Frank Quinn casts his eye on the series so far
- Updated: 21/11/2024
By Frank Quinn, Rugby Analyst
WE managed to win against Argentina bring us back to 50/50 status
in two games at 1/1. We won the first half 22/9 but by giving away more
penalties the pumas kept themselves in the game by slotting them over
by Tomas Albornoz. In the second half they got them selves back with a
converted try and another penalty to make it 22/19. it looked like they
might kick on then after McCarthy received a yellow card. We made a host
of replacements but the Pumas won the second half. How McCarthy won man
of the match was a mystery even to himself with a yellow card – But
does it really matter, as Josh van der Flier was the outsanding
forward. In spite of the replacements coming off the bench our
position did not improve, which was a disappointment after Andy Farrell
refreshed 16-23 to give him options. We are still missing match winners
but this game restored out faith as the attendance warmed to Ireland
being in front by getting involved in the game and the Argentinians
played their part in bringing the stadium alive and their eagerness to
win always lights up stadiums, it made them a worthy fourth in the RWC
2023 under Cheika and Contepomi.
We have two games still to play in this mini series – Fiji is up next
with an afternoon kickoff followed by Australia who play Scotland before
coming to Aviva. That means that two of our old boys will have been
welcomed here. Felipe Contepomi with the Pumas and to finh off with Joe
Schmidt (Australia) – both as head coaches of visiting teams. I take
that as being a compliment to our system for the period they spent here.
Fiji first up and they have been value for money so far and they are on
the fringe of making the top table in World Rugby. probably with more
financial help they will be a bigger force in the next RWC. You know
what they do – they run, they tackle they are entertainers, always
welcome in Ireland, we look forward to them.
Then Australia are coming, looking to put a dismal period behind them.
Australia had a bad run since the middle of 2023 to now – but the win
over England and now Wales has brought them back to life. The have five
good franchises at work in Australia and Joe Schmidt has the pick of
them to get a squad together. In this tournament he has demonstrated
improvement and he has the incentive of hosting the Lions Tour in 2025,
The Lions Tour is vital to Australia to fill the stadium and fill the
bank and it is a make ready exercise for the 2027 RWC.
I haver no idea what Andy Farrell will do with his selections for the
final two games and it is futile to try to out guess him. we are hoping
he will give opportunities to the the different squad players who have
surfaced and impressed in the last six months. There is only one way to
get experience and that is to play test matches.
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