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Lowe and Roux tries help Ireland to winning start in the Autumn Nations Cup

Andy Farrell’s men came out on top but captain Johnny Sexton is an injury concern ahead of the England clash.

Ireland 32

Wales 9

ANDY FARRELL’S IRELAND got off to a winning start in the Autumn Nations Cup but it may have come at a cost as captain Johnny Sexton and his replacement at out-half, the debutant Billy Burns, were both forced off injured.

A first-half try from the superb Quinn Roux proved important in Ireland’s victory while James Lowe powered over for a last-minute score on debut in a game that saw Conor Murray playing the closing 15 minutes at out-half.

james-lowe-celebrates-scoring-their-second-try-with-caelan-doris James Lowe scored a late try on debut. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

The Munster scrum-half slotted two penalties and a conversion for Ireland in that time on an evening that had started with Ireland ruling out lock Iain Henderson and fullback Jacob Stockdale before kick-off.

That allowed Roux to come into the starting XV, along with Andrew Conway, and the Connacht man delivered an excellent performance as he and tighthead prop Andrew Porter did plenty of damage to the Welsh scrum.

James Lowe had some very strong moments on his Test debut on the left wing, suggesting that he is capable of thriving at this level, while Jamison Gibson-Park looked very sharp on his first Ireland start at scrum-half.

Number eight Caelan Doris was man of the match with a physically dominant performance in his natural position – assisting Lowe’s score – and Farrell will have some interesting selection calls to ponder ahead of next weekend’s visit to England. 

Skipper Sexton departed with a hamstring injury in the 28th minute – with James Ryan taking over as captain for the first time – and Farrell will be hoping that issue clears in time to allow the 35-year-old to start in Twickenham. Burns is another concern after being forced off with a head injury in the second half.

It was a largely frustrating second 40 minutes in Dublin after a promising first half had seen Ireland into a 16-6 lead that they will likely feel should have been more, with several impressive attacking passages failing to yield points.

The dominant Irish scrum was a pleasing sight for the Irish coaching staff ahead of a massive test in that department in Twickenham next weekend but the sense is that Ireland will need to find another few gears across the board if they are to compete with the English.

Keeping the Welsh tryless was another real positive for Ireland, but the reality is that Wyne Pivac’s side were poor again as they recorded their sixth consecutive defeat. This is a worrying time for a team that has rapidly regressed since Warren Gatland’s departure.

tempers-flare-between-the-sides There was real niggle to the contest in Dublin. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

There was niggle from very early in the game as the excellent Peter O’Mahony and Alun Wyn Jones came face-to-face in one exchange, but the Welsh would have been disappointed not to convert two lineout platform in the Ireland 22 in the opening five minutes into points.

Instead, Ireland showed the greater attacking incision, a clever lineout play freeing Sexton to break only for Lowe to drop his pass on the left touchline with the opportunity clear.

Ireland’s scrum dominance began from the ensuing scrum with a first penalty and they won a second just after hooker Ronan Kelleher’s crooked throw into a lineout on the Wales five-metre line. Sexton opted to take the points.

Ireland appeared to be en route to the opening try in the 14th minute as meaty carries from Roux, Doris, and Porter, as well as another Sexton dart, left them just metres out, but Justin Tipuric swooped for a turnover penalty after Ryan had carried.

The Welsh soon equalised as Robbie Henshaw was pinged for not releasing following a tackle on Jonathan Davies, with Biggar popping over the three points.

But Ireland’s set-piece attack created another opportunity as a clever inside pass from Gibson-Park off the edge of a maul found Lowe coming from an initial position at the front of the lineout. He showed his power to break and then offloaded inside to Sexton, who was hauled down. 

quinn-roux-scores-their-first-try Quinn Roux scored for Ireland in the opening half. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

As they scrambled to recover, Wales gave up a penalty and Ireland opted for the five-metre scrum. They went direct with their attack as Doris’ strong carry left them close and then Roux picked and battered his way over, Sexton converting for 10-3.

The Ireland out-half added another three points just after his clever grubber kick saw the retreating Davies spill the ball and Henshaw pounced for a turnover penalty when Halfpenny dived on the scraps. 

Sexton hurt his hamstring in the process of kicking, however, and Ulster’s Burns was sent on for his debut with just 28 minutes gone.

A scrum decision went against Ireland a few minutes later, despite them moving forward, and Halfpenny reduced the deficit from the tee. But that was a very brief respite as Ireland soon turned over a Welsh scrum against the head and surged into their 22 to win another penalty that Burns slotted.

With the lion’s share of possession and territory, Ireland would have been frustrated not to add another score before the break but Conway was tackled into touch on a shortside attack from a maul and then a TMO review ruled out a possible Irish try after lineout pressure from Ryan had seen Will Rowlands bat the ball down into his own in-goal area.

Referee Mathieu Raynal ruled that Porter had knocked-on in the scramble and Ireland led 16-6 at half-time. 

johnny-sexton-is-replaced-by-billy-burns Johnny Sexton was forced off injury in the first half. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO

Halfpenny had a shot at goal from halfway six minutes into the second half as Ireland restarted rather sloppily to allow the visitors some much-needed momentum. The Welsh fullback was on target in the 50th minute to draw his side back to 16-9 after Hugo Keenan was turnover over when Ireland attempted to attack out of their own 22.

It was Doris who got Ireland back into the game, blocking down Gareth Davies’ attempted box-kick exit and then showing real intelligence to flick the ball back infield just before it hit the touchline, allowing Cian Healy to gather and dive for the tryline, Wales just about managing to hold him up.

Ireland couldn’t convert from the five-metre scrum, though, as the Welsh repelled their direct attack and Healy was turned over.

But a clever sniping break from Gibson-Park after the Welsh exit kick saw Raynal award another penalty, with Burns kicking the three points for 19-9.

James Ryan’s high tackle on Josh Adams on the Ireland 22 meant Halfpenny had another chance off the tee soon after but he surprisingly missed as the contest entered its final quarter.

chris-farrell-and-leigh-halfpenny Chris Farrell competes in the air against Leigh Halfpenny. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO

An injury to replacement Burns saw Murray entering the fray at out-half in the 65th minute and he was quickly pressed into action as he also took over from the tee, making no mistake by slotting a penalty just after coming on.

Murray added another penalty and though the game really didn’t ignite thereafter, the Munster man did a fine job as the makeshift out-half.

Raynal’s decision-making didn’t help the flow of the game in the closing 10 minutes but Ireland did finish strongly as Doris picked and arced off a five-metre scrum before popping to Lowe on a short, hard line off his right shoulder.

The Leinster man barreled over for his first Test try and Murray converted with the final act of the game.

Ireland scorers:

Tries: Quinn Roux, James Lowe

Conversions: Johnny Sexton [1 from 1], Conor Murray [1 from 1]

Penalties: Johnny Sexton [2 from 2], Billy Burns [2 from 2], Conor Murray [2 from 2]

Wales scorers:

Penalties: Dan Biggar [1 from 1], Leigh Halfpenny [2 from 4]

IRELAND: Hugo Keenan; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw (Keith Earls ’71), James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (captain) (Billy Burns ’28 ((Conor Murray ’65)), Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy (Ed Byrne ’60), Ronan Kelleher (Dave Heffernan ’65), Andrew Porter (Finlay Bealham ’65); Quinn Roux (Tadhg Beirne ’65), James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier (Will Connors ’70), Caelan Doris.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies (George North ’60), Owen Watkin, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar (Callum Sheedy ’67), Gareth Davies (Lloyd Williams); Rhys Carré (Wyn Jones ’40), Ryan Elias (Elliot Dee ’52), Tomas Francis (Samson Lee ’52); Will Rowlands (Jake Ball ’52 – reversal ’79), Alun Wyn Jones (captain); Shane Lewis-Hughes, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau (Aaron Wainwright ’71). 

Referee: Mathieu Raynal [FFR].

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98 Comments
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    Mute Kroenke Out
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:03 PM

    Delighted for Lowe. Amazing to see how happy he was when he scored that try

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    Mute Gavin Dooley
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:24 PM

    @Kroenke Out: agreed! Wish he would strengthen his defence though!

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    Mute Tim Magner
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:04 PM

    Lowe, jgp, porter, roux, farrell, keenan, pom, sexton all superb tonight. A few guys there with questions marks about them on here, from me aswell, and it was great to see them stand up. How much of a mess are wales in? We could have put 50 on them tonight

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    Mute Kevin O'brien
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:19 PM

    @Tim Magner: aahhh sexton?????

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    Mute Jim Beatty
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:23 PM

    @Tim Magner: I thought Keenan was poor. Got turned over a few times too easy

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    Mute Harry Fanning
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:27 PM

    @Jim Beatty: he was left isolated on the ground, not his fault. Thought he was solid, our best option at fullback.

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    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:30 PM

    @Jim Beatty: according to the official stats on the tournaments website he had zero… Conway, Lowe, JGP, Porter, Ryan, POM, VDF, Murray and Burns all conceded turnovers however.

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:45 PM

    @Kevin O’brien: you must be sick, Ireland winning and sexton playing well.

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    Mute Con Cussed
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:50 PM

    @Jim Beatty: I thought he had a really good game. Best 15 we have amongst the current squad.

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    Mute Andrew Adams
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:57 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Keenan tried to gather a loose ball around 17mins just after halfpenny equalised and got turned over. Fairly sure it would have been noted and remembered far and wide if it was Stockdale.

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    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:18 PM

    @Andrew Adams: I’m a big fan of stockdale and think he should be starting. Just don’t think Keenan had a bad game.

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    Mute Sustainable Hedgehog
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:29 PM

    @Harry Fanning: He wasn’t left isolated, he isolated himself and had poor body position. But he’ll learn. In a couple of those situations Stockdale would have broken the tackles, full back is a hard position to master at international level.

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    Mute Sustainable Hedgehog
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:30 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Zero? He gave away two penalties in a short space of time. Did you watch the match yourself?

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    Mute Andrew Adams
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:39 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: that’s fair enough and so am i. Not suggesting he had a bad game, i was just pointing out that the stats are misleading. Can recall at another two penalties conceded between 40-50mins for not releasing. Decent game but not really involved too much at the same time.

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    Mute Emmet Martin
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    Nov 13th 2020, 11:52 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: that’s wrong so because he was 100% turned over on the deck twice

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    Mute Harry Fanning
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    Nov 14th 2020, 2:09 AM

    @Sustainable Hedgehog: So what you’re saying is, dont make line breaks in case you get isolated?

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    Mute Andrew Adams
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    Nov 14th 2020, 8:07 AM

    @Harry Fanning: they were not line breaks. He ran 15 yards into multiple welsh players and didn’t release. The only time he broke the line was in the 1st half just after it was blown up for an infringement and the defenders had stopped

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    Mute Sustainable Hedgehog
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    Nov 14th 2020, 2:52 PM

    @Harry Fanning: Neither were line breaks. He fell forward with the ball towards the Welsh defenders making it easy for Wales to get over the ball and harder for Ireland to form the ruck. As I said he’ll learn, but if Stockdale had conceded two penalties in a short space of time he’d be hung out to dry here.

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    Mute T Dawg
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:04 PM

    Lowe brings a bit more to the table. Good game. Dorris outstanding. CJ with him at 6 and we would be a force!

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    Mute Nioe
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:29 PM

    @T Dawg: if only he was Irish. 3 year residency rule is nuts. Countries like Ireland should not be allowed use it. Plenty of Irish talent.

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    Mute Paddy Cullen AIWS
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:34 PM

    @Nioe: who’s better than him at the moment?

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    Mute Karl Lambert
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:32 PM

    @Nioe: Was! It’s now 5 years. Countries like Ireland shouldn’t be allowed to use it? What? So some other countries should be allowed? Rephrase your point.

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    Mute Sustainable Hedgehog
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:33 PM

    @T Dawg: Lowe was brilliant, Doris not outstanding but he battled the Welsh forwards admirably. POM was so good he’ll be hard to drop.

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    Mute Tim Magner
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:54 PM

    @Sustainable Hedgehog: id agree. I’m a huge fan of doris and I thought he was good but I didnt think he was outstanding as some on here believe and I dont think he was motm either, id have given it to pom or jgp.

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    Mute Jim Demps
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:06 PM

    A nice win but I think it should be tempered by just how poor that welsh side are. I thought ireland tried a lot of stuff, it didn’t always come off but it’s a breathe of fresh air to see players building a bit of confidence to have a go. Standout performers were Doris, o mahony, porter and Roux in the pack. Gibson Park, Farrell and Lowe behind them but keenan looked quietly confident back there which is encouraging. The team for next week will be v interesting, Connors did more in 15 mins than VDF did for 65 so he’ll come in. You’d have to think stander will come in at 8 so it’ll be a real tight call between CD and POM for the 6 jersey. Roux will have to start too, he’s so solid in the scrum and really showed Ryan what a TH lock should be playing like. Aki in for Henshaw too I’d say.

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    Mute Axel Beckett
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:13 PM

    @Jim Demps: dorris gets MOTM and you think it will be tight with POM next week. Roux showing Ryan what his job is? Good man Jim.

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    Mute John Peeters
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:13 PM

    @Jim Demps: why not Stander at 6 and Doris at 8?

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    Mute Gavin Burke
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:20 PM

    @Jim Demps: agreed on the tempered response that is a terrible welsh team 6th loss in a row every1 gonna have to do double what they did tonight for the world cup finalists and 6N’s winners next week it will not be anywhere near that easy.

    Dont like being pessimistic but too often ireland do ok against and average team and then we are found out badly by a good team and we scratch our heads for weeks and months wondering how that happened. Great to win but we didnt finish off alot of opportunities, gave away alot of penalties in the ruck, alot of handling errors, so much possession in 1st half with nt enough points to match.
    We must do better!

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    Mute Harry O'Callaghan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:21 PM

    @Jim Demps: AWJ, Biggar, Tipuric, Faletau, Halfpenny, L Williams, Davies, Adams, G Davies. Hardly a poor welsh team…

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    Mute John Carey
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:22 PM

    @Jim I think a 6. Stander 8. Doris combo will be an established pairing until the next World Cup at the very least
    I think CJ is better then Doris at everything bar the lineout and passing but should still be moved to number 6. I think on current form he could be the best blindside in the world (with Savea at 7 or 8)
    Stander’s much more natural position has always been 6 in my books going back to 2016 & 2017 with cameos there resulting in MOTM awards nearly every time in recent years and Doris reminds me a lot of a Read ,Vermeulen or Faletau where his footballing ability compliments his physicality
    Peter has a decent game – it set the standard of what should keep a player in the 23 but Doris is still ahead of him in my books
    VDF played himself out of minutes – should be nervous about Leavy

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    Mute Michael Murray
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:22 PM

    @Jim Demps: think you have most of the calls right. Roux was that dog that every pack needs and seriously underrated . Where id differ is I think Doris is the future at 8. You only have to look at the odd Mitre10 match to see the manner in which 8 had become the 3rd playmaker on the pitch. So its POM vs CJS for….or better still sharing the 6 jersey and Connors and anybody that wants to take it from him at 7. Loved the assurance that went with JGP service……shaded motm for me.

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    Mute Thomas Quinn
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:23 PM

    @Jim Demps: 1st game Roux has looked good in Green. But it was against that Welsh team. Gibson Park delivered Savage quick ball helped by the pack helped more by that Welsh team. Doris, POM had great games but were sloppy at times at breakdown. Lowe and Hugo bring something different. Burns looked a solid option. I love Connors and Byrne both on wearing blue scrum caps. Chaos to defend against. Building some depth nicely in lots of areas. Playing England in Twickenham will be some step up from that Welsh team. Fiji would beat them. Georgia might even do them.

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    Mute Jim Demps
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:25 PM

    @Gavin Burke: yeah I think all that’s very fair and that’s pretty much where I’m coming from too. Yes we just hammered wales but it was far from a complete performance and there’ll be a much bigger test next week vs England. For me I’d go with something like

    Healy
    Kelleher
    Porter
    Ryan
    Roux
    Doris
    Connors
    Stander
    Gibson Park
    Sexton ( if not fit go with Burns, I thought he went well)
    Lowe
    Aki
    Farrell
    Keenan
    Stockdale

    Byrne
    Herring
    Bealham
    Beirne
    O mahony
    Murray
    Burns/ Byrne
    Conway

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    Mute Jim Demps
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:27 PM

    @John Peeters: yeah try that maybe, I’m not particularly bothered by who plays where, these days the only difference it makes is at the scrum although Doris is Rangier than stander so might suit better on defensive scrums. Having 4 flankers all playing well is the key and I thought o mahony and Doris both showed up today, as did connors when he came on.

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    Mute Jim Demps
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:30 PM

    @John Carey: I think stander probably has enough motm from no.8 to argue the toss with you there, if that’s the yard stick you’re using. I don’t particularly mind where he plays, he’s out best back rower and he’ll be involved but if I had to put a fiver on it, I’d say he’ll be wearing 8.

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    Mute Con Cussed
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:00 PM

    @Jim Demps: Stockdale on bench, if part of the 23. The back three played very well tonight and great passing between them. We should keep them together. JGP had a good game, some errors but they all had some. Murray at 10 was a surprise and played well.

    Taking the points kept us on the game when we weren’t playing well. Ugly win, but a win.

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    Mute Phil Sharpe
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:13 PM

    @Jim Demps: you have been insistent, in every post I look at, that henshaw is our best 13 option. Not only are you wrong , but you completely run away from that once there is a sniff of a Munster man taking that role.

    Are you a parody account?

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    Mute William Mills
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:21 PM

    @Harry O’Callaghan: maybe not a bad side on paper but wales are in a bad place at the moment and didn’t offer any realistic threat tonight not a great performance from them but you can only beat what’s in front of you be interesting to see how we cope with the English

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    Mute Jim Demps
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:32 PM

    @Phil Sharpe: I think 13 is his best position, I also think our best partnership is him with Aki but I also think that he was poor today while Farrell was good. Reward the performance, simple enough really.

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    Mute Andy
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:36 PM

    @Jim Demps: welsh are very poor at the moment.

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    Mute Sustainable Hedgehog
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:39 PM

    @Axel Beckett: I love Ryan and Doris but POM and Roux outplayed them tonight. I think there will be rotation throughout this tournament and selection won’t be based on the ‘best 15/23′.

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    Mute Brian McMahon
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:59 PM

    @Jim Demps: Aki more than likely in for Farrell if he changes. Henshaw probably our best centre when Ringrose out..

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    Mute Dan Jones
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    Nov 14th 2020, 12:07 AM

    @Sustainable Hedgehog: While both played great Doris outplayed POM he got MOTM.

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    Mute John Carey
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    Nov 14th 2020, 2:36 AM

    @Michael Murray: Stander first name down on the team sheet – the other forwards in the squad at the moment bar Ryan are a level below him – although Doris isn’t far behind

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    Mute Luke walkee
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    Nov 14th 2020, 5:57 AM

    @Jim Demps: I would generally agree about the centers, Farrell played well and deserves a go however your bench sub needs to cover a lot of positions with both those lads being out and out centers. Earls on the bench maybe.

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    Mute Sustainable Hedgehog
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    Nov 14th 2020, 3:06 PM

    @Dan Jones: Just because some fella in the studio calls someone man of the match it doesn’t make it an incontrovertible fact. I’d of had POM or JGP.

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    Mute Aaron Tynan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:05 PM

    Lowe was amazing! I think he has taken that jersey. jGP also looked amazing… would Farell be brave enough to start him next week?

    From that game I’d say we still don’t have it in is to beat England or the likes… but I love in hope!

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    Mute T Dawg
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:07 PM

    @Aaron Tynan: you strike me as a lad whose every meal that is decent is getting declared amazing!

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    Mute Aaron Tynan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:09 PM

    @T Dawg: your character assessment of me was amazing!! Haha

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    Mute T Dawg
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:27 PM

    @Aaron Tynan: I feel like a bland stir fry here! Haha

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    Mute Yun Wyn
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:04 PM

    Actually think sexton being out of next game is blessing in disguise. Others need experience for world cup great servant but he wont be allowed. Love to see carthy given a shot good if available from what ive seen of him or a young lad

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:49 PM

    @Yun Wyn: yeah go to Twickenham with a player getting his second cap. Blessing is not what I’d call it.

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    Mute David
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    Nov 14th 2020, 8:58 AM

    @Yun Wyn: Oh yah brilliant idea, going to Twickenham. Are you for real.

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    Mute John Carey
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:09 PM

    Poor game of rugby in my books, Wales have never been worse. Ireland were only ok bar a few great players. We’ll be reminded where we really stand in Twickenham.
    Doris was excellent – truly a world class 8 mixes the physicality with the footballing ability.
    Lowe was excellent in parts too – super physical and explosive . Porter was an absolute monster in the scrum winning penalties all night. Keenan has some nice runs as well & Henshaw looks a much better player since Schmidt has left.
    POM was better then usually but still overhyped by RTÉ crew. 6 carries for 8 meters and 7 tackles 1 missed not amazing. Great lineout but won no turnovers at breakdown- conceded 2. VDF a joke 2 carries for 6 meters knocked ball on in 1& 6 tackles in 70 minutes of work and no turnovers

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    Mute John Carey
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:14 PM

    Roux was excellent also – a really enforcer dog which is want you’d like to see.
    Ryan didn’t have his best game but still some big hits in defence and hard work in the lineout . Beirne & Connors cameo off the bench highlights they should start again next week.
    Gibson-Park was decent to be fair to him – I think Marmion & Cooney are much better but he’s still an improvement on Murray or McGrath.
    Healy looked poor enough in the loose but was solid in the scrum – that can’t be said for Byrne – I fear for him against Mako , Marler or Genge

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    Mute Tim Magner
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:20 PM

    @John Carey: I appreciate you’re no fan of pom but hed a massive game tonight. He was the only one of our backrow attacking their breakdown, he mightnt have got the turnovers but he slowed down a load of their ball. Also watch some of his clear outs on our ball, between himself and roux it was the reason we got such quick ball in the first half. He mightnt have the stats that you rate so highly but hes a proper br player

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:53 PM

    @Tim Magner: yeah POM was very good. Fair play to him, stepped up and justified his place.

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    Mute Ken Curran
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:07 PM

    @John Carey: Healy was outstanding in open play

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    Mute Patrick O Connell
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    Nov 13th 2020, 11:29 PM

    @John Carey: Porter had a great first half but the sub Welsh loose head destroyed him, also gave away a few penalties in the loose. It took Murray to come on to get our back line moving. Roux outplayed Ryan tonight. Kelleher looks the business so hopefully he will carry on. Lowe was Lowe.

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    Mute Tony Yeboah
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:06 PM

    Really good performance, scrum was excellent. Not being a troll and I genuinely think Conor Murray looked more comfortable at 10 then 9, gibson Park and lowe superb games also

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    Mute Brian Gallivan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:13 PM

    Chris Farrell had an outstanding game both in attack and defence has to start against England. Takes 3 defenders to take down every time. Creates space every time he goes forward. My Man of the Match

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    Mute Looney Tunes
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:07 PM

    Our rugby team seems to be always up for the autumn series, but when it comes to the world Cup they let the nation down,

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    Mute John Carey
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:11 PM

    @Looney Tunes: and that’s fact – be prepared to be attacked by the fan girls for speaking the truth. Thought the RTE commentary was cringe inducing.

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    Mute Ger
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:19 PM

    Still too many penalties but some nice stuff too. Great performances by Lowe, POM, Porter, both locks and JGP. But Dorris was on another planet. Will be interesting to see if Murray comes back into the 15 next week. JGP didn’t put a foot wrong and delivered faster ball than Murray does. Delighted Lowe got his Try.

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:17 PM

    I’ll forgive Lowe for being a blow-in. I’ll even forgive him for being a blow-in to Leinster! He is GOOD. A strong exciting runner.

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    Mute William Mills
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    Nov 14th 2020, 6:28 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: Lowe excellent attacking threat I’m looking forward to next week to see how he defends

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    Mute snotser
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:07 PM

    Great win,glad to see Ireland progressing,Wales were poor,proper test next week to see where Ireland are as a team

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    Mute Pat Andrews
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:22 PM

    @snotser: what about last month again France. Does that not count or is it forgotten?

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    Mute Brian Power
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:24 PM

    Looks like Murray is not only our best scrum half but also out best out half…
    Lowe reminds me of Simon Geoghegan when he first played for us – excitement and danger when ever he gets on the ball.
    We need to be very careful we don’t lose the run of ourselves , next week will be a totally different beast.

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    Mute Bryan Russell
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:15 PM

    Some great performances around the paddock, Lowe was super as expected as was Dorris but Peter was fantastic and hard to know if him or Ryan was vice captain but either way was super. Farrell and Henshaw was industrious and delighted for Earls. Big game next week and super chance for Ross to put in a shift but some tough choices ahead for the team.

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    Mute Mark Sheehan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:28 PM

    @Bryan Russell: yeah it was good to see both of them having a quick chat before making a decision. .

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    Mute guineon
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:44 PM

    @Bryan Russell: o Mahoney was captain, consulted with Ryan on line out or not as Ryan was calling. Led from the front which is what should be expected

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    Mute Stephen Drake
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:15 PM

    @Bryan Russell: The paddock!! Good man Alf Stewart.

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    Mute Andrew Adams
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    Nov 13th 2020, 11:07 PM

    @guineon: the ref confirmed the captain was number 5 as Sexton went off. Even at the end of the game it was Ryan calling the scrum option instead of a penalty kick after POM had spoken to the ref.

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    Mute Lesidees
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:09 PM

    A strange feeling to see Ireland beat Wales by twenty-three points and think it could and should have been more. Promising signs in attack, but still too much of a struggle to convert territory into points.

    Doris was immense, I thought. The back three looked much more solid than it had against France or Italy – however, Keenan gave away two penalties when taking the ball into contact and not releasing. Gibson-Park injected real speed around the ducks, and suddenly Murray has real competition. But who is going to play at 10 against England

    As for Wales, what has gone wrong?

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    Mute Holden Tudix
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:16 PM

    @Lesidees: To be fair when a player is penalised for not releasing, it’s generally the players around him to blame. Thought Keenan looked pretty comfortable and up to international standard

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    Mute Derek Lyster
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:54 PM

    @Lesidees: agreed, need to be far more ruthless. Still a level below England imo but i live in hope that i eat my words next week.
    Wales, they are in dire straits at the moment and they must be dreading the next 6 nations.

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    Mute Carmine Lorenzo
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:11 PM

    Lowe is there to stay. Keenan should stay at 15. JGP should stay at 9 (amazing how much our tempo was increased). CJ should return at 6. Leave Doris at 8. Connors prob goes back to 7. Would love to see Ruddock in the 20 jersey. Maybe best looking at a 6-2 split next week. Ruddock and POM as the subs. That said, we left a lot out there. Really inaccurate in their 22. We still can’t throw to the tail of the lineout. And our lack of intensity in securing our own ruck ball in the 2nd half was infuriating. Play like we did tonight and England win by 20 points unfortunately. Lots to be done.

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    Mute Carmine Lorenzo
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:17 PM

    @Carmine Lorenzo: Sexton was superb too. Such an unfortunate injury. Big opp for Ross Byrne/Burns next week.

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    Mute TL55
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    Nov 13th 2020, 11:09 PM

    @Carmine Lorenzo: Some of our backs looked great tonight behind a dominant pack. Before we judge them let’s see how they do behind a beaten pack.

    Based on recent encounters with more powerful packs we’ll probably find out next Saturday. If they look good then we’re on the right track.

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    Mute Carmine Lorenzo
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    Nov 14th 2020, 1:46 PM

    @TL55: Fair call but the back 3 I’d leave the same regardless. Our own pack needs to improve a lot on last night.

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    Mute robert o mahony
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:07 PM

    Good win not perfect but building for the world cup is not easy I think we be fairly ok as long as we don’t put Stockdale in the full back position. Next week is a different story but of we play good I’ll be happy with that.

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    Mute Paul Hogan
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:17 PM

    Wales were shíte, let’s not get carried away

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    Mute Elliottirish
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:11 PM

    Honestly not trying to be a troll but ireland were awful in attack. Wales would have had 50 points put on them by an AB side. That’s how poor they are. Lowe was superb and Doris. Thought jgb and Conway deserve praise also

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    Mute Paddy Cullen AIWS
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:37 PM

    @Elliottirish: a little too wasteful sure, but awful is a bit harsh. Ya the AB’s would have put 50 pts on them but I thought JGP’s quick ball made us look much more threatening, but, yes, we need to convert more chance

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    Mute Supes Kz
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:21 PM

    The scoreline is flattering to us, we were sloppy in many areas and were second best for 25 minutes of the second half, a 5/10 performance.
    We need a new up and coming talanted 10 fast and a Billy Vunipola or Itoje enforcer couldn’t hurt.
    Lowe was a great addition and a few others put in good performances.

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:27 PM

    How many concussions has George North had? He shouldn’t be allowed play.

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    Mute Martin McKenna
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:21 PM

    Doris magnificent, O mahoney super too, JGP Lowe, Darrell excellent.
    Wales very poor.

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    Mute William Kelly
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:20 PM

    Gifted 9 points, could have been 12, due to slow support to ball receiver.
    That wont do.

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    Mute Mick O'Shea
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:42 PM

    The 2 scrum half approach is the way forward. Cuts out the mouthy fly half antics and offers controlled ball carrying sniping attacks from anywhere, even if one scrum half gets scragged.
    I can’t see Stockdale getting another look in.
    But what do I know?!

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    Mute raymond flynn
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:43 PM

    POM needs to start next week. Best line out jumper and wins a lot of dirty ball.

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    Mute Kevin O'brien
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:19 PM

    Headlines around 6 nations this weekend… ” Manbunn scores try”

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    Mute Pat Andrews
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:19 PM

    Wales are brilliant

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    Mute Con Cussed
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    Nov 13th 2020, 10:18 PM

    We had really good control of the ball for the first 40 minutes. Some really good passing, Sexton played really well.

    Keep the same back 4, Aki for Henshaw, Sexton if fit. JGP, Doris, Connors, CJ, Beirne, Ryan, Porter, Kelleher, Healy.

    Ruddock, Murray, Earls, PoM, Byrne, Heffernan, Bealham and Carty

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    Mute Eoin Byrne
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:51 PM

    Does anyone know can we watch the other matches on prime in Ireland, or is it geo-locked to the UK?

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    Mute Mike Kelly
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    Nov 14th 2020, 12:14 AM

    @Eoin Byrne: why would you want to.. meaningless money making competition

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    Mute Eoin Byrne
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    Nov 14th 2020, 12:19 AM

    @Mike Kelly: thanks very helpful

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    Mute Pat Andrews
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    Nov 13th 2020, 9:49 PM

    DeChambeau has put on too much fat

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