IRELAND HEAD COACH Greg McWilliams said his side have a lot to learn after their heavy Six Nations opener defeat, but that their hosts Wales may just be part of showing the way forward.
Wales are further down the road of professionalism and that showed in how a gulf has opened up between the teams in the last 12 months. McWilliams said his squad would work tirelessly to show an improvement against France next week.
“I thought the first half showed their physicality and ability to control the game,” he said afterwards in an emotional press conference.
“I was proud to make sure it was 5-all in the second half, it was tough to pick the players up at half time, there was a bit of shock as you can imagine.
“Now we just need to learn from it, which is easy to say but when things do not go your way that is a true test of your resilience.
“We have to shake it off, learn and get ready for next week. I did not expect Wales to be that strong, they are very well coached and had lots of big bodies competing well around the contact area.”
“Of course we are disappointed,” McWilliams added. “You feel you have let people down and it is hard. It is tough, the players care, they look at the men’s team and the 20s team, they know what the rugby public is like and they want to do some special things.
“We were on the receiving end of it but they have worked really hard, they put in a good shift and just have to learn and [get] better. We have to show now we are a group of people who can improve and we hope to see that next week.
“We have got to plan and see how we can be more competitive next week and I promise we will be working 24 hours a day to be in a position to be competitive next week.”
There were mixed feelings for the Dubliner and co., as patience was urged going forward.
“You might find it hard to believe that there were things in that game we are really happy with. Unfortunately there were not enough.
“They have 23 of their squad playing in the English Prem in a really competitive league. We have got to be patient, but at the same time there are no excuses.
“There were a lot of people there who give you hope, but at this moment it is just tough to take those losses.”
It was a message of hope backed up by Wales coach Ioan Cunningham, who said, “We have grown as a team over the last 12 months having spent a lot of time together, we are on a professional programme and I think that development has shown.
“Ireland are at the start of that journey. Our challenge is to stay ahead, keep moving, but the last 12 months have been great for us.”
There’s a real buzz at the cross again. Let’s hope more people get out and support their local LOI team.
First since 1998, not jumping on the bandwagon but I hope to support many more games, real joy seen LOI
I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m City til I die. Great performance tonight!!!
First visit to the cross in 3/4 years, brought my young lad age 7 along for his 1st visit. He thoroughly enjoyed, think that’s my Fridays night sorted for next few months . Great atmosphere, great win.
Fair play for bringing your child, letting him experience live football firsthand. I just wish more parents were like you.
Markie Sullivan was flying again tonight,great hold up play and won everything in the air,thoroughly deserved victory,great buzz at the cross again long may it last
Buzz is certainly back in Cork football.The City u19 side who won their 3rd title on the bounce last week , paraded the trophy at halftime, and then entered the famous Shed and joined in the choruses of Championez. Special times at Turners Cross.
Nice too see big attendances like this league needs it. I think more and more people are starting to appreciate the LOI.
Hopefully although a very small crowd at the St. Pats game. I don’t know was this because it was shown live but for the champions to get just over 1,300 at home to last years runners up is extremely disappointing.
They got 5,300 plus for the pats game!
I’m talking about the Pats Dundalk game last night!
Great crowd, good to see that back in Cork. Be nice to see them do well this season and finish 2nd after Dundalk haha!!
Let’s hope the score sees fit to increase the profile of LOI by entering the category to the “scores” section
They must have heard you as they’re listed now. I always thought the Score did include them. In their defence, they give excellent coverage to the League and exposure to a wider audience.
Good to see Cork doing well. Always enjoyed away trips down to the Cross.
Hi Nigel,
We’ve always had the LOI in our live scores section. The latest results can be found here: http://www.thescore.ie/airtricity-premier-division/
Roll on next Friday and home to Sligo Rovers… Another big crowd expected.
People of Ireland WE ARE BACK CCFC :-)
Great to see both Shamrock Rovers Teams beaten on the one weekend.Is it one for the record?,long may it continue.
Best night at the Cross in a long time , here’s hoping for a few more , well done city