no chip on my shoulder. Like I said I always like to see the Irish teams doing well but over the last few years Leinster fans felt the need to have a go at Munster while they were doing well so today I’ll revel in it
I’m sure there is a few idiot Leinster supporters who do give grief Tomás, just as Munster have a few fans like you. Any best of luck Munster and Ulster.
Terrible immature attitude, a man shouldn’t lower himself regardless of what when before. You’re only feeding a cycle of hate.
Sorry Tomas but years of ladyboy crap started all that stuff.
As for yesterday Leinster didn’t qualify because clermont beat us twice not because Munster scored more trys against the second team of 8th best team in France with 14 men.
Tomas when you win the title in Dublin ( and I really hope you do) then gloat all you want because if like last year when we won if you go to France and win a semi final you will deserve to be called the best team in Europe.
Leinster will now have a crack at the Amlin and the rabbo, if we win a title it will be enough to regroup for next year.
Fair play to Simon Zebo yesterday super display and will make the loss of tommy Bowe less hard to take next month.
Hard luck Leinster! Good to have 2 Irish teams still there hopefully if all goes to plan at Welford Road. Munster abu!
I’m all about international rugby, but it’s like a guilty pleasure knocking leinster out of the European cup while qualifying for the quarters.
Hard luck to Leinster and tough way to leave the competition…….
Are they the first champions to go out at pool stage?
Where was this famous strength in depth they always bang on about?
3. 2. Now
3. 2. Next may
Yawn !
Posted on 20/1/2013 is this the Journal’s April’s fool days contribution?