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Joined May 2016
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Rugby and Football fan.
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Southern hemisphere rugby fans can rightly claim that there should be no excuses for the drab affair that was this year's European Cup final.…
Its all about the pace of the game. The game in the north is simply played at a slower pace and defenders are able to get back in position and not be out on their feet when trying to make a tackle. Its my opinion that its this pace and accuracy in all the skills that ensures that the SH sides generally come out on top.
Its simply lazy and cynical to say that defences are poorer down south.
Should Ireland be considered favourites against South Africa in June?
Great Article Armand,
As an irish fan I can tell you that we are very nervous about heading to the Republic , The main issue surrounds the forward pack where Cian Healy , Sean o Brien and the exciting Josh Van De Flier have been ruled out through injury and our depth in the front row is very worrying.
We have also a great reliance on Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray playing well. Unlike South Africa when we suffer injuries we are not replacing like for like especially in the half backs.
I do acknowledge that Joe Scheimdt is a formidable coach and he will come with a game plan but I don’t think we have the beef up front to compete 3 full tests against the Bokke forward pack. The first test will be targeted hard by Ireland.
Some exciting names to watch in the Ireland side
CJ Stander at 6/8 (What a prospect)
Marmion at 9
Ultan Dillane at 5
Stuart McCloskey at 12
Robbie Henshaw at 13/15 .
When the irish touring party is announced I hope to write an article on what for me is a very exciting tour.
Should Ireland be considered favourites against South Africa in June?
Just a fan buddy, and very much a novice at this but thanks for the feedback .
What does Saracens' victory mean for European rugby?
Everyone is going to know Itoje after this years June tests.
What does Saracens' victory mean for European rugby?
Yea , he has been poor of late and his performance in the semi final was probably not good enough for him to get the final. That said he is still a good referee and gets most decisions correct particularly when teams are trying to play positive rugby.
What does Saracens' victory mean for European rugby?
Nigel Owens was not at his usual high standards but he did not cost anybody the game. Saracens were deserving winners.
What does Saracens' victory mean for European rugby?
Exeter are a brilliant club and a testament that what can be achieved if you can get a community to rally around a club.
I am a Melbourne Rebels fan as such , can really relate to a club that isn’t capturing the hearts and minds of the local community.(MInd you that’s a different article)I think that Exeter will have too much for Wasps.
What does Saracens' victory mean for European rugby?
Saracens under the stewardship of Nigel Wray have always highlighted their disdain for the Salary cap and although the names of 2 clubs found to be clearly breaking the rules (Bath and Saracens) were never published ,both these clubs were warned by the RFU .The fact that Saracens was one of the clubs is widely accepted .(Read Brian Moore)
Saracens have appeared at 2 European Cup finals and failed to score a try in both of them.
I also praised Saracens for their collective effort and applying a game plan that matched their player’s strengths in my thread,
What does Saracens' victory mean for European rugby?
Hey English Twizz, thanks for the feedback,
You will find that Saracens have scored plenty of points against the weaker teams in the premiership by playing a very conservative game plan , relying on kick chase and defensive pressure to expose the poor skill levels of lower premiership teams .
I applaud them for their organization and structure and winning in France against monster packs should be commended.
This weekend, my loyalties will be firmly with Leicester , whom are really playing an exciting brand of positive rugby this year and putting faith in their players skill levels.
What does Saracens' victory mean for European rugby?
If Ireland manage to score a try in the three matches, it’ll be a miracle.
.A tad bit over confident there Pot Hale and abit negative towards a good article.
The excuses you listed about the Ireland wins are laughable, Ireland have won those test games because Ireland have played better in those tests.
How you can rubbish Irelands chances completely when South Africa have a new coach and clearly cannot pick their strongest 15, smacks of old school SA arrogance.
Yes the Irish front row will rely on Mike Ross holding up the scrum but nothing from the world cup or indeed this year’s S18 indicates that South Africa are going to have a monstrous advantage at scrum time. Ireland do have backrow injuries but in CJ Stander, Rhys Ruddock, and Jamie Heaslip, they do have competent operators . Iain Henderson is also available to bolster the second row and backrow if needed.
The half backs are Lion test players as is Rob Kearney at fullback.
I think Ireland might muster up 1 try in the 3 tests.
Should Ireland be considered favourites against South Africa in June?