IRELAND’S home defeat by France was hardly a shock, but it now puts the side under pressure when they travel to Rome to take on Italy in the final round of the Guinness Six Nations Championship.
Simon Easterby’s side started well and finished well in the Aviva, but it was the French who bossed the crucial centre piece of the 80 minutes that decided the result.
There was much comment coming into the tie regarding the selection of Jamie Osborne on the right wing instead of Calvin Nash but when James Lowe cried off at the warm-up, the Young Munster man grabbed his chance with obvious talent.
Ireland have a great chance to record a winning bonus point against Italy on Super Saturday (2.15pm) and put the pressure on England to run up a comfortable win when they travel to Cardiff to take on the Welsh (4.45pm).
Then it is all down to the final match of what has been a fascinating competition with France v Scotland in Paris (8pm).
Despite Ireland’s loss, it was lovely to see the fans remaining to cheer Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, and Cian Healy as they trooped off after the match.
Garryowen’s Murray has been a stalwart for club, province, and country and he holds the unique record of being the first player to score when the redeveloped Thomond Park staged its first official match.
It was an Under-20 game between Munster and Ulster and he kicked the only three points at the Mayorstone end late in the game.
On the local front it was good to see Garryowen’s Tom Wood making his mark with Ireland Under-20s.
At a time when No. 10s are scarce in this province, the emergence of young talent is encouraging. Son of Keith, this St Munchin’s College teenager is available again next season at this age grade.
