Ireland v Argentina - 15/11/2024 - (20.10)

[Leonormous Boozer]

I think there are a few cracks for Ireland that are a worry, and somewhat unavoidable with the pathway you run. Hooker and prop depth issues, then I think Farrell maybe needs to be called on his conservative selections, been very slow to start the turnover to the new generation. Cormac to me should have been starting last weekend at 6 for example imo.

Overall I think Ireland will remain very good and maybe this November will highlight the need to transition with next year being slightly painful but needed moving on from older generation.

Hooker is fine, our third choice is either dust or not match fit but he hasn't long left, there's talent coming through.

Prop is a huge worry, we need lads to step up. Clarkson did well today, he needs to keep it up and build his body up to what is required at this level. All other talents are young guys with little enough pro experience, hopefully it comes on well.

I'm still mot worried regardless of what happens in the next 6 months (unless it's losses to Fiji, Wales and Italy). We have a reputation of peaking between world cups but we generally peak into them but get it wrong when tlwe're there. Last year was great, we were a Jordie Barrett or a different referee away from a final, it would have been enough to win in 2019 with change and get to a final in 2015. 2019 was a tactical failure, Johnny mentions that in his book (can expand if anyone wants) and 2015 was injuries. Our worst years in the las three world cup cycles have been 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 (as above), 2020 and 2021. The system works, we just need things to fall our way like anyone else.

Watched the game back and Crowley is a great systems 10 when things are going well. Can't fault that first half. His 20 minutes in the second were diabolical, regardless of ability to do so, no 10 should be taking crash balls and he took 3 or 4. It's blinkered play and if he can't bring his skills to a side that doesn't have perfect ball he won't last as our 10 qith Sam behind. Sam looked raw but his skills are so obviously at a higher level, treat the kid right and he'll be one of the best in the game.

The team isn't fit, whether it's short term pain for long term gain remains to be seen but all the lads look significantly bigger than 12 months ago and fade away after 55-60 minutes. The old bench is compounding that.

Ultimately, how we played the first half and our sin bin period would match up to anyone even though it wasn't perfect.

There wasn't a knock-on, Ireland's football style appealing at every ruck swayed the officials. Argentina were absolutely robbed. Ireland are such a dislikeable side - off their feet at every ruck, constantly appealing for decisions, and kill opponents ball every time they defend in the red zone. I didn't know that putting your foot over the ball whilst coming in from the side was legal either. Ireland are just cheats, pure and simple. They have a different offside line to every other international team as well. You just knew Argentina would get screwed tonight, it was obvious.

Were you on the pitch with a better view than the ref? Otherwise that's an emotional response.

People are begging for change in world rugby but when it's Ireland, no one wants it. The SH don't like that they don't routinely **** on us anymore and the UK hate that their former colony is doing things better than them (not exclusive to rugby either). We have given away 26 penalties in two games, clearly not being reffed to a different standard.

It's grand, we don't care if people like us anymore here. It held us back.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

I don't get the knock on conspiracy. That's pretty verifiable. If arg would have been screwed there would have been a soft holding on or off feet penalty.

 

[Reiser99]

I don't get the knock on conspiracy. That's pretty verifiable. If arg would have been screwed there would have been a soft holding on or off feet penalty.

I think complaint would likely be Irish players doing something illegal to disrupt the ball. Tbh the second YC is what cost them the game.