That was a bit meh, wasn’t it?
Ireland travelled to Twickenham to take on England in their final warm-up game before the Rugby World Cup today and for the second week in a row, Joe Schmidt was left with more questions than answers.
There was only a few points in it at the finish but Ireland looked in trouble for large parts, particularly during the first half, following which they found themselves 12-3 down at the break.
A captain’s try by Paul O’Connell put some much-needed points on the board in what was an improved display after the interval, but it wasn’t exactly the reassuring display you’d want to see two weeks out from our World Cup opener as England finished deserving 21-13 winners.
Here’s what Twitter made of it all.
The most error-ridden half of rugby in the Joe Schmidt era ever. So bad you'd nearly ignore it as long as it's not 2007esque
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) September 5, 2015
Much improved 3rd quarter from Ireland, 4th was a lottery. Result means nowt. All about squad fitness now. #ENGvIRL #ShoulderToShoulder
— Harpin' On Rugby (@HarpinOnRugby) September 5, 2015
Whatever about holding things back, Ireland simply poor in execution. Dave Kearney is a World Cup starter.
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) September 5, 2015
Lost. Murray and Sexton off inured. But … um … plenty to work on? Busy fortnight ahead
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) September 5, 2015
Post-match should be interesting to see which way Schmidt plays it. That was undeniably poor from Ireland, even if s-h was better
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) September 5, 2015
https://twitter.com/emma43322925/status/640187649949626368
I hope one of the surprises Schmidt has up his sleeve for World Cup is tackling. Passing would be good too.
— Richie Oakley #andacyclist (@roakleyIRL) September 5, 2015
Irish back three poor today. Not just outplayed, but aerially dominated. Could be a concern for Joe Schmidt given his modus operandi.
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) September 5, 2015
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