Ireland 'A' win Churchill Cup...

[Jackass]

Ireland 'A' defeated the England Saxons 49-22 in Sunday night's Churchill Cup final in Colorado with a number of Leinster stars to the fore...
Leinster star Jonathan Sexton, who was yellow-carded on the stroke of half-time, enjoyed an excellent half with the St. Mary's man kicking 10 points including a superbly executed drop goal in the 36th minute.

Devin Toner crashed over from close in after 15 minutes after some excellent forward work. Sexton added the points and was on hand to capitalise again on Isaac Boss' try 10 minutes later, while Stephen Myler replied with four first half penalties for England.

In the 41st minute Connacht hooker Sean Cronin raced clear to score after Toner expertly took the Fergus McFadden restart to give Ireland a 27-12 lead, with McFadden adding the conversion.

With temperatures soaring over the 40 degree mark the Saxons bounced back with Ben Woods scoring in the corner four minutes later, but on 56 minutes Felix Jones made a stunning blindside break to touch down after being fed by lively scrum-half Boss. Sexton's conversion drifted wide.

Moments later Seapoint full-back Jones turned provider as he broke and found McFadden who waited patiently for a delicate pass to the onrushing Johne Murphy who scored. McFadden then added the points to give Ireland a commanding 22 point advantage before kicking a 65th minute penalty as Ireland turned the screw. In the 75th minute he added the points to Connacht's John Muldoon try when he powered over from close range.

Tom Varndell added a late consolation try for England in the last minute, but Ireland rejoiced on another memorable chapter in what has been an oustanding season.

*Leinster's Fergus McFadden was named the Churchill Cup M.V.P. after a string of outstanding displays for Ireland 'A' during the course of the tournament.

IRELAND SCORERS: D.Toner / I. Boss / S. Cronin / J. Murphy / F. Jones / J. Muldoon (1 try each), J. Sexton (1 penalty, 1 drop goal, 2 conversions), F. McFadden (1 penalty, 3 conversions)

IRELAND 'A':

15: Felix Jones (Seapoint/Leinster)
14: Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)
13: Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)
12: Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht)
11: Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers)
10: Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
9: Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)

1: Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2: Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
3: Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
4: Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
5: Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
6: Neil Best (Northampton Saints) CAPTAIN
7: Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)
8: Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution/Munster)
17: Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)
18: Trevor Hogan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
19: John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht)
20: Simon Keogh (OId Belvedere/Leinster)
21: Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
22: James Downey (Northampton Saints)

Great to see McFadden getting player of the tournament, and himself and Sexton being superb with the boot. From a Leinster point of view, shame to see Jones in such superb form before drifting south!!

Didn't actually catch the match myself, but sounds like Ireland A were superb....

Is there anything we didn't win this season at senior level?????

SpAcEd OuT

All we need now is POC to lead the lions to a victory over South Africa and Brian O'Driscoll to win the IRB player of the year and were sorted

thomond2006

GET IN THERE!!

davyjose

That's brilliant news. Really has put a smile on my face. Irish rugby ... can it be beaten?

jfitz92

I watched it, great game. Great performance by Ireland A who just dominated the Saxons completely. Very impressed with Niall Ronan, Devin Toner, and Felix Jones, but a brilliant team effort.

SpAcEd OuT

We're really getting spoilt.

We have a current Lions full back in Robert Kearney with Felix Jones in waiting. We have a current Lions centre in Earls with an excellent prospect in McFadden. We have a current Lions winger in Luke Fitzgerald, a Lions 6 in Stephen Ferris, a Lions 8 in Jamie Heaslip

And thats not even mentioning players such as Jonathan Sexton and Cian Healy who are looking more than capable of being the answer when Horan and ROG retire.

Add to them Sean O'Brien, Devin Toner, Fionn Carr, Pollock, Cave etc. and the future looks very bright

chupacabra

Perhaps the true golden age of irish rugby starts with this season?

[Jackass]

chupacabra wrote: »

Perhaps the true golden age of irish rugby starts with this season?

I agree....I think the "so called" golden generation laid the foundations, but this generation coming through are all of winning mentality, they've won grand slams at junior level, they've won grand slams at senior level, they've won heineken cups, churchill cups and magners league trophies....I don't think we've seen anything yet...this generation coming through are a different breed, a different mentality, all by the work that has been laid by the outgoing generation...they did the hard work, but now this group of youngersters coming through could well bring it to the next level...no doubt about it, I can't see us taking a step backwards with these guys anyway...

niallon

Indeed, I hate to speak prematurely as that is exactly what was done before 07 but the World Cup is just looking more and more exciting.

chupacabra

If only my knees didnt go on me. I could have ridden the wave going around at the moment and landed myself a bit of a career in rugby :pac: just kidding....

bleg

georgia giving the USA a good run for their money. truely eddie's bogey team

johnnyboy4711

Well done Ireland A and well done the connacht lads!
looks like they put in s good showing!
Now to get off the bottom this season and push for HC spot!(heres hoping)
john;)

toomevara

A seriously comprehensive performance. Played rugby that was on a different plane to the saxons...Very, very impressive....

yimrsg

I watched the game live and have to say some of the play would not have looked out of place in the full Ireland squad. Think Kearney, Earls and maybe Heaslip have all played in the Churchill Cup in the last few seasons and have gone on to great things, and we are seeing McFadden, Jones and Ronan announcing themselves with big performances against a respectable Saxons side in sweltering heat.

The best bit for me was the just after the trophy presentation, the whole squad of lads becoming the Tommy Bowe Choir with a rendition of Black Velvet Band!

Does that mean Ireland have 3 anthems now?

premierstone

Watched this last night and was very impressed indeed, one thing that struck me while watching Felix Jones tear the Saxons a new one was I remember hearing at the time he signed for Munster Cheika was not best pleased and it was done without he's knowledge if that is true he must have been going beserk last night Jones was incedible.

A special well done to Tony Buckley also - despite he's many critics on here (and Ive criticised him on ocassion myself) he had a very very good tournament and while he still has a long way to go yet it at least is encouraging and justified Declan Kidney picking him despite the heckles around here

The rendition of Black Velvet Band was priceless alright

SpAcEd OuT

premierstone wrote: »

Watched this last night and was very impressed indeed, one thing that struck me while watching Felix Jones tear the Saxons a new one was I remember hearing at the time he signed for Munster Cheika was not best pleased and it was done without he's knowledge if that is true he must have been going beserk last night Jones was incedible.

A special well done to Tony Buckley also - despite he's many critics on here (and Ive criticised him on ocassion myself) he had a very very good tournament and while he still has a long way to go yet it at least is encouraging and justified Declan Kidney picking him despite the heckles around here

The rendition of Black Velvet Band was priceless alright

Are you serious?? Buckley was completely annihilated in the scrums against Georgia and even gave away a few scrumming penalties last night!

Theus

Prehaps, but he played excellently in the loose with some very nice offloads and passing, which helped keep the momentum going for Boss' try.

premierstone

SpAcEd OuT wrote: »

Are you serious?? Buckley was completely annihilated in the scrums against Georgia and even gave away a few scrumming penalties last night!

I recall him giving away one penaly yes, playing in a front row with guys he'd never played with before and he was very good in the loose.

Oh and btw did you even watch the Georgia game?? Yes the scrum struggled alot but as much if not more on Cian Healy'd sde - but I know were not allowed say anything about Cian now are we :rolleyes:

GymJim

SpAcEd OuT wrote: »

Are you serious?? Buckley was completely annihilated in the scrums against Georgia and even gave away a few scrumming penalties last night!

I am not claiming Buckley is a good scrummager but he actually held his own against Georgia. Yes he has been killed in the scrum in games in the past but to be fair it was Healy who got hammered against Georgia.

Yes Healy's a fabulous prospect but he is surely not beyond criticism. He has been very good all year but had some serious problems v the Georgian guy and popped up on numerous occasions. I believe he has deserved all the credit he's gotten this year and even the fact he's where he is at 21 is awesome but that's just plain wrong to blame Buckley more against Georgia.

SpAcEd OuT

Sky pundits seem to agree with me so its not my supposed Leinster bias. Buckley was at fault 90% of the time against Georgia.

GymJim

SpAcEd OuT wrote: »

Sky pundits seem to agree with me so its not my supposed Leinster bias. Buckley was at fault 90% of the time against Georgia.

Well if you're basing your opinions on the drivel dolled out by OTT Sky pundits then you clearly are not aware of what really happened. Healy is another of the youngsters beyond criticism on there as the Sky pundits completely ignore any failings of guys they have previously overhyped (e.g. Croft is now a world-class blindside according to Barnes...yes he did well to score 2 tries but he did not perform the main functions of a blindside at the breakdown).

Buckley is an easy target for this as ever. Everyone says he is a poor scrummager and blame him completely for any issues at scrumtime. Healy was under huge pressure in the scrum and popped up on a number of occasions whereas Buckley did once. I am not saying Buckley was great in the scrum but for the most part he held his own...unlike Healy.

Also I didn't accuse you of Leinster bias. Healy will be a fantastic prop and he is well on the way there however he has his failings naturally enough. Perhaps it was a case of inexperience on his behalf or even plain tiredness from a long season but he did not have a good game against Georgia. This is based on the fact he was less effective then Buckley in both the loose and at scrum time...and the fact Buckley is not a great scrummager.

Aidric

SpAcEd OuT wrote: »

Sky pundits seem to agree with me so its not my supposed Leinster bias. .

It must be right then.

anonymous_joe

GymJim wrote: »

Well if you're basing your opinions on the drivel dolled out by OTT Sky pundits then you clearly are not aware of what really happened. Healy is another of the youngsters beyond criticism on there as the Sky pundits completely ignore any failings of guys they have previously overhyped (e.g. Croft is now a world-class blindside according to Barnes...yes he did well to score 2 tries but he did not perform the main functions of a blindside at the breakdown).

Buckley is an easy target for this as ever. Everyone says he is a poor scrummager and blame him completely for any issues at scrumtime. Healy was under huge pressure in the scrum and popped up on a number of occasions whereas Buckley did once. I am not saying Buckley was great in the scrum but for the most part he held his own...unlike Healy.

I thought they were both pretty bad against Georgia, but ffs, it's Georgia. Their props would tear most teams a new one.

Dickerty

anonymous_joe wrote: »

I thought they were both pretty bad against Georgia, but ffs, it's Georgia. Their props would tear most teams a new one.

Not to be fotgotten - Hayes and Horan had troubles of their own against the Georgian front row 2 years ago...

Stev_o

Dickerty wrote: »

Not to be fotgotten - Hayes and Horan had troubles of their own against the Georgian front row 2 years ago...

But it was nothing like this demolition job that these Georgian lads did hell most of them aren't even France bound players they are Georgian Div 1 and it was actually scary seeing them rip our FR apart when they wanted to. I still think we should "adopt" one of these lads stick a paddy name on him and proclaim him as our own.

Size=everything

Aidric wrote: »

It must be right then.

Back on topic. Healy is 21 he has excuses however Buckley is 28 and should by now be experienced enough to hold his own then again this Georgian front row would cause any international standard props problems so you can hardly say in this case Healy isn't ready for the Lions because of it as in my eyes he is a better choice than *shudders* Tim Payne. Earls got a shot despite inexperience why not Healy?

Stev_o

Size=everything wrote: »

Back on topic. Healy is 21 he has excuses however Buckley is 28 and should by now be experienced enough to hold his own then again this Georgian front row would cause any international standard props problems so you can hardly say in this case Healy isn't ready for the Lions because of it as in my eyes he is a better choice than *shudders* Tim Payne. Earls got a shot despite inexperience why not Healy?

Payne gets a look in because he is a Wasp pure and simple it's not about ability at all. There's too many FR there now anyway and he wouldn't be able to take the loosehead spot from Genkins anyway.

mink_man

fair play!

Leslie91

Watched the game live last nite. I thought it was the most impressive performance by an Irish team in years. Right up there with the first England match in Croker. It was a devastasting display of powerful dynamic rugby. I could not believe my eyes considering it was like 40C on the pitch. Some lads did themselves MASSIVE favours - Cronin, Healy, Jones, McFadden, Sexton, Best, I could go on and on.

Then something happened that I could not believe. Right after/before they were presented with the trophy a few of em started singing 'F you, F you'. Did anyone else hear this or was I dreaming. I really thought the idiots singing this (Best the friggin captain was one of em if I am not mistaken) let the whole team down.

In America of all places were 'cussing' on TV is a big no no.

Having had my little gripe, this performance will live long in the memory, the future is bright the future is GREEN.

Size=everything

Leslie91 wrote: »

Then something happened that I could not believe. Right after/before they were presented with the trophy a few of em started singing 'F you, F you'. Did anyone else hear this or was I dreaming. I really thought the idiots singing this (Best the friggin captain was one of em if I am not mistaken) let the whole team down.

In America of all places were 'cussing' on TV is a big no no.

Oh lord what ever will we do. I thought it was great to see the team getting along so well myself. They were clearly slating Boss for something he said (probably along the lines of whether they could win) and it was all in good jest.

Leslie91

Size=everything wrote: »

Oh lord what ever will we do. I thought it was great to see the team getting along so well myself. They were clearly slating Boss for something he said (probably along the lines of whether they could win) and it was all in good jest.

Maybe, but live on TV after a performance like that I thought jaysus.

Size=everything

Leslie91 wrote: »

Maybe, but live on TV after a performance like that I thought jaysus.

But im sure it was because of the performance that they got over-excited and forget about the live TV etc. They're all young lads, have just systematically dismembered the best development side in the final of the cup, have just finished their rugby season and are on their way to Vegas for the mother of all piss ups so I'm not suprised they were a bit....boisterious.

Leslie91

Size=everything wrote: »

But im sure it was because of the performance that they got over-excited and forget about the live TV etc. They're all young lads, have just systematically dismembered the best development side in the final of the cup, have just finished their rugby season and are on their way to Vegas for the mother of all piss ups so I'm not suprised they were a bit....boisterious.

Was Best one of em?, for a lad of his age and experience maybe he is never going to grow up?. Played v well though. Would hate to play against him.

Sangre

Best demolishing Myler off the base of the scrum had to be the highlight of the game.

Dickerty

Leslie91 wrote: »

Would hate to play against him.

I'd say he'd pick a fight with himself in a phonebox! But he's effective, in an old fashioned way...

waltersobchak

GymJim wrote: »

(e.g. Croft is now a world-class blindside according to Barnes...yes he did well to score 2 tries but he did not perform the main functions of a blindside at the breakdown)..

stuart barnes overhyping an average english player?? god theres a surprise!!:eek:

Deadly Delta

Here's highlights of the game for anyone that missed it!

Felix Jones was fantastic, we really do have an embarrassment of riches at full back now!

TarfHead

Sangre wrote: »

Best demolishing Myler off the base of the scrum had to be the highlight of the game.

+1

The trampling over him for good measure was an added bonus.

I got to watch the recording of this last night and it's one of the best matches I have seen this year. I'm not sure if Ireland were THAT good or if England were THAT bad, but it was all great stuff.

toomevara

TarfHead wrote: »

+1



I got to watch the recording of this last night and it's one of the best matches I have seen this year. I'm not sure if Ireland were THAT good or if England were THAT bad, but it was all great stuff.

Fully agree, analysis spot on but,somehow, a massively enjoyable game to watch. A really passionate committed display from both teams, with a nice almost old-school edge to proceedings to give it spice. Scoreline a bit odd (not that I'm complaining) given how competitive the match was for the full 80....As good a game as I've seen all year, and certainly far superior from the spectators viewpoint to anything seen on the lions tour to date.

Also thought the Irish fitness levels were huge given the fact that the game was played in crazy Death Valley like temperatures. Brilliant stuff, well done the lads and well done Mr. Best who set the gritty tone from the off and extracted a massive performance from his team.

Tim Robbins

toomevara wrote: »

Fully agree, analysis spot on but,somehow, a massively enjoyable game to watch. A really passionate committed display from both teams, with a nice almost old-school edge to proceedings to give it spice. Scoreline a bit odd (not that I'm complaining) given how competitive the match was for the full 80....As good a game as I've seen all year, and certainly far superior from the spectators viewpoint to anything seen on the lions tour to date.

Also thought the Irish fitness levels were huge given the fact that the game was played in crazy Death Valley like temperatures. Brilliant stuff, well done the lads and well done Mr. Best who set the gritty tone from the off and extracted a massive performance from his team.

jones catch and run is iconic. That's the kind of thing Kearny use to do, but now he'd tactically kick it.

I really think a lot must be said with what way players are encouraged to play.

thomond2006

McFadden and Jones were simply awesome.

toomevara

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I really think a lot must be said with what way players are encouraged to play.

Yep, that Churchill cup team had all the hallmarks of a Kidney outfit. Given responsibility, encouraged to play and make individual decisions, but also an exceptionally strong team ethos. You could contrast that with some of the english lads (not all) who clearly considered themselves above the churchill cup. I thought Varndell particularly seemed less than charmed by the experience.

Tim Robbins

toomevara wrote: »

Yep, that Churchill cup team had all the hallmarks of a Kidney outfit. Given responsibility, encouraged to play and make individual decisions, but also an exceptionally strong team ethos. You could contrast that with some of the english lads (not all) who clearly considered themselves above the churchill cup. I thought Varndell particularly seemed less than charmed by the experience.

There we digress.

I don't rate Kidney as one who espouses positive rugby.
He's effective no doubt, but veers towards negative rugby.

Generally his teams are:
1. Full backs / wingers kicking back instead of running back.
2. Up the jumper mauls all over the park, including your own half.
3. Killing the ball, when you could get away with it.
4. ball carriers not offloading but hitting the deck to set up a ruck.

Evidence:
1. His coaching stints at Munster / Leinster and Ireland.
2. When Cullen had some fitness he was always running a line off the ball carrier looking for the offload but never got it.
3. He had O'Driscoll playing as a forward, doing pick of drives. Granted
this was extremly effective and a very good tactical spot and idea but man it's ugly. The pianist pushing the piano and all that.
4. Ireland V new Zealand and Ireland V England were two of the most boring games of Rugby I've been at. The J4 games I reffed the morning of the same days were more exciting and had more running.
5. Jeremy Staunton was one of the best prospects in Irish rugby. He looked better than BOD at 18 / 19.
He was played at full back in Kidney's Munster and his development went all over the place and he never fulfilled his potential.
6. Kearney never engaged in ping pong until Kidney got his hands on him.

Depp

Deadly Delta wrote: »

Here's highlights of the game for anyone that missed it!

Felix Jones was fantastic, we really do have an embarrassment of riches at full back now!

See buckley 1:21 in? what a man. stuff like that he could be asked to stay in america:D:D:D

thomond2006

Tim Robbins wrote: »

There we digress.

I don't rate Kidney as one who espouses positive rugby.
He's effective no doubt, but veers towards negative rugby.

Generally his teams are:
1. Full backs / wingers kicking back instead of running back.
2. Up the jumper mauls all over the park, including your own half.
3. Killing the ball, when you could get away with it.
4. ball carriers not offloading but hitting the deck to set up a ruck.

Evidence:
1. His coaching stints at Munster / Leinster and Ireland.
2. When Cullen had some fitness he was always running a line off the ball carrier looking for the offload but never got it.
3. He had O'Driscoll playing as a forward, doing pick of drives. Granted
this was extremly effective and a very good tactical spot and idea but man it's ugly. The pianist pushing the piano and all that.
4. Ireland V new Zealand and Ireland V England were two of the most boring games of Rugby I've been at. The J4 games I reffed the morning of the same days were more exciting and had more running.
5. Jeremy Staunton was one of the best prospects in Irish rugby. He looked better than BOD at 18 / 19.
He was played at full back in Kidney's Munster and his development went all over the place and he never fulfilled his potential.
6. Kearney never engaged in ping pong until Kidney got his hands on him.

Some of ye people are never happy. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

1. Why does that matter?

2. To be honest, Munster didn't have the greatest backline in Ireland at the time.

3. O' Driscoll has a low centre of gravity therefore he is uniquely effective at drives. How is using a player's best qualities being negative?

4. That's because defences are strong and dominate most games in pro rugby. In J4 defences are not as organised and efective therefore there are more line breaks. This has nothing to do with DK.

5. Just because a player looks good at 18/19, doesn't mean he will a great player. Staunton is a poor player tbh. Nothing to do with DK.

6. That's BS. At international level he is playing against better players who would stop him counterattacking.

KIDNEY IS A WINNER IN ALL LEVELS OF THE GAME. ENOUGH SAID.

That was my 2 cents.

funky penguin

Jaysus that last try for Ireland.....brilliant from Jones, absolutely stunning. And what an offload from mcFadden. Loved watching them again!

The forwards were just......hungry?

Brilliant stuff.

Tim Robbins

thomond2006 wrote: »

Some of ye people are never happy. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

I'd prefer to watch G.A.A. / Soccer/ Basketball / Boxing that a cr*p game of up the jumper rugby.

3. O' Driscoll has a low centre of gravity therefore he is uniquely effective at drives. How is using a player's best qualities being negative?

Because he looks awful. Yes it's effective but so is the long ball in soccer.

4. That's because defences are strong and dominate most games in pro rugby. In J4 defences are not as organised and efective therefore there are more line breaks. This has nothing to do with DK.

Disagree. You still get some great games at the highest levels when the teams want to play positive rugby, Wales, France, All Blacks etc.

Dito loads of the Super 14 teams, Toulouse etc.

6. That's BS. At international level he is playing against better players who would stop him counterattacking.

He also has a different coach.

KIDNEY IS A WINNER IN ALL LEVELS OF THE GAME. ENOUGH SAID.

No argument there. Jack Charlton was the most successful Irish Soccer manager but many Soccer purists hated his style. It's the same argument.

anonymous_joe

Tim I must say, I don't agree with you, but I'd not dismiss what you say at all.

You do raise some good points about Kidney. I think he is a bit conservative, but he's definitely more pragmatic than Eddie O'Sullivan. Especially in allowing the likes of Gaffney an influence on the team.

bleg

kearney before christmas and kearney after christmas this season were a completely different player. he started kicking more long beore the 6 nations.

Tim Robbins

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Tim I must say, I don't agree with you, but I'd not dismiss what you say at all.

You do raise some good points about Kidney. I think he is a bit conservative, but he's definitely more pragmatic than Eddie O'Sullivan. Especially in allowing the likes of Gaffney an influence on the team.

Thank F Gaffney is there. A wise move by the IRFU.

Put it this way, if every Rugby match was as boring as Ireland V Argentina (where I think we kicked the ball 140 times) last November or even Ireland V England and Scotland were also bores, I'd prefer to watch G.A.A. / Soccer / Boxing.

Those sports are not that bad and what gives Rugby the edge is when you see the ball and players run. Ping / Pong, Lack of offloading, etc. is useless.

The reason why Munster fans weren't interested in non-glamour ties when Kidney was manager was because it was boring rugby. When you are in a really exciting cup game against big name opposition, it doesn't matter if it's a boring style because the excitement of winning super cedes it for most people.

anonymous_joe

I was at the Argentina game. ><