RWC: Australia - Ireland (17-09-2011 20:30)

[big ginger 8]

Healy smashing Cooper kinda summed up the game. It's not nice to see some people (strangely two of whom are French) being bitter. That dude a.k.a. Mike Ross is an excellent scrummager and Kepu probably can't sleep cause of him. Irelands "choke" technique is perfectly legal and ingenious.

Bail cop on. IRB loved Ireland how? What have we done to hurt you?

Ireland could replicate that and were deserving winners. Yes Pocock would have made a difference I mean Ireland turned over more ball than Aus but we're missing injured players and have many just coming back.

The Aussie confidence was summed up that Genia in an interveiw with an Irish paper couldn't even name one of our scrumhalves. You'd think they'd done some video analysis.

Finally Olly do you believe me now saying Ireland have the best defence in the 6n at least. When was the last time Aus didn't score a try?

 

[elgringoborracho]

Well i'm french and i think Ireland fully deserved the win. I also thank them for showing the world how to shut down the ozzies.
I had 50€ on Ireland for this one. Australia have a great outfit but you can't win everytime if you can't scrummage, throw in a lineout straight, and if you don't bother playing in the opponent's half.
Kudos to them. There's no team i'd rather play in the semi finals of a world cup!

 

[BladeMode]

Watching the Aussies lose is fantastic! But this does mean a NZ could face Aus in the semi's history supports them

.

Don't write the Boks of just yet, Buddy!

With the Blue Bulls vs the WP still to come this afternoon!!

I guess that's 2 out of 3 for you today

 

[Jer1cho]

Irelands "choke" technique is perfectly legal and ingenious.

That's weird. When we do it, we are bashed and smashed as being boring. Ingenious? Oh well...

 

[JW.]

.

Don't write the Boks of just yet, Buddy!



I guess that's 2 out of 3 for you today

I did say could . History supports SA aswell .

Ohyeh when England or SA do this it is wrong! Duh!

 

[King_D'Arcy]

Right. Really bad refeering at scrum. But don't forget, this win didn't change anything Italy will oust Ireland with a simple win.

Ireland were at full strength against a weak Australia side. I fail to see the ''lol'' in that. This is why no one likes home nations supporters, you win one game and gloat for about ten years. England won the World Cup in 2003 but you still hear about it. Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2009, yay, but didn't they just lose four games in a game and come third in the Six Nations? I'd prefer to actually win those than pull off a fluke win against a weakened Australian team.

Uh oh! We've got a pair of moody Michaels on our hands! I know the cure for that! A big bowl of chocolate ice cream and a hug!

 

[lynam1104]

That's weird. When we do it, we are bashed and smashed as being boring. Ingenious? Oh well...

We bash you for doing that then kicking it 50M upwards or downfeild. We try and run sometimes at least

 

[monkeypigeon]

Some Cheer up Cake!!


And a Hug!!!

 

[dullonien]

Congrats to Ireland, very good performance today and totally deserved the win. I'm really hoping Wales can do what's necessary and get through to the quarters to face you guys, as it would be a great close game.

I thought Austrailia were pitiful today, they had very little to offer, other than some more than hopeful Cooper offloads, and a couple of half breaks by Beale. I can't believe Aus' scrum got so destoryed by Ireland, who aren't the best scrummaging team in the world, although they're getting much better with Ross at tighthead. But even so, Healey is not remowned for his scrummaging. One or two dodgy ref decisions went Irelands way in the scrum, but overall they completely deserved most of the penalties awarded their way.

Gotta wonder how much longer Healey can last, the guy needed attention at pretty much every stoppage, as he did in the England game in the warm-ups. He doesn't look totally fit to me, but regardless had a great game.

I don't think was a complete performance from Ireland. I think their final game of the 6 nations against England was a much better performance from them, but this was a step in the right direction after a very troublesome 6 months or so. Front five were great apart from O'Callaghan, who I didn't see doing much really. Backrow were good, despite Heaslip being nowhere neer his best, and SOB not quite as barnstorming as he can be. I also feel they could come unstuck without a propper 7 against the best opensides such as McCaw, Brussow, Pockoc if he were playing, and Warburton, but maybe not, we'll have to see. In the backs, there's still big question marks over 9, while Sexton seems despiratelty low on confidence when it comes to kicking at goal. Centres still a little blunt, and I've gotta say that I'm still not a fan of Earls in the slightest.

Bit harsh maybe, but overall just shows how much better Ireland could be if they could sort a couple out a couple of those shortcomings.

 

[shtove]

I don't think was a complete performance from Ireland. I think their final game of the 6 nations against England was a much better performance from them, but this was a step in the right direction after a very troublesome 6 months or so. Front five were great apart from O'Callaghan, who I didn't see doing much really. Backrow were good, despite Heaslip being nowhere neer his best, and SOB not quite as barnstorming as he can be. I also feel they could come unstuck without a propper 7 against the best opensides such as McCaw, Brussow, Pockoc if he were playing, and Warburton, but maybe not, we'll have to see. In the backs, there's still big question marks over 9, while Sexton seems despiratelty low on confidence when it comes to kicking at goal. Centres still a little blunt, and I've gotta say that I'm still not a fan of Earls in the slightest.

Bit harsh maybe, but overall just shows how much better Ireland could be if they could sort a couple out a couple of those shortcomings.

I agree with 99% of that - I give more credit to DOC to make up the 1%.

Ireland may be capable of going the whole way, but it would need some fireworks from Sexton, BOD, Bowe running patterns off set piece. I don't think we're going to see that because Kidney is delivering the Munster experience at international level. Semis at best.

What this match shows is that the NH style of defence and organisation will win the cup (I include SA in NH style). I'm guessing France, but betting on them is a sure way to lose money! Their match against the ABs will be fascinating.

Anyway - it just got interesting!

 

[lucky number 7]

Uh oh! We've got a pair of moody Michaels on our hands! I know the cure for that! A big bowl of chocolate ice cream and a hug!

A duo of grumpy gilbert.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

Congrats to Ireland, very good performance today and totally deserved the win. I'm really hoping Wales can do what's necessary and get through to the quarters to face you guys, as it would be a great close game.

I thought Austrailia were pitiful today, they had very little to offer, other than some more than hopeful Cooper offloads, and a couple of half breaks by Beale. I can't believe Aus' scrum got so destoryed by Ireland, who aren't the best scrummaging team in the world, although they're getting much better with Ross at tighthead. But even so, Healey is not remowned for his scrummaging. One or two dodgy ref decisions went Irelands way in the scrum, but overall they completely deserved most of the penalties awarded their way.

Gotta wonder how much longer Healey can last, the guy needed attention at pretty much every stoppage, as he did in the England game in the warm-ups. He doesn't look totally fit to me, but regardless had a great game.

I don't think was a complete performance from Ireland. I think their final game of the 6 nations against England was a much better performance from them, but this was a step in the right direction after a very troublesome 6 months or so. Front five were great apart from O'Callaghan, who I didn't see doing much really. Backrow were good, despite Heaslip being nowhere neer his best, and SOB not quite as barnstorming as he can be. I also feel they could come unstuck without a propper 7 against the best opensides such as McCaw, Brussow, Pockoc if he were playing, and Warburton, but maybe not, we'll have to see. In the backs, there's still big question marks over 9, while Sexton seems despiratelty low on confidence when it comes to kicking at goal. Centres still a little blunt, and I've gotta say that I'm still not a fan of Earls in the slightest.

Bit harsh maybe, but overall just shows how much better Ireland could be if they could sort a couple out a couple of those shortcomings.

Yeah pretty well said. The best thing about Ireland today was probably the game plan. They just took advantage of Australia's poor set piece and suffocated Genia and Cooper to stop their dynamic backs from getting the ball. I think if Ireland are to beat Wales (assuming thats the QF) our backs need to get up to speed. Deccie's not gonna try to beat Wales in the same way. Ireland wont be able to beat Wales in the same way

 

[Magricos]

Ireland did well but the WC can still be won.Cooper wasn't patient at all though.

 

[munstermuffin]

Well must say still on a high but will try give a view on each player individually:

Healy - Was a part of a superb frontrow today and well any Leinster fan who watches Healy on a constant basis will notice he has bulked up considerably and was very good today. Scrummaged well and was very good in the loose.

Best - Easily his greatest performance in a green jersey and argubally the greatest game of his career. Stepped up as a leader and his darts have improved greatly and really is a player on form.

Ross - A vital player we can't afford to loose. The vital cog in our scrum and again today showed despite starting his career late he is a world class TH prop.

O'Callaghan - A big improvment on recent displays and did alot of the dirty work and added good physicality.

O'Connell - Superb game, ran the lineout well and again showed why he is one of the best locks in world rugby.

Ferris - Well this man is a beast. Considering he was wondering in January would he ever play top level rugby again this man's performance was nothing short of miraculous.

O'Brien - Well if the SH didn't know much about him efore today, they know now and well the beast unleashed and well really ran riot on the Aussies in open play. Also made superb tackle on Genia to save a certain try.

Heaslip - A quiet day at the office and well was a bit hesitant at the base of the scrum and didn't use the platform given a bit more.

Reddan - Very good and smart game from him. Didn't take any risks, kept it simple and did what was expected very well.

Sexton - Poor place-kicking but can't fault him in open play as he did well and pulled the strings smartly and seemed even more energized when he moved to 12.

Earls - A good game considering there were calls for him to be chopped, played well made a fine tackle at 1 stage on McCabe and was deserving of his spot.

D'Arcy - Was an improved performance on previous performances but again will be feeling the heat to try and retain that 12 jersey.

O'Driscioll - Rolled back the years after a slow start really led like a warrior and threw his body in front of everything and put his heart in to it.

Bowe - Again showed he is a dangerous finisher. Tommy was never going to run length of field after intercept as he was never an out-and-out speedster but he did exceptionally well and looked dangerous.

Kearney - Seem's to be slowly getting back but still a worry he has yet to play a full game.

Court - Was OK but Healy and Ross are well ahead and vital we keep them fit.
Murray - Still bit green but did very well when came on and maybe that role will be brilliant for him and us
Trimble - Didn't see much of ball
O'Gara - Another massive contribution, Shored up our problem at goal-kicking, Really gave us that boost of energy when introduced, Seemed to give Sexton a lease of life too and well I think Kidney accidently did it due to injury but will be under big pressure to consider the ROG/Sexton/BOD role and well we may have discovered a great option.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'd agree with all of that but I think that SOB had as quiet a day as Heaslip

 

[munstermuffin]

I'd agree with all of that but I think that SOB had as quiet a day as Heaslip

Having watched highlights and well seen bits I thought O'Brien made some vital tackles and had 2/3 balls that he really put the pedal down and made vital yards where as Heaslip didn't stand-out but is a player off form

 

[Shaggy]

Well done Ireland and commiserations Australia - games between these two sides always seem to be close.

... I can't really comment on the refs performance just yet, as I had about three cat naps during the game, as the preceding games, and the early hours of the morning finally caught up with me

The comments about the missing players are spot on - you've got to play with the best players you have available at the time, and if they aren't good enough ... tough

... I said it before, and i'll say it again, the RWC will be won by the best squad, not the best team.

I share Nickdnz's skepticism as to whether this result is a good thing from a New Zealand perspective or not, but, from a tournament perspective, it's great ... we are now likely to see (other results will of course have a bearing), the best NH teams face off against each other, and the best SH teams face off against each other, with the best from both hemispheres meeting in the final

 

[Jockstap]

I'd agree with all of that but I think that SOB had as quiet a day as Heaslip

Just watched the match again, bar Healy, O'Brien was Ireland's best player today, he was everywhere and tackled everything that moved, I'd love to see his stats for the game.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I think I'm just used to seeing him run over/through so many people that when none of that happened today I didn't realise

Didn't help that all of the backrowers were wearing scrumcaps making it hard to differentiate

 

[dangandan]

Just watched the match again, bar Healy, O'Brien was Ireland's best player today, he was everywhere and tackled everything that moved, I'd love to see his stats for the game.

I was looking at the irishrugby.ie site and Sean O'Brien made the most tackles with 13 followed by Ben McCalman at 12 and Vickerman with 11. He had a busy game alright.