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O'Brien was very honest with his post-match words. ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Analysis: Two minutes of hell for Ireland against the All Blacks

We take a detailed look at the passage of play that led to the Kiwis’ heartbreaking late try.

THE MOST INTERESTING quotes to arise from the aftermath of yesterday’s heartbreaking defeat came from Sean O’Brien.

The Ireland flanker felt “we should have trusted each other in the last couple of minutes – I’d say a lot of the lads are angry at the way it finished.”

Watching the game back this morning, it seems clear that the All Blacks are fitter than Ireland, and had that extra 1% of fitness that allowed them to score the winning try. However, O’Brien rejected that excuse, highlighting that “we weren’t getting set early enough, not coming off the line at them again” in those closing minutes.

It was encouraging to hear O’Brien disagreeing with the notion that Ireland should be pleased with their performance, and instead focusing on the fact that “it’s time lads grew up and know what’s expected when they put on an Irish jersey.”

The Tullow native articulated the high standards by which Ireland will, and should, set themselves under Joe Schmidt. The defence in the closing minutes simply wasn’t acceptable in O’Brien’s eyes, so let’s take a look at what he may have been referring to.

Firstly, let us start by saying that the intention here is not to blame individual players for Ireland conceding this try. However, as indicated by O’Brien, the Irish players should not be happy to have lost after playing well for 79 minutes.

They will be demanding enough of themselves to be collectively angry with their late failure to defend. At the 79.30 mark, Ireland are still in possession of the ball and going through solid phases to run the clock down, before Nigel Owens penalises Jack McGrath for going off his feet at the ruck.

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The screen grab above is taken a split second before Owens blows his whistle to signal his decision. You can see that McGrath is not in an ideal position, with his right foot up off the ground and his body weight forward onto the top half of his body.

It’s a justifiable call by Owens, but we had seen plenty of similar instances ignored earlier in the game. That’s not to suggest that the referee’s decision had an impact on the outcome. Ireland concede the penalty, but they are still 62 metres from their own try-line.

After a re-taken quick-tap, Ben Smith manages to make 10 metres on the first phase, slipping through O’Brien’s tackle to wriggle forward.

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The screenshot above is taken as Aaron Smith launches the second phase of the All Blacks’ attack and you can see that Ireland have four defenders set up outside Paul O’Connell, who is acting as the pillar on the left-hand side of the ruck.

The All Blacks have five attacking players, but it’s still a good chance for Ireland to get off the defensive line, particularly with Dave Kearney covering out wide. That didn’t prove to be the case though, and Kieran Read ended up being brought down five metres inside Ireland’s half.

Beauden Barrett carried down the right-hand side for no gain on the next phase, and Ireland got back into great shape, allowing Jamie Heaslip to rush up and tackle Sam Whitelock behind the gain-line (below).

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This was what O’Brien was talking about; players getting set early and coming off the line in defence. Unfortunately that was the last time Ireland managed to do so.

Ben Smith used his footwork to make a few yards in midfield, and then Ben Franks did the same on the right. At this stage, exhaustion was starting to show for the Irish players.

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Circled above are O’Connell, Madigan and Conor Murray. While there is a need for one, or even two of these players to be stay in tight, keeping an eye on Aaron Smith or any late trail runners, one of these players simply has to spread a little wider, given the numbers that the All Blacks have in attack out on the left.

As we can see when the camera pans out, Ireland are now compromised out wide, and the three players above (still circled below) have been taken out of the game by one long pass. This is where Ireland are first in real trouble.

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Gordon D’Arcy does well to scramble across and tackle Read, but the No. 8 is in enough space to offload inside to Ben Smith, and by the time the centre is hauled down, the All Blacks are just outside the Ireland 22.

Ma’a Nonu makes a clever carry and offload as Ireland attempt to get back into shape, before Owen Franks carries in midfield. Jack McGrath gets into a decent jackal position over the ball, looking to win a turnover and as you can see below, three Irish players waste valuable seconds appealing to Owens for a penalty, rather than getting set up in defence.

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Again, these bodies would have been better used in sprinting to get set up in the defensive line. Once we move into the wider screen view, we can see that Ireland are again in a compromised position and it actually looks like the All Blacks will score here.

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However, the All Blacks don’t convert this 5-on-3 situation, but crucially get to within five metres of Ireland’s line and it’s likely that there is real panic setting in amongst Schmidt’s men at this stage.

Nonu does well to carry off a loose pass by Aaron Smith, but D’Arcy again makes a stretching tackle and we’re at the last ruck before the All Blacks score their try. Tommy Bowe makes a decision to involve himself in that ruck but as you can see below, there is little he can do to affect it.

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Once again, there is the sense that Bowe would have been better served in fanning out to defend, particularly given that Ireland end up very tight defensively on the next phase of play.

Essentially, Ireland are still left with a 4-on-4 to defend and in normal circumstances – which these were, of course, not – they would have expected to defend this situation (below).

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What happens next may have been the specific incident that O’Brien was referring to when he spoke about trust. The widest man in a defensive line [Madigan here] often has to make tough decisions based on what is happening inside him.

In this instance (below), O’Brien is scrambling across to cover Coles, but he does get there in the end. In the meantime, Madigan has decided that O’Brien isn’t going to make it across in time and he is in the process of lining up a hit on the All Blacks hooker.

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Watching the video back, it is unclear whether or not O’Brien communicates with Madigan to push out on Crotty. It appears quite possible that he didn’t, but then maybe he expected his teammate to ‘trust’ his ability to get across.

As it turned out, O’Brien did manage to make it across, and Madigan realised at the last second, ending up in something of a no man’s land as Coles looks for the offload. O’Brien attempts in vain to trap the ball as he tackles the hooker, but Crotty is the beneficiary as the pass is squeezed out.

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The absolute fatigue generated by their explosive performance up until this passage of play was obviously a contributing factor, but Ireland will be angry with their inability to keep the All Blacks from scoring from 62 metres out.

There is no individual blame attached here, but Ireland will work towards ensuring it never happens again. 12 phases of defending were the difference between winning and losing against the All Blacks yesterday.

‘Devastated’ Joe Schmidt rues failure to close out game

Report card: Joe Schmidt’s opening Tests as Ireland coach

Angry O’Brien calls on players to ‘grow up, know what’s expected in an Ireland jersey’

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50 Comments
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    Mute Phil O' Meara
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    Nov 25th 2013, 1:28 PM

    Tried to read this article. Can’t. Repost in a year please. I may be over the disappointment and open to analysis.

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    Mute Packie McCarthy
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    Nov 25th 2013, 1:37 PM

    Its too soon for this

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    Mute Conor Nott
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:14 PM

    Great piece of detailed analysis. Well done to the author. It really demonstrates how tactically fine tuned NZ are. The bastards.

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    Mute Tadhg Concannon
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    Nov 25th 2013, 2:04 PM

    Excellent analysis. The pain of loosing is still hard to take. Really believed until 79:40 that we were going to win. But against New Zealand all it takes is a minute and they are over. We saw that against France too.

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    Mute Null
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    Nov 25th 2013, 2:11 PM

    Please no more, thescore. I wish to forget all this until the six nations starts. How about an article on what Roy Keane’s having for lunch today.

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    Mute Ted Carroll
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:15 PM

    Maybe we could drum up some articles about Pat Kenny’s first month at Newstalk! Just to ease the tension. If I’m not mistaken they used to grant three days of grieving even in war times so give us that at least.

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    Mute I love my County
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    Nov 25th 2013, 2:20 PM

    Aaaargh… My eyes… It burns it burns!!!

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    Mute Michael Farrelly
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:12 PM

    Great analysis once again, Murray

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    Mute Niall Mulcahy
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    Nov 25th 2013, 5:26 PM

    I think the most amazing statistic is that there were only four penalties in the entire match!! Considering the intensity at which it was played that is amazing !!

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    Mute B
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:52 PM

    You can blame so many things, you can blame Ireland for not scoring a single point in the second half, you can blame Sexton for missing a fairly easy kick for a player like him, you can blame the players involved in the final 60 seconds of the game for not closing the game out, you can blame Madigan right at the end for looking too much at the player O’Brien had which left the other player free to score a try, and you can blame me if you like for some strange reason.

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    Mute rodrigo detriano
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    Nov 25th 2013, 10:16 PM

    I remember hearing that never again stuff back in 91 after blowing it against Australia. We just don’t have it.

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    Mute Federico Augusto Alajarin
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    Nov 25th 2013, 2:30 PM

    It is a pity so little was missing! But Ireland will have his rematch against the All Blacks! Remember!

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    Mute Kevin Mooney
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:16 PM

    Why would you do this to us? the agony! Shattered

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    Mute Gavin Doyle
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    Nov 25th 2013, 1:42 PM

    If u look at the all blacks playing the Australians or South Africa or France all these things happened at least twice four times or more in a match against the all blacks can’t have the perfect game even when you annihilate someone .A week ago every single person thought that Ireland would get beat by more than twenty points no one expected this yes Ireland should have closed the game out but five games into the new management regime he is finding out what needs to be done and nothing like a game like this to show you exactly what needs to be done

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    Mute frank mullen
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    Nov 25th 2013, 5:27 PM

    Great analysis, but makes it all the more heartbreaking

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    Mute Bruno Bellone
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:16 PM

    Seriously, how many more articles are ye going to publish in relation to this challenge match? Ye don’t seem to realise that Rugby is actually a minority sport in his country.

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    Mute nelll
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:21 PM

    Bruno rugby is growing in popularity it’s something we’re actually good at.

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    Mute Bruno Bellone
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:32 PM

    No, don’t believe the hype, we’re not really any good at it. There are only 8/9 countries that take the sport seriously. It has been played here for over 120 years but Oireland still haven’t beaten New Zealand or progressed beyond the quarter finals of the World Cup. Only for the likes of Italy and Argentina, Oireland would consistently ranked the worst of the rugby playing nations.

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    Mute nelll
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:34 PM

    Bruno look at the following rugby has compared to soccer what has the Irish soccer team ever won?

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    Mute Jakim Berndsen
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:44 PM

    Taking seriously by 8 countries isn’t really an argument is it? There are 3 sports in this country with a bigger following, two of them are played by one country, and the other we are woeful at currently.

    The Irish rugby side is a credit to this country and on many occasions has far outperformed itself.

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    Mute Bruno Bellone
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:47 PM

    Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet, played by billions of people. The Irish soccer team does very well to compete with, and consistently beat, countries with much larger populations. Ireland’s population is larger than New Zealand’s, and Ireland has more registered rugby players, but still haven’t beaten them in 120 years of playing the sport.

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    Mute nelll
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:09 PM

    Bruno whatever you say.im not wasting my time arguing with you

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    Mute Michael Farrelly
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:10 PM

    don’t feed the trolls

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    Mute Bruno Bellone
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:14 PM

    OK Nell, that’s fine pal.

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    Mute Niall Byrne
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:17 PM

    bruno…population of new zealand = population of ireland = 4.5 million, the difference is rugby in new zealand is the be all and end all in terms of sport whereas we have gaa which is played nowhere else, soccer which we are appalling at, has been played in this country for longer than rugby and which we have never gotten beyond the quarter final of a world cup at, whether you like rugby or not is really irrelevant because in terms of the achievements of the irish team and provinces in the sport at european and international level is far superior to that than prima-donna football players…steven ireland being a case in point

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    Mute Bruno Bellone
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:36 PM

    Population of Republic of Ireland- 4.5 million

    Population of Northern Ireland – 1.8 million

    Population of Ireland – 6.3 million

    Population of New Zealand 4.5 million.

    Ireland has more registered rugby players than New Zealand.

    Plenty Irish soccer players have won European cup medals.

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    Mute Matthew Hyland
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:44 PM

    It’s their national sport in New Zealand.

    For Ireland to beat them would be similar to England beating us in Gaelic football…

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    Mute Bruno Bellone
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:57 PM

    Exactly, it’s never going to happen.

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    Mute Jerry Higgins
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    Nov 26th 2013, 11:13 PM

    Here is the great thing about sport (and music and art and numerous other things): one persons enjoyment of it is not determined by how other people view it. So for example Bruno, if you do not like rugby that is your choice, off with you. Sorry to tell you but our enjoyment of the game (or disappointment as it were) is not dependent on you also liking it.
    Why did you feel the need to come here and comment asking why was it written? If I don’t want to read about Gaelic football in Mayo for example I don’t click on the link, it is simple, indeed it is one of the joys of the internet.
    That being said rugby is one of the worlds fastest growing sports.
    At the moment there are about 7 or 8 countries who would be in with a serious chance at winning the rugby world cup if it were held tomorrow, if you were to name the countries in with a serious shot at winning the football world cup next year you would have 5 or 6 maybe?

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    Mute Liam MacSuibhne
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    Nov 27th 2013, 1:29 AM

    Some chip on the shoulder there Bruno… Should we ban everything except your pimp soccer boy parade of a premiership?
    Real sports fans in this country are interested in GAA – club and inter county, rugby – club, provincial and national, and athletics. You know why?

    Because these sports involve huge numbers of the population, playing, coaching and support. They also are very well organised with a view to being internally driven by standards of excellence.

    Now go back to your sky sports and red top rag. Rant about Rooney and the like. Support ‘your’ team – I’m sure they appreciate you. If you don’t have a sense of pride and interest in our homegrown players, then please just shut your empty head. You are a small minority boy. And getting smaller. Out of touch.

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    Mute Liam MacSuibhne
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    Nov 27th 2013, 1:36 AM

    And I absolutely still love the game, the people, the almost there feel of it. The GAA people who watch and support it in their droves, while still retaining their primary love of our national games.

    Here’s to the 6 Nations. Can’t wait.

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    Mute Steo Brady
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:13 PM

    Delighted when that kick sailed over the bar! Rugby fans make me sick, muppets

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    Mute nelll
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    Nov 25th 2013, 3:19 PM

    Step I’d love to send you sailing over the bar.if you don’t like rugby why did you bother clicking on the article and post a comment.where you ignored as a child do you crave attention for some reason

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    Mute Hanneke Vermolen
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    Nov 25th 2013, 6:54 PM

    What a nice big child you are Steo!!!!

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    Mute John Stone
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    Nov 25th 2013, 9:13 PM

    Typical myopic premiership soccer-manic fan, trying to piss all over the Irish rugby parade. Hilarious to see the likes of you threatened by the increasing popularity of the sport in Ireland. Little man wouldn’t last the anthems on a rugby pitch! Now, back off to your ‘Eastenders’ soap opera that is the English Premiership and don’t be annoying the true sports fans on this page. Surely there’s some sort of red top soccer scandal to keep you entertained.

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    Mute Paul Sheehan
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    Nov 25th 2013, 5:32 PM

    I am sick to death of the rugger fraternity getting on their high horses and coming over all superior to other sports.bullshitting on about manliness and respect.where was the respect for the kiwi kicker at the end of game yesterday.the booing was shameful but has been conviently ignored by the egg chasing brigade.
    That is all

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    Mute Jonny Corcoran
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    Nov 25th 2013, 6:30 PM

    I was there Paul and there was a minority booing at the end and more people trying to stop them, the fact that the kick was allowed to be retaken in slightly unfair manor, a lot of people thought the Irish players chase was fair, didn’t help people showing there opinion on it, mainly aimed at the ref! For the other 80 mins in the Aviva you could hear a pin drop during kicks, besides the usual idiot who think they are hilarious!
    I don’t know what sport you follow?

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    Mute Liam MacSuibhne
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    Nov 27th 2013, 1:44 AM

    He follows SkySports. They’re a great team. Paul likes his interactivity (the red button) to read about which soccer player has been arrested for nefarious crimes. Also, Paul doesn’t like comparing things-especially when he gets the sneaky suspicion that there might just be something to this rugby.
    Finally, Paul follows some English premiership team and has forked out a fortune in travelling to Engerland to watch his team. After all, they are his local team.

    Oh and he doesn’t like the respect that referees are shown by players. Couldn’t be having that. It’s indicative that on a page where analysis of two minutes of a memorable rugby match, someone would bother to go so far off the point, just to show their jealousy and spitefulness.

    You have our pity Paul. Hope ‘your team’ do well next Saturday. Now get off the page.

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    Mute Liam MacSuibhne
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    Nov 27th 2013, 1:49 AM

    And there’s no booing in soccer? Let me guess, there’s no violence either? Or racism? Or throwing seats at each other? It’s not superiority Paul. It’s called choice. And a very positive discipline environment to boot.

    Are all your mates down the pub ignoring you? Who’s acting all superior like? Give me their names and we’ll tell them to stop being so involved and passionate about their sport. Yeah, that’s right. Just for you Paul.
    Embarrassing.

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    Mute Sham
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:21 PM

    A lot of absolute tripe being spoken here. I’ll keep it brief… I have zero sympathy for Ireland yesterday. With 30 secs to go they were in possession and in control. A bunch of 10 year olds would have run the clock down. What happened wasn’t good enough. Simple as that!

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    Mute Johnny Downes
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:48 PM

    Move on- we lost , and the team has learned another lesson. Someday we’ll get it right. O’Gara was right – we produce great teams for one off displays but lacking in consistency !

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    Mute Philip Ryan
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:31 PM

    What was Madigan flapping at! Pity was a once in a lifetime chance.

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    Mute Lale Filipo a.k.a
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    Nov 25th 2013, 9:33 PM

    For the All Blacks to go 60 meters and score without conceding a penalty or coughing up possession in stoppage time with the pressure they were under in achieving a perfect season is amazing. As a Kiwi, I felt bad for the Irish in the way they lost, such a cruel game. But this loss will only strengthen them and make them a better side. If they meet New Zealand in the world cup in 2015, they will cause some problems.

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    Mute Johnnie
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    Nov 25th 2013, 8:56 PM

    Whats done is done now. The only question I have is what Ireland team are going to turn up for the six nations? The one that almost beats the world champions or the one that talks a good game and then gets beaten by maybe Italy or Scotland? France still have more flair than us on the day and when required England can be more physical, aggressive and professional than us. So, what will Ireland do next? No more excuses now boys please? You tell,us you have the talent, you tell us you are not bottles, you tell us on any given day you can compete with the best. Well, the six nations should now be the target and nothing less. Otherwise you are just spouting professional era, media savvy crap and you are a bunch of bottlers. Stand up and delivery boys. It’s time now and your supporters deserve it.

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    Mute Miriam McAviney
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    Nov 25th 2013, 8:11 PM

    Brilliant article, thanks for that.
    I see exactly what O’Brien is talking about now, just get on with the game (instead of shouting for a penalty that may not be given) and trust each other (push on to the other attacker – Crotty) to get the job done!
    Oh it’s still so heartbreaking, but here’s to an amazing 6 Nations and then RWC ’15 is not too far away :)

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    Mute Liam Coakley
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    Nov 25th 2013, 4:58 PM

    So proud for 78 mins but why the hell when we are in possession would we kick the ball into an area where they were most dangerous. Well it was my birthday that I will always want to forget. Joe you re gonna do great things for us but we should of beating them, we were the better team. Rant over

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    Mute SMcB
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    Nov 25th 2013, 7:07 PM

    That video was painful to watch. Reminds me of a memorial scene in Glengarry Glenross …. ABC… Always Be Closing, Always Be Closing.

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    Mute Don O Sullivan
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    Nov 26th 2013, 9:14 AM

    Really enjoyed reading the analysis.It was spot on.Playing brilliantly for one half,is never good enough in international rugby.Never mind against the All blacks.Our ‘scramble defence’was not good enough,simple as.Fitness and physicality is not good enough(most of our substitutions were enforced through injuries)But the most important area of all,is the mentality and belief of winning and never giving up.The kiwis always have the inner belief and are never beaten.Great win for them,but a TERRIBLE loss for us.

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    Mute gmacca
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    Nov 25th 2013, 7:52 PM

    Can you imagine if there had been no advantage from the Nono knock on around 77 mins? Couple of scrum resets and and tap the ball out to win!!!

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    Mute You Know Who
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    Nov 27th 2013, 11:24 AM

    A shame

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