This week, Malcolm rues the poor refereeing decision that turned the game and suggests that Ireland were the architects of their own downfall against Wales.
I suppose the main talking point of Saturday’s game is the decision to award the Welsh try so I’ll get that out of the way first. I think it’s a bit incredulous really that it actually happened in a game like that. The referee should have just pulled it back straight away; it is criminal that he would let it happen. It was in fact the touch judge that confirmed that all was OK and above scrutiny, so Kaplan had no choice but to award the try.
Everybody has gone through what happened ad nauseam at this stage, but, basically there were two issues at hand. The first was that when Sexton kicked the ball into the crowd, it negated any opportunity for a quick lineout.
It is these decisions in the heat of the moment that define players and teams and had he (Paddy Wallace) stepped in and scored under the sticks we would be praising his talent. Instead, he will have nightmares over what happened.
Secondly, for a lineout to be formed there has to be two Welsh players and two Irish players which would then allow the Welsh hooker the opportunity to throw a different ball in. There were enough Irish players there alright, but Mike Phillips was the only Welsh player there, so the lineout was never formed. What might come out of all of this is that it may set a precedent for the Television Match Official (TMO) to be used on a wider scale, to take into account stuff like that.
I don’t think there was an option for Jonathan Kaplan to go to the TMO; the TMO normally deals with whether a ball is grounded or not after a try has been scored; I don’t think he has the power to say that a try cannot be awarded because there was a problem with the lineout, but after what happened yesterday, there could be a precedent set as to the amount of power that a TMO has in a game. In Saturday’s game, Jonathan Kaplan had to make a call and he trusted the judgement of his touch judge, so the buck stops with the touch judge in this case.
Tactics
As for the game itself, I think that, tactically, Ireland played quite well in the first half. They weren’t running a huge amount of ball – neither were Wales, but I think that when Ireland flexed their attacking muscles they looked quite good at times.
Ireland looked really strong in defence and I think the lineout was pretty good, it provided a good platform. It was always going to be a tight game, Ireland needed to work the scoreboard in the second half but we were guilty of not taking our opportunities. We were on the Welsh line on a couple of occasions where we strived to cross the white wash when perhaps a drop goal would have been adequate, and a missed penalty turned out to be crucial.
Irish players remonstrate with Jonathan Kaplan after the Welsh try was awarded
Ireland’s decision-making proved to be crucial as well. Ireland kicked away so much ball, we didn’t have a whole lot of opportunities, but when we did, we didn’t take them. I don’t think Ireland necessarily deserved to win the match, but we certainly could have won it. Say, for example, in the last play of the game, Paddy Wallace, instead of stepping into Welsh cover, passes out to the flying Keith Earls, he dives in the corner and Jonny Sexton converts from the touch line. Glory Ireland.
Instead, opportunity passes and Ireland lose. It is these decisions in the heat of the moment that define players and teams and had he stepped in and scored under the sticks we would be praising his talent. Instead, he will have nightmares over what happened.
Tight
On the day, I think that both sides went out with the intention of making as few mistakes as possible, looking to play a territorial style of game. It was obviously a tight game, but I think Ireland were dealing quite well with Wales until they had the carpet pulled from underneath them with the try. I would also question Kaplan’s decision to penalise Ireland for a lineout infringement that led directly to Wales’ last score.
The referee seemed to suggest that Sean O’Brien encroached within ten metres of the lineout, but he was actually in the scrum half position, entitling him to be there, unless there is some ruling that I’m not aware of. Still, Ireland had opportunities to close the game after that and I can’t imagine that the players or the management will be looking at the referee as the reason why they lost the game, but will be looking at themselves instead. Even though it was wrong to award the try, it was still preventable. The lads took their eye off the ball for a moment and a harsh lesson was learned.
Questions over Kidney’s approach
There have been a few question marks over Declan Kidney’s management of late; in the past he’s been accused of not using his bench at all and you could argue that now he’s using it but not that well, whether it is bringing on a player at an inopportune moment or reacting emotionally rather than tactically to a situation.
Certainly, his decisions had an impact on the game. In Jonathan Sexton’s case, it would be a bit harsh to blame him for the events which led to the Welsh try, but obviously if Ronan O’Gara had still been on the field, there wouldn’t have been a lineout in the first place, so Deccie’s decisions obviously affected the course of events.
Malcolm on Italy, England and next weekend
Bravo Italy
Before the Ireland game on Saturday, Italy managed to beat France in Rome, which was an absolutely sensational victory. It was brilliant for the Six Nations and for Italian rugby and it showed that Italy are very worthy of being involved in the competition.
Italy have been one of the most consistent sides in the competition so far this season; they pushed Ireland all the way, giving them a real scare. To lose in the manner they lost to England would have derailed Italian teams in the past. Wales were next and only barely got out alive and it was no fluke that they then beat France as they have shown real determination and commitment.
Nick Mallet must take a lot of credit for what they have achieved as he has transformed them into a really competitive Six Nations side. Watching the game, you always expected France to turn the screw but they didn’t. When they scored their try you expected them to pull away but they didn’t. Italy hung in there and with ten minutes to go, you thought just maybe.
The Italian players celebrate their magnificent victory over France on Saturday
The difference with this Italian side as opposed to years previous is that they believed they could win, and they had the collectedness to take their chance and hold on. I would just like to say Italy, Bravo! The game made for some great viewing, especially the scenes of emotion afterwards. Outstanding!
On the flip side, the French have been below par and were coasting in the Six Nations until the weekend. They came to Ireland and won without playing any rugby, they had no creativity against England. I think a key factor is a lack of work rate from their tighties, they seem to struggle to get around the corner, their running lines are weak, their defensive press is poor and they are being isolated in miss matches all too frequently. France need to address this going forward.
Mood
Looking ahead to Ireland v England next Saturday, I think the mood in both camps will be very different going into the game. Obviously, England had a tough battle against Scotland and that will really put a lid on their expectations, or not so much their expectations, but their cockiness. It’s probably the best thing that could have happened to them, but, mind you, it might have dented their confidence in their ability as well.
Certainly, England’s display against Scotland should also give Ireland confidence as Scotland played similar to the way Ireland do in defence and attacked them at the breakdown in numbers. They forced England to resource more men to the rucks, isolating the ball carrier and turning over much of England’s ball.
Ireland have more firepower than Scotland, but they will have to take some more risks by playing with intensity, discipline and aggression, mixed with a little bit of abandon – throw it around lads and see what they’re made of!
England at times were at sixes and sevens, going nowhere and running out of ideas. Scotland attacked with width, showing confidence in their ability to play fluid rugby and were dangerous, causing England problems on occasion. Scotland showed great commitment to the cause, personified brilliantly by Chris Paterson’s incredible scramble tackle on Ben Foden on Scotland’s line.
Eventually England crossed over the Scottish line but Scotland’s Max Evans responded with a touch of genius with a chip and field and touchdown. England survived the challenge and have teed themselves up to be Grand Slam Champions … more or less, just the wee challenge of Ireland left.
Have Ireland anything left in the tank? Obviously, all the momentum is with England, they have come a long way, baby! Ireland have more firepower than Scotland, but they will have to take some more risks by playing with intensity, discipline and aggression, mixed with a little bit of abandon – throw it around lads and see what they’re made of! Win this game and all is forgiven.
Legends
Finally, I’d just like to add that I’ll be putting the boots on again in an Irish Legends team that will be playing an English Legends team for the Stuart Mangan Memorial Trophy next Friday in Donnybrook. I’m looking forward to putting on an Ireland jersey again and catching up with the lads for a few pints afterwards in Kiely’s. Please come along and support, it’s a great cause and there are still tickets available from Ticketmaster.
It will be a good opportunity to see a few fading falling stars in action one more time!
For more information on Ireland Legends v England Legends, click here.
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