Irish Rugby 2014
What can be said about Irish rugby after a tumultuous 2013, it all started so well back in February with a 30-22 win over Wales. But there after it all went downhill, with defeats to England and a first ever 6 Nations defeat to Italy.
After a 6 Nations review it was decided to let Declan Kidney go and the process to bring in a new coach was set up, the early clamour came for Joe Schmidt the then Leinster coach but also Conor O Shea, Harlequins head coach was in the mix. In the end the IRFU decided to give the job to Joe Schmidt after 3 trophy laden seasons as Leinster boss. He took the job on until after the 2015 World Cup. Les Kiss took on the head coach role for two tests against Canada and USA. Joe Schmidt travelled as an observer.
In those two tests they blooded some new players like Munster’s Tommy O Donnell and Connacht’s Robbie Henshaw . After two workmanlike performances that ended in two wins, Ireland came home full of hope for the Joe Schmidt era with November tests against Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.
After a less than impressive performance against Samoa that ended in a 40-9 win it was on to the two biggest games of the November series against Australia and New Zealand. Hope’s were high that this would be the start of something truly special in the Irish camp. Paul O Connell was named the new Irish captain after one season under Jamie Heaslips leadership. Was this the turning point with for Irish Rugby ?
The Australia game was such a poor performance no hunger, aggression or passion. Australia did bring there A game with Quade Cooper to the fore pulling the strings along with Will Genia and Ben Mowen not far behind. There did not seem to be too much structure to the Irish game both in defence and attack. They went on to be beaten 32-15.
Alarm bells were set ringing with World Champions New Zealand on the horizon, could New Zealand do to Ireland what they did to them in June 2012 and beat them by a record margin. But what happened in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 24th of November 2013 was a truly special and remarkable full of pride and passion now that doesn’t win you matches on its own but it gets you very close. But this did not happen and all of the great Irish work done in defence and attack was undone in the 82nd minute when Ryan Crotty crashed over to rescue New Zealand‘s perfect test season 14 wins from 14 tests. A remarkable achievement by Steve Hansen’s men.
Heading in the 6 Nations in 2014 the Irish squad have plenty to look forward to 3 home games and a real chance to win the Championship and maybe just maybe a Grand Slam, over to you Joe!!!!
By
Cian Mc Gibney. 02-12-2013.