I don't often get to see much AIC 1st XV, but managed to get along and watch the Villa v Iona game yesterday. Whilst I'm aware that Iona were missing cattle, Villa controlled the match from the outset. Any time they were put under pressure, they simply stuck to their structures and then played beautifully. Some of their second man shift was excellent in terms of timing and lines. Their 10 controlled the game, their entire backrow and front row were outstanding and the fullback is a gun. The talent is there.
Iona never really got into any rhythm and had a lot of errors in them. Couple that with the Villa backrow being so quick and effective on the ball, they never really kept possession to launch any meaningful attack. The big number 12 tried his guts out, the 10 tackled his heart out as did some of their tight forwards but they had to - they had no ball. I assume they'd be a completely different proposition with all their missing players on deck though.