SIX NATIONS WINNERS. Grand Slam champions. Victory against the All Blacks. World number two.
There’s no question that 2018 was one of the biggest years in the history of Irish rugby. Now Joe Schmidt’s side must try to carry that momentum into the new year and all the way through to the Rugby World Cup in Japan this autumn.
So, all eyes are on the Aviva Stadium and Saturday 2 February as Ireland open their Six Nations defence with a mouthwatering clash against their nearest, dearest rivals, England.
To set the scene for what promises to be an enthralling championship, we’re returning to the Liberty Hall Theatre on Dublin’s Eden Quay for a very special preview event on Thursday, 31 January @ 7pm.
We’re delighted to be joined former Munster and Ireland star Simon Zebo for an in-depth live conversation with The42‘s very own Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey.
The Racing 92 man will give us the lowdown on his new life in France and the Top14, share his insights on what makes Schmidt’s Ireland tick, and take a closer look at how the other nations are shaping up in their bid to topple the champions.
Tickets are €20 and you’ll receive a complimentary copy of The42‘s latest book, Behind The Lines II, on entry.
Tough blow to lose so many important players. Molony and Penny were two of the stars of the 6 Nations while Byrne and Hackshaw were key playmakers at 10 and 12 with Hacksahw being the captain. I’d fancy Allison to come into the backrow instead of Molony without too much drop off in quality as he might have started if he’d been fit for the 6 Nations. Replacing Penny is nigh on impossible but Healy and French/Moore will do a fine job coming in at 10 and 12. The issue will be the lack of depth now we’re down some big players and guys having so many big games in such a short period of time.
Its concerning the amount of serious injuries in a young squad like that already
One “IQ” player is that a good return should there be more
@Exiled Dub: why should there be more?
also Iwan Hughes is a IQ rugby product who is with Ulster now.
I wonder how the other home countries are getting on, say England next week ?? Do we have the worst list ???)
@Martin Quinn: A few injuries and also the unavailability of #10 Marcus Smith because he’s playing for England development XV vs the Barbarians ! A disappointing priority for the rest of the squad, I imagine.
See https://www.englandrugby.com/news/england-men-u20s-squad-update/
@Martin Quinn: No mention of Australian injuries here:
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2019/05/07/world-u20-championships-junior-wallabies-squad
They beat NZ 24-0 in a final recently !
@Martin Quinn: Italy had to omit 3 injured players who were “more or less important”. See:
https://www.federugby.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=112&Itemid=427
So my guess is that our missing 5, 6, 7, 10 and 12 represent the greatest omissions in our group.
Ah well, cometh the hour, cometh the man …
@Martin Quinn: https://u20rugby.wordpress.com if you’re interested keep an eye on this
@Glenbower:
Thanks for that :: Glen
@Eddie Hekenui:
Thanks for that :: EDDIE