Little to cling to on a night when titles and Lions tours were lost
THE consequences of defeat in the Principality Stadium will be felt for days to come.
It was its emphatic nature that was most immediately obvious; as against Scotland, as against Argentina in the last World Cup and the Welsh again in the 2011 World Cup, Ireland’s Plan A was exposed and they were left without a back-up again.
However, the ripples continue to spread from a loss that ended Ireland’s championship hopes – but will have other effects, too.
JOE’S FEET OF CLAY
Schmidt has shown what he is capable of, and there is no need to recite his achievements every time he is questioned. The truth is no coach, no matter their quality, is above failure, and Schmidt’s approach was undone on Friday.
Ireland have been narrow and predictable in attack all spring, and Wales knew all they had to do was keep disciplined and prepare to repel the next Irish battering ram. Schmidt’s challenge is to find a Plan B and a Plan C for good measure, too.
SEXTON IN THE WARS
For the second time in two months, Johnny Sexton was removed from the field with a head injury. This time it seemed nothing more than a bad shiner, but his head took a nasty rattle against the thigh of Jon Davies.
In January, Sexton was assessed for a head injury playing for Leinster against Montpellier, and no matter how much he protests against it, he has a record of worrying concerns related to concussion.
He is the country’s most important rugby player, but there can’t be one who suffers to such a worrying degree.
OLD STORY V OLD ENEMY
One of the highlights of the past decade, as the national team has enjoyed its best-ever spell, has been matches against England that meant something.
Next Saturday it’s back to the old days, when there is nothing but pride to keep Ireland honest. Prepare for a week of players talking about no such thing as a small game against England, but this could have been about so much more. Instead, blather about ‘pride’ will fill the days.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
There is plenty overblown about the Six Nations, but nothing is as hyped as Friday night matches. The game in Cardiff was … grand. Nothing special. The atmosphere was terrific, but it is at most venues for every match that starts later than lunchtime. The later the start the better, as teams in any sport will tell you.
The streets of Cardiff were packed with drinkers before and after, as they are for an earlyevening start.
The Friday night agenda suits the organisers because it is a lucrative option to present to TV companies. Forget all the other talk: That is the motivation.
LIONS SLEEP
The Lions tour provides an unavoidable context to all discussions, and in that light, it was a bad night for Ireland.
Jamie Heaslip suffered more than most. He was probably Ireland’s best player before this game, but not only did Ross Moriarty out-play him, another No8, Taulupe Faletau, continued his comeback from injury.
Then there is the return to fitness of England’s Billy Vunipola. At this rate, Heaslip will struggle to make the plane.
Rhys Webb was outstanding, which was bad news for Conor Murray. The latter wasn’t helped by injury, but in fairness Webb starred throughout. The battle for that shirt will be one of the most exciting to watch.
Sexton’s Lions credentials were battered again, too. He is clearly the best No10 available, but Warren Gatland has talked of the need for durability – and Sexton struggles on that score.
Leigh Halfpenny was brilliant as well, overshadowing Rob Kearney and striking one more miserable note on a wretched night for Ireland.