HOW IT ENDED is how it will be remembered, which is sad.
A manager-and-captain over-and-back, another tetchy press conference and a cryptic tweet.
A first-ever World Cup point overshadowed by yet more drama, as everything came to a contentious close in Brisbane on the last day of July.
Vera Pauw’s future was in focus before Ireland’s final game, against Nigeria. The history-making manager’s contract expires imminently.
That would be a big line of questioning in the post-match press conference, but nobody expected it to play out quite as it did.
The room was packed, the tension palpable and oppressive. It wasn’t Pauw’s first such press conference like this; might it be the last?
Pauw confirmed an exchange with Katie McCabe around the 70th minute. The captain urged her to “freshen it up”. The Dutch coach gave her customary honest view of events.
“Why would we change? If Katie McCabe says that she wants a change, that doesn’t mean . . . she’s not the coach, yeah. Everybody was doing so well. So I said, ‘What do you want, Katie, taking the best player off? No.”
She later name-dropped Sinéad Farrelly, which many have taken issue with.
None more so than McCabe, who tweeted a zipped mouth emoji shortly afterwards.
Reporters were furiously filing copy when the tweet flashed up.
More drama, more pandemonium.
An Irish Goodbye to the World Cup? The very opposite.
*****
If that fractious press conference feels a long time ago now, the start of the journey is from a different age. In between is a blur, albeit a vivid one. History. Legacy. Pride. Flights. Frustration. Drama. Controversy. Emotion. Sydney. Perth. Brisbane. The 75,784 attendance. Amhrán na bhFiann. Fans. Penalty heartbreak. Katie’s corner. Courtney’s save. More flights. And that zipped mouth emoji.
Then there were the weeks leading up to 10 July, when The 42 left these shores for Australia. It was during that time that the seeds of the subsequent discord were evident.
One day sticks out in the memory: the eve of the farewell friendly against France at Tallaght Stadium, and another tense media engagement. The Athletic’s report was out, containing fresh allegations against Pauw from her time at Houston Dash in 2018 – allegations she unequivocally refutes.
Perhaps it’s coincidental, but it’s understood contract talks stalled around that time. The Athletic says Pauw approached the publication in April, questioning “double standards” and that’s thought to have grated with some players and the FAI.
That France pre-match press conference was striking. It was dominated by Pauw’s response to the allegations. McCabe, next to her, appeared frustrated.
“It’s been a pleasure talking about the World Cup, guys. Really appreciate it,” the skipper said as she departed, having discussed the “negative distraction” and “external noise”. McCabe also swerved several opportunities to back Pauw which hinted at a less than harmonious relationship between the group’s two biggest personalities.
As the soap opera has played out, the football story should not be relegated, for it is a mighty one.
Six years after the lows of Liberty Hall in 2017, Ireland made it to the biggest stage in the game. From gut-wrenching failure in Kiev to sparkling success in Glasgow, and everything in between, it would all culminate in Sydney.
Regardless of the result, 20 July 2023 will go down in Irish football history. From early on, there was a special feeling in the ether. Stirring videos from the FAI added to the emotion as the clock was watched, waiting for those back home to awaken and the communal nerves to kick in. All around the sun-drenched Sydney Harbour, Irish fans announced their presence. The Fields, Olé, Come On You Girls In Green — all were sung with gusto and pride.
Some had travelled 17,000km across the world to witness history, others present now call Australia home. Together they made their way towards Stadium Australia, way out west of the city.
The tournament had started with a wallop as co-hosts New Zealand shocked Norway, but the biggest impact would be felt a little over an hour before kick off. Sam Kerr, Australia’s golden girl, was out with a calf injury.
The walkout and anthems are the things that will stay with you forever: the final steps of a journey that was started deep into the last century by those who always had to travel uphill and into the wind, but kept going.
The games themselves, like our days, merge into one. Ultimately the stats and timelines fade, while the moments become more vivid.
Marissa Sheva’s face when she conceded the penalty, her tears on the bench. Steph Catley’s remarkable penalty. McCabe and Louise Quinn’s late chances.
The 1-0 defeat and the feeling of being agonisingly close, yet out of reach, would become the theme of the tournament for Ireland.
It really is hard to shake that feeling of ‘What if?’ Such is sport.
An 11-day, three-game, 5,946km baptism of fire across Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. That’s without the travel from Dublin to their Brisbane base and back again, with almost 40,000km put down across eight flights in a little over three weeks.
A marathon, not a sprint was how it was billed. This was like a sprint, marathon, heptathlon, decathlon and whatnot else all rolled into one. From the abandoned Colombia game and the fallout, to injury scares to Denise O’Sullivan, Louise Quinn, Heather Payne and other off-field drama, it was tumultuous. Chaotic at times.
Ireland’s World Cup moment had to be McCabe’s Olimpico.
In the lashing rain in Perth, with four minutes gone, Ireland hit the front against the Olympic champions. The roar was incomparable as the Arsenal star’s corner curled into the net.
About two hours later, though, the dream died.
2-1.
Ireland showed their worth on the world stage, but zero points from two games meant they would soon leave the show.
Add an unfortunate own goal to the penalty heartbreak and the tears flowed.
Irish players thanked the supporters for their magnificent backing, then moved through the mixed zone, ashen-faced. Words were tough to find, but not for the first time, Ireland’s captain stood up.
“Do it for the love of it,” an emotional McCabe said. “For myself and each and every player in my team, the reason we started playing football was because of the love we have for the game and the smile it brings to our faces, the people you meet along the way, the teammates you have, and creating special moments like this.
“This is our first-ever major tournament and I know for a fact, given those performances we put in, it won’t be our last. I want young girls and young boys in Ireland to dream and look up to us, because it could be them one day sitting here, playing and representing their country. I’m so proud and honoured to be able to lead the team to our first-ever major tournament.
“It was about creating history getting here but it’s also about leaving a legacy behind as well. We’ve given those girls and boys in Ireland the chance to dream and be like us one day. I hope we’ve done them proud, I hope we’ve done the nation proud.”
*****
One game remained, a chance to return home with points to match the endeavour.
After a cancelled flight back to Brisbane and a re-route via Sydney, a fraught weekend unfolded in Queensland. Pauw’s future was in the spotlight; the football felt secondary.
Several players would not be drawn into talk, again, when given every chance to back their manager. Doubt grew as the Nigeria game neared.
What had been building for weeks, perhaps months, came to the fore at Brisbane Stadium.
The game finished 0-0, a historic point for Ireland, yet what happened afterwards would dominate the conversation about this team.
*****
USA, USA, USA!!!
The fanzone in Sydney was electric, with all eyes on the last-16 showdown between the back-to-back champions and Sweden.
In truth, very little else of the tournament was seen until Ireland went home.
The 42 stayed on an extra few days to experience it all as a spectator. France v Brazil, Germany v Korea, Netherlands v South Africa and England v Nigeria. An AFL game between Brisbane Lions and Geelong at the Gabba also made the itinerary.
To cover Ireland’s first World Cup was a professional honour. To hang around and take it all in as a paying fan was a joy.
USA-Sweden was great fun. Sydney was full of American fans who expected their team to top the group, but instead it was Netherlands who finished in first place. They beat South Africa earlier in the day, and full focus was on USA now.
They dominated Sweden and should have got the job done ten times over in normal time, and then extra time, but a penalty shootout beckoned.
Twist after twist, turn after turn.
Step up Megan Rapinoe to win it. Written in the stars?
Or not.
Surely her heir apparent Sophia Smith would seal the deal.
“Close it, Soph,” one fan repeatedly shouted.
Soph did not close it.
Ultimately, Sweden’s Lina Hurtig did. By millimetres.
‘USA, USA, USA!!!’ a neutral roared in gest.
That was that. New champions would emerge, and Spain eventually took the crown.
The disbelief of the USA fans matched that of Germany when they crashed out at the group stage for the first time ever. Ireland’s group rivals, Canada, suffered a similar fate. So too did Brazil, as Morocco, Nigeria and Colombia were among those who established themselves as emerging forces through a thrilling tournament.
Australia had a fairytale run on home ground, their quarter-final shootout win over France one for the ages. England, Sweden and Japan also impressed, but ultimately Spain proved supreme.
The fallout continues, the grotesque behaviour of federation president Luis Rubiales overshadowing their historic achievement. Just when you think you can talk about football . . .
*****
Back in Ireland, it’s a waiting game.
An internal FAI review is wrapping up with a board meeting due to take place early next week. Clarity is expected on Pauw’s future as next month’s Nations League showdown against Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium nears. It may come as soon as this weekend.
“I don’t feel this is my last game,” Pauw said defiantly after the Nigeria draw.
At the homecoming in Dublin city centre, she leaped around the stage and vowed to go for medals at Ireland’s next tournament.
It’s difficult to look to the future without managerial certainty. Yet whatever happens, we can continue to progress.
There’s been some player turnover already, with Áine O’Gorman announcing her international retirement and Harriet Scott stepping away from football to pursue her medical career.
The World Cup bubble truly bursts this weekend, with club football taking precedence once more. The Women’s FAI Cup kicks off, while the Championship gets going across the water.
What will the World Cup dividend be here in terms of fans through the gates? Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne are among the clubs running ticket incentives with free entry up for grabs, the former welcoming two World Cup heroes back to the fold at Tallaght Stadium in O’Gorman and the electric Abbie Larkin.
With interest levels at an all-time high, attendance and participation figures should continue to rise, in tandem with coverage. The Aviva next month is the ideal setting to kickstart.
This should be a leap forward for the women’s game, a watershed moment to bring it to the next level.
Yet worrying news has emerged from the Metropolitan Girls League, a dispute unfolding in Dublin girls’ football with thousands of young players in limbo.
Another waiting game. Another stark reminder of the challenges that endure.
The growth and development of Irish women’s football must continue following this World Cup.
How it ended is how most will remember it, but it’s so much more than that.
As Katie McCabe said, it’s about “leaving a legacy”. That legacy is not tweets or emojis or questionable songs sung at the wrong time. It’s not rancour or recrimination or tactical squabbles in the heat of the fight.
“Do it for the love of it,” said McCabe. That’s what it’s about and why every one of us ever played the game, no matter our level. So many more thousands of kids, and adults, in this country will have felt that spark of joy for the game because of this team.
We’re right there now: a serious football nation. In the game.
As ever we’ll keep trying to take that next step. Just imagine we always had the wind at our backs.
Hopefully TV3 will show us the start of this one!
@Murph: Yeh that was shocking by tv3. They’re living up to their reputation. Enjoying watching Scotland get their arses handed to them. Really hope this scenario doesn’t happen to Ireland tho.
@Murph: watch on BBC FFS
@M.G Lochlain: was going to get a 2nd aerial to get tv3 ( im in the north) for £120. Sound like i its a waste of money? Still not looking forward to itv coverage….
@Murph: how many times did they have to mention Ireland Got Talent being on! And hat the hell was that awful mashup at the end of today’s highlights mixed with the Ireland got talent clips!
#notmycaptain
@Ísla Carabine: of course he isn’t you aren’t on the pitch playing
@Ísla Carabine: #innocentuntilprovenguilty. #youmoron.
@Ísla Carabine: I’d like to have a friend like him of i was ever on trial regardless of guilt (which is yet to be determined)
@Dave O Keeffe: that’s fair, it’s extremely difficult for the family and friends of an alleged perpetrator to get their heads around something like this. But, if he is standing by him, do it quietly, he is Ireland’s captain and should under no circumstances be making this worse for the alleged victim. Talking to Matt Cooper yesterday he said this whole thing has driven them on with anger. What kind of message does that give to people who have been raped or abused?!
@Ísla Carabine: but if he tells you hes innocent, and as the leader of ulster rugby, by not being there for support it, then it would come across as he did not believe/support him. If it was any (most) other crimes it would not be an issue. But still i understand the other point of view too, very difficult situation all round.
@Ísla Carabine: look they were stupid for going and should have known it would blow up like this. But it’s done now so let’s move on and actually enjoy the competition and not let this shite over shadow It!
@Sam Harms: some things are more important than a game of rugby and this is one of them. Saying let’s move on is diminishing what’s going on. Those texts alone showed a terrible attitude towards women not something that should be tolerated or endorsed. IRFU and UR are handling this very badly the no comment does them no favours makes it look like there is more to the 3 players going because them going personally is not a legal issue and could just state that if it were the case but now it looks like intimidation and trying to sway opinion. The girl said she was resistant to come forward because she was scared it would be her going up against UR and then they turn up the next day the day she testifies. Yes innocent until proven guilty but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an opinion on what RB, IH and CG did. Terrible decision was made here.
@Gaz o’keeffe: it’s a legal matter, they aren’t allowed to make a comment!
@Gaz o’keeffe: also i agree with you those texts were disgusting and even if they are innocent I hope they never play for Ireland or Ulster again. I don’t think Best and Henderson should have been there at all but it’s done now and it can’t be taken back. Personally I don’t think Best should be captain for other reason but this whole social media hashtagging stuff is ridiculous
@Sam Harms: them turning up to sit in the public gallery in a personal capacity is not a legal issue at all. They could have simply stated they were there in a personal capacity and leave it at that. They’re actions spoke loud and clear to a lot so it doesn’t look good to then try and hide behind no comment and saying its a legal issue when it’s not. It’s only a legal issue if there is more to then them simply going in a personal capacity.
@Sam Harms: you’re entitled to your opinion but the hashtag resonates hugely with people. The poor girl has huge backing.
@Ísla Carabine: but best and Henderson aren’t the ones accused of anything so there shouldn’t be a hashtag saying he shouldn’t be captain. If they were the ones accused of raping someone then it would be different but the fact is they didn’t actually do anything. And how do we know they didn’t just go to hear the girls side of things?
@Dave O Keeffe: spoken like a typical rugby male
@Patrick Corrigan: thats a dumb comment. He could give more support privately than in court. That was out of order.
@Ísla Carabine: Just so you know Best has actually clarified why he was there. He has said that he is down as a character witness and wanted to hear both sides of the story himself
Everyone watch on BBC just try and get RTÉ back
@Ollie Watson: that… not how it works. RTE are at fault.
@Pete Slattery ✊: I don’t think they are, apparent TV3 aren’t making money and are even making a loss. Do you think it would be acceptable for RTE to make a loss?
Can someone tell me the point of going for a drop goal when there’s a penalty advantage in front of the posts. The penalty is going to be scored so there’s no advantage in a drop goal. Why not just throw a wild pass instead?
@Thomas O’ Donnell: Because they probably wouldn’t have scored a try and advantage would be over
@Thomas O’ Donnell: Johnny likes drop goals it seems…
@Thomas O’ Donnell: because even with the advantage, given, it can be lost just as easily. Jonathan wanted to end the game on his terms and just go for it. If he felt that he wouldn’t be able to make that goal, he would have gone for a safer decision. also the game was in injury time
James Ryan looks the part and Keith Earls owns that 14 jersey. Earls seems to be getting faster with age.
As per usual Kearney runs the ball goes to ground and turns it over.
@Declan Byrne: But you’ll say nothing about the fact that he’s having a great game and the ball was robbed from us that lead to Kearney having to cover. Nah, that’s not the “popular” thing to say is it.
@Declan Byrne: Kearney’s having a stormer.
@Declan Byrne: I agree, he does run the ball back and “hold on” hence giving a penalty away alot of the time. Yeh playing well other than that
@Jonny Cantwell: What has Kearney done well enlighten me thanks. Playing well against a poor France team ?
@Declan Byrne: Covering his position brilliantly and stopped a certain French try, he’s showing great pace when he gets the ball and is running some great lines. He’s also linking well with the back line in general creating moves. So yeah, some would say he’s having a great game indeed. You’re welcome.
@Declan Byrne: if it was a poor France team we would be winning by a lot more than 6 points
@Sam Harms: Well Ireland not been allowed to playing well . Very tactical Joe wants to get out of Paris with a win at all costs not like last year screwing up on day one .
@Jonny Cantwell: Don’t forget the knock forward in his great game to day.
@Declan Byrne: Yeah you’re right there mate, a knock on…shameful stuff from him.
@Jonny Cantwell: I am been hard on Kearney because I expect more from him.
@Jonny Cantwell: Kearney was a liability as teddys try showed. He was turned over twice. Good in the air but that’s not enough at this level. Especially when there is so much competition for full back.
@Anthony Davoren: liability? Very solid in defence (and I’m not his biggest fan) not the only one to miss a tackle in that phase. Shocking we fell asleep so easily especially against France in France, there is a reason the stats are the way they are all¯\_(ツ)_/¯
for you naysayers of Kearney, he is excellent, having started his rugby career at a very young age, he does have his bad moments but he is an asset to the team. Also he’s a Cooley Boy so I am biased towards him..
Where is the gender equality in tv3 panel for the game?
@The Debater: will you ever rev up and fućk off
BBC just introduced Bill O’Connell as a panel expert.
Looks a lot like Paul O’Connell to me!
Although I’m a big fan of Nigel …. my god some shocking calls tonight
KIA, knee injury assessment
Come on Ireland !
Trying to watch the end of the Scotland on the three player and they keep showing a GUINNESS ad on repeat.
Anyone else having problems
Being back RTE
@matt doyle: In fairness the RTE player is not any better.
Good luck too the boy’s in Green, go out and win with Pride and Ireland.
That’s why sexton got picked while he was away. Pure class
Whether you think Best is a brave captain to go support his teammates in a time of need or whether you think he’s a r@pist-supporting gowl – he still shouldn’t have gone to the trial and made the focus of the six nations about his personal actions off the field.
It shows his head is focused on something other than leading his county. And that alone is unforgivable.
@Abbie Cranky: County????? Clown.
@Abbie Cranky: Iain Henderson shouldn’t have gone either. yet people seem to forget that he was there too…
Either way this trial goes, Paddy Jackson’s promising career for Ireland is over. personally i feel that he was completely and utterly moronically stupid, and hope he gets jail time for his actions.
Love ya Johnny
Ah keith wood hinted at it during the week, Nigel Owens has the plot lost ..
James Ryan is playing really well considering his experience. Looks like he’s gonna be a top class player.
Sexton you god
fair dues Sexton.
@Minom Pnnomm: genius kick to earls as were going nowehere. if it hadn’t come off he would be murdered. small margins. Ireland poor today in poor conditions. not 1 line-break for Ireland?
Nigel Owens is having a shocker some terrible decisions
@Kenneth O Brien: not he is not, Ireland are making mistake after mistake.
@Kenneth O Brien: apparently taking player out in air without ball is ok in his book. The fact it went to tmo showed others didnt agree but ultimately what he says goes. Officiated correctly its an Ireland penalty at least and should be no where near the French try. Also the French #5 was a penalty machine and he took no further sanction
Sweet jesus!!
Feel sorry for jvf, missed last year’s six nations due to injury
Ehh… Ireland have the players and the form; whats going on? Playing attritional rugby against France not working– France are terrible AND in a really bad spot atm. Questions needs to be asked of Schmidt tactics
As much as im happy to be ahead… It is a boring enough match… But then again if Ireland come through can’t complain. Result counts. Come on Ireland
@Maurice Mulcahy: A win is important but the truth of the matter is that this is an awful game.
They build proper men in Ireland. Spuds will beat baguettes any day :-)
Ireland win! Celebratory spitroasts all round!
@DaisyChainsaw: go back to your play dough.
Nigel oxens is having a shocker!
Kicking to much ball away and the kicking has been poor so far.
The bad side is that the French are well up for this game, the good side is that we’re managing everything brilliantly; defence, kicking, glimpses of magic in attack. So far so good.
#ismycaptain
Come on Ireland!!
We have really had little nothing past the French 22. All the possession in the world is useless if we look this toothless going forward. Same old story
Yes Sexton!!
Rob Kearney having the game of his life, super stuff
@Tony Yeboah TP: that changed
JOHNNY SPOTY
In no way a Kearney hater but jaysus will you run at space instead of contact all the time.. also Henshaw is having a mare his passing is terrible he’s not even drawing the man to release the winger outside he shouldn’t be near the 13 jersey…12 all day long.
We need to get away from this one out runner crap when we get to the opposing teams 22 it’s ffffing killing our attacking game the ball is so slow.
Henderson having a brilliant game
Christ almighty…. That was exciting but being honest very lucky to win that had one realistic chance to get a try got nowhere… France had three chances got one… Brian Moore was said on BBC based on second half Ireland have stolen this… sport is unfair… But that’s the way it goes…
Tbh I bloody Delighted its only third time in my lifetime I’ve seen them win in Paris… But lads ye need to.improve
@Maurice Mulcahy: no we havent. Look at the penalty count etc. Individual brilliance on both sides. No surprise a former English hooker is worried about Paddy’s Day
Healy first try 45/1.
Kearney useless. Teddy.
@Minom Pnnomm: always good for a crucial missed tackle.
I’m not well after that. Seriously though, Sexton more than made up for his earlier miss. What a score, what a man and to the whole team who kept going. Fantastic :)
Sexton you’re a god
Talking all week about how much they are going to win by in a place they hardly ever win???????
Ireland are brutal
No sign of the Irish anthem today?
@Enda Reynolds: they don’t play the anthem at away matches, they use Ireland’s Call.
Its a win but God was it awful. Its Martin O’Neill soccer on a rugby field
unefffing believable!!!!!
Onya CJ
Just goes to show what you can achieve with a real leader in charge. Sexton drove that last game drive – in Owens ear questioning his terrible late decision making too.
Rory Best is not, and never has been, a true leader. Everything changed when Sexton took the lead
@Karlavaro: i never rated best as captain and the handbags during the first half kinda cemented that feeling for me. The captain should be the last person getting involved in that kind of stuff
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! Gwan ya good thing!
Brilliant by Murray
Whether you think Best is a brave captain to go support his teammates in a time of need or whether you think he’s a rapist-supporting shite – he still shouldn’t have gone to the trial and made the focus of the six nations about his personal actions off the field.
It shows his head is focused on something other than leading his county. And that alone is unforgivable.
@Abbie Cranky: Cranky Troll. Good bye
@Bluepoolroad: excellent contribution. Rush me to the burns unit.
@Bluepoolroad: well spoken Blue.
@Abbie Cranky: “burns unit”, Love it. Thanks.
C’mon Sexton you need to get those
@William Finnegan: just about made up for it! 6 nations would have been dead. thankfully the frog missed that easy enough kick also.
Jesus Christ what a finish !
No sign of a totally dominating Ireland so far. France dull but reasonably competent.
Feel sorry for jvf, missed last year’s six nations die to injury
Leinster are having a bad day against the French boys.
@Maid Marian: That’s odd because last time I checked Stander, Aki, stockdale, Earls, Murray, Henderson,POM, Best, and Ryan all play with other provinces.
Kearney unfortunately is no threat going forward constantly turned over. We’re far too reliant on kick chase. Switched off in defence for try very unprofessional they had taken quick throws earlier and players were far too slow trying to stop thar. Schmidt needs to show more adventure in his selections and tactics. That was a hard game to watch with such talented players. Got out of jail this time
Super kick but out of jail there.
What’s the point of tv3 not having HD coverage after spending all that money on six nations coverage what a bunch of idiots. Sport is one place you really notice it.
@ed w: TV3RD RATE
McFadden to the rescue! lol!
Bit nervous about this game. I have cribbed and I have cribbed that Joe Schmidt has not picked on form but bar Rob Kearney at fullback this is the first time Joe has actually picked on form. So I am nervous to see if form will provide a really good performance. Here’s hoping
@Brian Jones: Kearney is in fine form over the last few months
That Teddy bear is class, Ireland could do with someone like him.
The French are coming in from the side more times than a burglar.
terrible non-call by NO, but this loss will be totally Ireland’s fault. For such an experienced team, atrocious play in the 2nd half. More dignity if they stayed in the locker room.
@jindublin: all is forgiven!!!! BUT I hope they don’t keep playing like this for the next 4 matches or I will need blood pressure meds!
@jindublin: bad conditions but ireland playing by numbers which the French negated by line speed. Schmidt needs to vary things a bit.
brute force but brute force is whats needed
@Brian Jones: that’s the general idea of the game alright. Ireland lucky against a poor poor French outfit.
Painful to watch (on the BBC by the way) but thank god for small mercies, not a sight or sound of that odious George Hook.
@Joseph Dempsey: Then dont watch. Crucial 20’ ahead.
Sexton won’t sleep after that missed kicked
@Fred McHugh: Well he’ll sleep like a baby now!
@Fred McHugh: you sure
@William Finnegan: hell yeah he will
CTE Sexton does it again ! Colon you boys in green
The ad is just repeating for me too… it better be fixed before the game
Cricfree or stream to watch
Good start
Come on France
NEW… from ROB KEARNEY enterprises
Now you too can own a pair of Johnny Sexton stones now on special offer for only €13.15 order now before time runs out!
Ceiling in the pub well and truly destroyed!!!
What’s the story with furlongs bind?? Very odd the way his bind is behind Best not around his waist
30 second ad break. Cue people losing their shit !!
Hopefully the lads were watching the Welsh game. Arrogance will f**k us over here against the French. We are not suited to the favourite tag.