RWC: IRE v ITA (Olympic Stadium): POOL D

[Cardiffblue]

Think it will be dire game for 40 mins. Ireland will gradually dominate then Schmidt will try and shut the game down asap taking the first XV players off.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Been supporting Ireland, they've been pretty good so far. Italy might offer a little resistance at the beginning of this game but I expect Ireland to run away with it. Italy has gone backwards sadly.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Inverwutever basically asking BOD 'You've done well before and then failed. Will Ireland fail here?'

Stay classy.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Good first scrum. Both sides held solid and square, for a while.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Heaslip knows better. Playing the ball on the floor.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

Wow. That was fantastically worked from a stolen line out.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Ireland wins the Italian lineout, POC shoves Henderson through a hole, and that sets up Keith Earls for his first try at 13 for this RWC. Some nice work between Sexton, Henshaw and Earls to finish that off. 10-3 Ireland.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Heh. SOB grabbing a ball out of the air, showing his Gaelic football skills, of course.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

Earls has hit such a rich vein of form recently.

 

[mxyzptlk]

When's the last time Earls played 13? Didn't he play there for a Lions tour?

His attack is potent, but might need some work on his defensive positioning. BOD pointing out how he's too far back at times, giving Italy some space to build a phase or two. Some communication will help with that.

 

[KevinO]

Earls has a great try scoring record for Ireland that i can never understand the doubters over his selection.

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[mxyzptlk]

Earls has a great try scoring record for Ireland that i can never understand the doubters over his selection.

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Earls is Munster's Luke Fitzgerald. Either that or Fitz is Leinster's Keet Earls. Both are exceptionally talented footballers that can play in the backs and centers, both have had a rash of injuries that stunted their careers after very promising early starts, and both have had people question their defense on the backs of those injury-scarred months. And both have pretty much come good.

 

[KevinO]

Fitz has come good but Earls record is far more impressive in Green

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[BabyBlueElephant]

Ireland quite sloppy so far. Henderson is an animal, must use the same gym as Ferris?

 

[KevinO]

O'Mahony has started this half well, Ireland really look like they just want to hold on. Not trying to create much in attack

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[mxyzptlk]

Ireland quite sloppy so far. Henderson is an animal, must use the same gym as Ferris?

Watching him bust into rucks is reminding me of watching Etzebeth or de Jager. A similar kind of manic intensity.

 

[mxyzptlk]

O'Mahony has started this half well, Ireland really look like they just want to hold on. Not trying to create much in attack

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Some sloppy handling and some sloppy penalties, right from the off. Matt Williams is going to say something very uncharitable.

 

[mxyzptlk]

On ITV, they were right to criticize Murray kicking that Tommy Bowe win clear. They're just not settling in, focus is off.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

As long as Ireland win with no injuries ill be happy. The focus has always been on next week.

 

[KevinO]

Farrero, Henderson and Sexton are the options for man of the match. Not quite sure how Sexton in an option in this match.

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