Friday 22 January, 2021
The Limerick man shared second spot for almost two years with Tommy Bowe, but moved two closer to Brian O’Driscoll today.
‘We’re happy with the way we’re improving,’ says the Ireland captain while pointing out a ‘difference of opinion’ with the media.
Third place was at stake as Gregor Townsend’s side came to the Aviva, we went minute-by-minute.
The wing-turned-fullback put his passing range on display against Georgia.
The veteran prop feels the mood in the current camp is the best he has experienced.
‘Sometimes we’re seeing it and not executing and sometimes we’re not seeing it and running into brick walls.’
The Ireland captain insists the current Ireland side has made progress that they have just been unable to reproduce in competitive action.
Meanwhile, Shane Daly will be one of the few who take fond memories away from today’s win over Georgia.
The young skipper was in no mood to accentuate positives of an unconvincing win..
It’s the third of four matches in the stop-gap series and we’re going minute-by-minute.
Whether through injury or a coach’s call, this week’s starting XV has just five names in common with the February defeat.
The Leinster lock signalled he will lean on experienced heads like Peter O’Mahony and Keith Earls.
The Leinster 9 says he’s privileged to play alongside Johnny Sexton for club and country.
Andy Farrell is excited to field his newly-qualified players from the start and hopes to see Jacob Stockdale show his best form at 15.
Ireland feel they are right at the beginning of their ‘journey’.
‘We don’t want to go with a massive performance then massive dip.’
The feelgood factor in Andy Farrell’s squad will be tested severely by another clash with England.
The out-half suffered the knee injury in Friday’s loss to Racing.
Argentina, New Zealand and Japan are due to visit Murrayfield later this year.
The Brave Blossoms shocked Ireland at their home World Cup.
Ireland’s training camps will take on a greater importance in the weeks ahead with only one Test match scheduled for November.
The 15-a-side team will take on Wales on 10 November in UCD.
The northern province will have six internationals back after their November exploits.
We take a closer look at how the runners and riders fared 10 months out from the World Cup.
Wins over Italy, Argentina, the All Blacks and USA leave this Irish squad in an exciting place.
Ross Byrne has complicated the tussle for the back-up 10 slot and that suits the head coach just fine.
Darren Sweetnam’s back and Will Addison’s HIA are also causes for concern as players return to their provinces.
The Stade de France was left stunned.
The 53-year-old is out of contract after next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Who impressed you at the Aviva Stadium today?
The US Eagles were competitive for 40 minutes but Joe Schmidt’s side finished strongly.
Warren Gatland’s side completed a November clean-sweep in Cardiff.
Adam Griggs’ side scored three tries but suffered a 37-15 defeat in their second November international.
Owen Farrell scored 22 points at Twickenham.
Joe Schmidt’s side were bidding to end a momentous year with one final victory.
It was one for the purists at a wet Murrayfield.
The world champions hammered Conor O’Shea’s Azzurri in Rome, with Jordie Barrett scoring four tries.
The Canucks will face New Zealand and South Africa in Japan.
After falling out of Joe Schmidt’s plans, Finlay Bealham had a hard look at himself in the mirror and has returned fitter and leaner.
‘It is tough for me, to be honest. I cannot believe the support we have had here as a family.’
