Ireland turned the Welsh Temple into a complete rugby laboratory. Beaten in the Six Nations in their last four visits to Cardiff, the Clover XV signed one of the best performances in their recent history. Not just because of the size – XV del Dragón’s worst defeat (10:34) in their home tournament since 2001 – but because of the style, with an electric striker and a defense that doesn’t give anything away. This is how a number one in the world rankings defends itself.
The green forward set fire to the trenches, the short game. The pastor was Conor Murray, the scrum half, dismounted by Jamison Gibson-Park, who dropped out at the last minute. Andy Farrell, who also couldn’t count on a foothold like Tadhg Furlong, has developed a broad squad. Murray’s first half hour was colossal as he worked his teammates’ attacks like a milling machine. Ireland put almost 80% of their balls in play in under three seconds, amazing.
Rugby is a test of confidence, from deciding to shoot for three points with sticks or to continue the test. The same happens in the static phases, operations like chasing the ball off the belt or keeping the scrum on its feet. Ireland left Cardiff with overflowing self-esteem, a therapist’s pride. The first Test was signed by Caelan Doris two minutes ago after one of those Murray assists. Later, the XV del Trébol deflected the kick with sticks and struck. Overwhelmed, the Welshmen tried to stop the action with fouls but it was futile: another goal right under their nose, this time from James Ryan.
The short fire marks rugby’s fortunes because getting out of the fire poses huge risks. Burning in tackles, Wales tried to open the field with long passes. One of them, the very one from his opening, Dan Biggar, ended in an interception and a lucky ride to James Lowe’s essay. The result after 28 minutes (3-27) called for checking the flags in search of Italy, more protagonist (unfortunately) in these sets. But not.
Warren Gatland failed to impose his record on his return to the Welsh bench. If there’s something missing from a project under construction – Wales won three games out of 12 in 2022 – it’s trustworthy. The XV del Dragón reached the noble zone but did not solve any doubts, such as the boarding of Biggar, which did not finish the start or abandonment of the oval. Ireland didn’t distract on defense, with a granite Hugo Keenan at defender avoiding sung trials like Rio Dyer, who kicked happily until he came up.
The icing on the cake was Josh van der Flier, the total forward: skilled with his hands, quick and with an impressive span. World’s Best Player 2022 crowned the ultimate Irish attack. The fourth try is worth an important bonus point, a point nobody counts on when traveling to Cardiff. His character is already familiar with Jonathan Sexton, the Irish legend who will bid farewell to the Six Nations as top scorer barring anything strange happening. The general awaits France in Dublin on Saturday, who will begin defending their title in Rome today.
Scotland beats England
Scotland lived up to the Irish demonstration and retained the Calcutta Cup – the annual clash against England that honors the birth of international rugby – by the same offensive bonus point (23-29). After 38 years without a win in London, the Scots repeated their 2021 victory at Twickenham and the trophy has been in their showcases for five of the last six years. In doing so, they ruined Steve Borthwick’s debut as England manager and welcomed the crisis of his rival, who was convicted for his weak defence.
The culprit was Duhan van der Merwe. He scored the best test of the night, hitting through the middle and breaking England’s tackle attempts: each hitting a giant 1.93 on the move. Not boasting, England spent more time in the opposition field and capitalized on their persistence with two tests from Max Malins. His team created a tenuous lead going into the final five minutes, but Van den Merve seemed to show his one-on-ones and dive between the white shirts for the Test. After Scotland laid the foundations for their first title since 1999, it is up to the Scots next week to fulfill the role of favorites at home against Wales. your pending issue.
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