ZIMBABWE CAPTAIN BRENDAN Taylor refused to condemn Ireland’s John Mooney following the controversial dismissal of Sean Williams.
Williams appeared set to guide his country to a record World Cup run-chase in Hobart, only to fall with Zimbabwe 32 runs short of their target of 332.
Seeking a six that would have taken him to three figures, the batsman was caught on the boundary rope by Mooney, giving Ireland a crucial breakthrough that ultimately helped them to a five-run triumph.
However, replays suggested Mooney may have brushed the boundary rope with his left foot as he completed the catch and there was a delay before Williams’ dismissal was confirmed.
It appeared Williams may have made the umpires’ decision for them by leaving the ground while replays of the incident were still being studied.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Taylor said: “You’ve got to take his [Mooney's] word for it. It looked pretty clear, but you take the fielder’s word and the game moved forward.”
Ireland skipper William Porterfield praised Mooney for holding his nerve to take the catch.
I think it’s very hard to tell when you’re on the line,” said Porterfield. “It’s a great catch anyway. I haven’t seen a replay. I thought it was great skill anyway.”
Zimbabwe, for whom Taylor made 121 in vain, can no longer qualify for the quarter-finals, while Ireland are well placed to progress from Pool B.
I reckon they’ll put him in the 23 shirt. He hasn’t played a game in 5 months and this is a must win game. Henshaw and Osborne have been solid so far already this season.
It’s harsh on Osborne but I’d start Ringrose, he’s World Class, but would put Osborne on the bench, meaning no 6-2 so Connors misses out.
Interesting selection call, Leo might go 5/3 to fit him on the bench . Would be a big ask to start him after 5 months of no game time
@Owen ODonoghue: Big risk indeed, but I think worth it, our attack and defence without GR hasn’t been at the same level – RH and JO are really 12s who can fill in at 13 (thought RH was actually a brilliant 13 up until the last 6 months when he’s played there regularly and has only been ok)
@Andrew Slazenger: And by ok I mean in the specific roles a 13 has, shutting the door on outside channel, calling the rush, biting in or not and then striking into outside space in attack, knowing when to take on the space or distribute etc etc as a rugby player RH has been excellent though
@Andrew Slazenger: I get your point! Robbie’s recent journey, since his return from injury, has been impacted in Green by Bundee’s stellar 2023 and Garry’s absence in Blue. The fact that he has been doing a brilliant job at 13 is in part a reflection of the lack of competition there and the surfeit of talent at 12. Robbie is still the best 12 on the island and makes most impact on games when he plays there.
@John Morris: bundee best 12 in world
@Owen ODonoghue: still go 6/ 2. Garry and Robbie. Frawley and foley cover the whole backline.
@chris mcdonnell: Hmm, could be interesting. Foley is having a great season.
@chris mcdonnell: based on McBrydes update it looks very likely a 6/2 with Frawley and McGrath as backs cover
@Gary Galligan: yep and we have 3 other excellent centres with Ringrose, Henshaw and McCloskey
Our depth is crazy too with Osborne, Forde, Gavin coming through and the likes of Frawley, Crowley and JOB all able to play there. Its like Irelands backrow depth now
@Owen ODonoghue: 100 pc. Pity about loose head props
@Owen ODonoghue: mcgrath is not a better option than foley. JgP is playing the full game barring injury so why not have a player who can play more than one position
@chris mcdonnell: i agree with you, Leo does not tho!
They said ringrose available last week to let’s see if he gets named on the team v bulls
Seeing lots of chatter on here about 5-3 vs 6-2 and how that affects Ringrose. I think he’s a naturally very fit guy but would a big ask to play at the high altitude with no game time in 5 months? My initial thoughts are go 6-2, well because it’s a Springbok team, but you can’t hardly start Ringrose can you so he’d miss out? But because it’s such a physical toll playing that high up will we need 3 back subs as guys are likely to be absolutely gassed. In any case – Leinster have badly missed Ringrose in both attack and D.
I think Osbourne & Ringrose will start as centres. The bench is likely to be 5-3 unless Foley surpasses McGrath as scrumhalf back-up & emergency wing cover.
@D Farrell: u dropping Robbie ?? Lol