IT’S GAME DAY, rugby fans and they don’t come much bigger than a Saturday night against France in Paris (provided tonight’s game actually goes ahead; otherwise, it’ll be a night on the couch with Brendan O’Connor).
This time last week, Irish rugby fans were full of hope. The dream of a Grand Slam or Triple Crown was still alive, and the talk of revenge for Wellington was very much in the air, no matter how much we tried to downplay it.
This week, the atmosphere is very different. We are drinking in the last chance saloon, and with one just win to our names in Paris since 1972, the Stade de France is hardly our hostelry of choice.
Much has been said and written about the team and tactics that came up short against Wales in Dublin last weekend. Declan Kidney has kept faith in the team which he originally intended to name for that game, recalling Keith Earls at the expense of Fergus McFadden. The tactics are likely to be different, however, with Deccie promising a tighter kicking game and smarter work at the breakdown.
But no matter how smart and tight we get, France are still World Cup finalists and a formidable foe. New coach Philippe Saint-André is only adjusting to the role, but a four-try win at home to Italy last weekend didn’t exactly smack of beginner’s luck.
And, to make matters worse, there was last night’s news from the Ireland camp that Jonny Sexton is now an injury doubt, with Paddy Wallace flying out to join the squad as precautionary cover.
It’ll be tough, but this is a team as likely to pull out a repeat of their Australian heroics as they are to roll over and meekly surrender.
So come full time, how will we be feeling? Will it be “Paris, je t’aime”? Or “Forget Paris”?
Join us in the comments section and we’ll talk it all out between now and kick-off.
Check back at 7.30 this evening when we’ll be kicking off our minute-by-minute coverage of France v Ireland.
Savage comeback,the commentary from the two boys,probably made the Video tho
Some craic bucko. Did one of the boys say he nearly fell over the balcony?
Go on the rebels!!
Thought it was the viper commentating for the first part of the video.
“…..as the stagger unwindsssssaaaaahhhh…..”
drugs
@ assel that’s the Olympics. Cheat to win
Outstanding, 4×400 rely always a great race.
Did anyone see your one on the second lap about a 100 meters out from the baton change. A screw this I’m tired there all passing me
Some face plant at the end!!
Victorious face plants are the sweetest.
What the story doesn’t tell u is that Finn had run a 3000metre stepplechase not long before this race in under 10mins!!!,so she was running on very tired legs
You can’t spell success without UCC
God, that’s cringe!
One of the best finishes I ever saw.Take a bow Phil Healy.
Did the one running last from dcu have an invisible wheelbarrow full of cement or what??twas only 1 lap!!
Unbelievable Jeff.
Glad for her that it was caught on film to explain the carpet burns on her face.
Never give up…never surrender. Commentators and UCC team take a bow!!
She won’t be wearing heels in the grand hotel Malahide later
Credit to all. Fantastic race.
That’s was a great win. Congrats to Healy! From the depths of hell!
get her on the plane to Rio
Unbelievable
haha, fooking amazing – was on the edge of my seat. Commentators are amazing!
Jesus h that was some race!
Wow, what a race and what a comeback from the depths of hell. Well done that girl.
What a relay! If you want to hear the same commentators in a more laconic pace, check out the 3000m walk at the same meet. It’s a bit long but dripping in sarcasm! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j6U3eZGEk8&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j6U3eZGEk8&feature=youtu.be
@Michael o’Reilly Ha ha, that was class… “The chocolate Medal”
Thank you michael. That made my day
Peds
What?
Performance Enhancing Drugs
Reminds of the Brazil soccer commentator years ago brilliant!
Team in red a distant 5th at the final handover. Incredible. Was the yellow team’s slowest put out last?
That was absolutely incredible. Great effort from Finn who’s a steeplechaser if I’m not mistaken whereas Healy is a sprinter. Never give up is the moral there I think.
Can’t wait to hear from these boys for the Olympics, funny stuff. Make it happen lads.
Fair play to all the girls.. that was some battle..
Holy shit
LOL he’s the Gary neville of athletics!!!
it wasn’t an amazing comeback. the one in front was just slow. she finished last in the end.
Philamonster
The girl who way in front last lap, finished last !!
Phil Healy? I’m guessing Phil is a boy?
Short for Philomena
The day Conor mcgregor retired. A new hero born. Talent bursting at the seems.
Waisted last 5 mins of lunch watchin that
@tom doyle..what a waste, when you could have been watching something else..better luck next lunchtime.
What drama?
Nearly fell off the couch laughing.