Ian McKinley to play for Italy

vienne86

Flicked over to Eir while Sky ads were and saw Ian McKinley score his first international points - magic!

The Rape of Lucretia

vienne86 wrote: »

Flicked over to Eir while Sky ads were and saw Ian McKinley score his first international points - magic!

Well......

sydthebeat

vienne86 wrote: »

Flicked over to Eir while Sky ads were and saw Ian McKinley score his first international points - magic!

Practically his first touch put hayward through a hole for a 30 m gain.

He looked assured for the 15 mins or so that he got.

prawnsambo

sydthebeat wrote: »

Practically his first touch put hayward through a hole for a 30 man gain.

He looked assured for the 15 mins or so that he got.

Italy have needed a good out half for donkey's years. Hope Ian is the man to end that droiught.

randomname2005

prawnsambo wrote: »

Italy have needed a good out half for donkey's years. Hope Ian is the man to end that droiught.

Unless he slots a last minute drop goal to beat Ireland in the 6N in a few years

But in all seriousness, great story, great guy, hope he has a long career for them.

prawnsambo

I see Ian has still got that massive boot. I had to watch this video a couple of times before I spotted the ball. It was moving so fast, you'd miss it if you blinked.

McKinley penalty for Italy.

prawnsambo

Ian McKinley receiving his first cap.

vienne86

He's on the bench again for the match v Argentina on Saturday.

irishbucsfan

Not starting?! COS out!

Neil3030

prawnsambo wrote: »

I see Ian has still got that massive boot. I had to watch this video a couple of times before I spotted the ball. It was moving so fast, you'd miss it if you blinked.

McKinley penalty for Italy.

You gotta hand it to the Italians, they do have a way with putting a romantic narrative on things:

"It was a kick worth a lot more than three points, it was a kick against the awful times that have passed, a kick that once again marks the incredible story of Ian McKinley. You are writing a beautiful tale, and we are proud to have you in the team"

In Ireland that would probably be:

"Ian McKinely scores his first points for Italy. Congratulations!"

Sangre

Does he not wear his googles anymore or does he just take them off for kicks?

Neil3030

Sangre wrote: »

Does he not wear his googles anymore or does he just take them off for kicks?

Took them off for that kick anyway - was definitely wearing them in open play.

sydthebeat

Sangre wrote: »

Does he not wear his googles anymore or does he just take them off for kicks?

he takes off his goggles and headgear for kicks

prawnsambo

Sangre wrote: »

Does he not wear his googles anymore or does he just take them off for kicks?

Did you not watch the video? You could see him putting them back on again after the kick was taken.

turnikett1

Is he completely blind in one eye or is it his left eye vision just a lot dodgier in comparison? Wiki doesn't give much details. I'm just finding it hard to imagine a one-eyed player in a role so tactically and thus visually engaging as out-half.

Fair fecks anyways. Would love to see him become the new Italian rugby hero, provided he doesn't claim any of that greatness in victories over Ireland.

molloyjh

turnikett1 wrote: »

Is he completely blind in one eye or is it his left eye vision just a lot dodgier in comparison? Wiki doesn't give much details. I'm just finding it hard to imagine a one-eyed player in a role so tactically and thus visually engaging as out-half.

Fair fecks anyways. Would love to see him become the new Italian rugby hero, provided he doesn't claim any of that greatness in victories over Ireland.

Totally blind in one eye. Which makes the achievements so impressive.

prawnsambo

turnikett1 wrote: »

Is he completely blind in one eye or is it his left eye vision just a lot dodgier in comparison? Wiki doesn't give much details. I'm just finding it hard to imagine a one-eyed player in a role so tactically and thus visually engaging as out-half.

Fair fecks anyways. Would love to see him become the new Italian rugby hero, provided he doesn't claim any of that greatness in victories over Ireland.

Pretty much blind afaik. He uses a prism in his goggles to increase his peripheral vision in his right eye by as much as 30% I believe.

Venjur

prawnsambo wrote: »

Pretty much blind afaik. He uses a prism in his goggles to increase his peripheral vision in his right eye by as much as 30% I believe.

It's fairly astonishing. Not new technology at all as there are a variety of sight impacting conditions where people use reflective technology to increase their FOV but it's the first time it's been used in a sporting context and certainly at this level.

Anyone who plays first person shooters to a reasonably high standard will immediately understand the impact and use of the goggles!

sydthebeat

Ian starts at 10 against toulon.

Its a bit of a lambs to the slaughter team though.

A2LUE42

On Late Late show now.

vienne86

A2LUE42 wrote: »

On Late Late show now.

Just caught the last couple of minutes of this. Always been a fan of Ian, since long before his accident. Great guy.

dregin

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6jxbpr

Sabre0001

Really interesting interview, but that story about his injury is horrific! (And then the fact that someone gouged him when he came back to play!)

Very impressive comeback; here's hoping the career treats him well from here on out.