Ireland’s job today was to keep it clean and simple, let talent be the deciding factor.
The final winning margin of 36-6 was fully deserved, as they not only secured a quarter final spot, but put in the most clinical performance of the season by any European side.
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Where the win over Australia was all emotion and desire, this one was mean and focused and professional, a thorough annihilation of a decent Italian side.
The opening exchanges were messy, Sean O’Brien and Quintin Geldenhuys knocking on when under no pressure, and Tommy Bowe throwing a no-look pass that was never on, but Ireland always looked the more threatening in open play, changing the point of attack at every opportunity, forwards and backs interlinking well throughout.
It didn’t lead to any tries for the first 40 minutes, three O’Gara penalties giving them a 9-6 lead going into the break, but the blueprint for success was there.
There was a different level of intent in the second period, however, O’Brien and Ferris going from snarl to roar, both carrying three times in the first five minutes, blasting through inside shoulders every time. Italy were bruised and pulpy, ripe for squashing . A smart outside arc by Tommy Bowe, followed by a simple but brilliant inside pass to the supporting O’Driscoll did the damage, opening it out to a 19-6 lead after 47 minutes.
That ignited Ireland’s best period of the game, Darcy, O’Brien and O’Connell gaining ground at will, and as the Italian defence began to wilt Ferris again showed there’s brains to go with all that brawn, neatly putting Keith Earls in for what was effectively the deciding score.
Things got scrappy for a period after that as scrums collapsed and the Italians got tetchy, but the final bell saw Andrew Trimble show great composure in tight space to put Earls over for his second of the night, sending a huge Irish crowd into raptures.
If Ireland are to go beyond the quarters, they will need to play well for longer periods, but there was an encouraging collective understanding of where the space was and who to put into that space. The Italians had plenty of possession and grunt, but the guile only came from one quarter, and the stand-out performers all wore green.
O’Gara missed only one kick at goal, Murray made two breaks and passed well, Bowe and Earls were sharp as tacks, and the pack once again showed they have the fire and ice required at this level.
This was more than a win, it was cold-hearted destruction, deliberate and tough, and it has sent a message out to the rest of the teams in the tournament – Ireland are here to play.
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Roddy Collins would win the World Cup with that squad…..
All he’d have to do is add Roddy jr and it would be the dream team
Scary to think 7 of these wont be going.
God, just reading this list is scary. What a team.
Mata yes, but Torres?
Controversial but Torres has yet to let Spain down. Two man of the match performances in European Championship finals and a world cup to boot.
Long time ago
He wasnt exactly in rude form ahead of 2012 either.
In fact when Germany went to South Africa they brought Klose and Podolski with them and they had 3 league goals between them.
Germany went on to be the highest scoring team in the tournament and Klose missed out on breaking an all time record over a cold.
Some National teams have their men and they trust them regardless of form.
Pssh. That squads no match for the likes of McShane or McGeady.
Paul Green.
As a Chelsea fan I’m delighted for mata, great player and only for the move he would not have been in
As a hated Chelsea fan I hope Fernando has a great World Cup, god knows he’s been putting in the effort.
Yes, I also put in a good effort at the weekly 5-a-side, can I play for Spain as well?
It’s a pity but it might be something to do with you not being selected – have a go anyway.
How did torres got in is beyond me
Is he relayed to the wine makers, they are like royalty in Spain , it the only way I can figure him being brought .
He ended up top scorer at the confed cup last year. Its not like Villa or Llorente are that great either.
Nice squad
Spare a thought for Diego Lopez, playing 18 months straight in the league for Real Madrid and not making the plane.
These lads even have class goalkeepers!
There’s gonna be a lot of pressure on Brazil particularly if they have a bad start, Spain will be confident
Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay will take beating.
Torres the Paul Green of the Squad
There are no weak links in that squad
I think they will walk it ….can’t see anyone stopping them
Winning 4 major tournaments in a row would make them the best ever in my opinion.Can’t see it happening though.
I’d predict the 7 cut to be Juanfran, Moreno, Iturraspe, Mata, Cazorla, Llorente, Torres
Not sure it matas too much for spain to leave out isco