Frank Quinn reviews the last few busy months

START with the Irish national team playing four test matches at the Aviva – won some and lost some playing decent opposition New Zealand, Australia – Argentina and The Islanders. We did a tour to South Africa and then a second tour with a team called emerging Ireland coached by Simon Easterby – they played against similar emerging teams from South Africa, Australia and Argentina, Some were franchised teams, mixed in with A national teams . not forgetting Munster V All Blacks
This was followed by the start of the URC – 6/7 rounds have been played now and the big group down at Carton House for a month or something the test match training and including a trip to Portugal on one of those good weather trips. It was a lot of rugby by the best selections we could muster at this time of the year.
It is the anniversary of The 150 years of the IRFU and the Australian game was chosen as the game designated to celebrate the terrific occasion.
You have to ask what is the end result of all this international rugby – did we win or lose – in providing entertaining rugby for the full houses at the Aviva. This is a huge group of professional players from our four professional teams who received the opportunity of a lifetime in gaining experience at international level. You don’t have to judge them, just wait and see the performances and how they turn out – as there is ample room in the 2024/2025 season with all the major competitions to run until next May or June (URC, European Cups 6N etc. ).
It was not the most exciting or entertaining rugby we have seen in November, the attendances were not thrilled and were not given the opportunity to participate. Also probably the late evening starts did not help the atmosphere.
Have you identified a few players who you think will make the cut in the new season and get full international recognition in a real tournament like the 6N in 2025, the autumn skirmishes will pale in comparison. We do need to see the results in quality Entertaining games right from the start of 2024- 2025 season We need some Club trophies in the European game and from the URC tournament,
What is your recent memory of all this stuff, if you bundle it all together – what have you got – was it worth all the expense, all the miles of print and online pronouncements. When do we see the benefits at the Club tournaments. The EPCR Investec Cup is starting with round one on the way . We can judge the players and the Clubs when this is in progress for a few rounds
I would not worry about the Lions tour at this stage as the relevant players from th e four countries have until the Spring of 2025 to impress the Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell . Andy is only human so we expect a clatter of Irish Players to be included from his previous day job as Head Coach with Ireland. We have already beaten the Wallabies on our own in a test match. So why do we need the assistance of three other countries. (France beat the All Blacks on their own in November)Spare a though or two for Simon Easterby who takes over the reins as irish head coach in the interim. He needs to prolong the good work of Farrell and the previous Head Coach Joe Schmidt. Simon worked very close as Assistant Irish Coach with both men and I do not expect too many changes in the coaching book. It would be nice to think that Simon will put his own stamp on the football to be played in the next twelve months, maybe a bit more entertaining but still he has the record to maintain. For example Joe Schmidt enjoyed a 74% win ratio in his time in the job, it is the high water mark.
Simon has a substantial playing record with Ireland himself from 2000 to 2008 gaining 65 caps. He is very experienced – in addition to his stints as Assistant coach under two head coaches, he would have a mine of rugby information accumulated over 24 years as a player and a coach.
It will be interesting to see his results in the 2024 – 2025 season
URC after 7 rounds
Leinster top the table with 7/7 and played and beat Ulster on a Friday night in Belfast before the Australian game at the Aviva in Dublin ,two teams two win back to back – in two cities some scheduling from World Rugby.
EPCR Investec Cup Round One – weekend of the 6th December
Munster are at home to Stade Francais
Leinster are away to Bristol Bears
Ulster are away to Stade Toulousain
La Rochelle are away to Bath

You must be logged in to post a comment Login