SHANE HORGAN ISN’T demanding victory when Ireland face South Africa over the next three weekends, but he does hope to see Joe Schmidt’s side demonstrate an ability to adapt and threaten even with injuries to key men. With Jonathan Sexton, Tommy Bowe, Josh van der Flier, Simon Zebo, Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, Sean O’Brien, Rob …
Ireland 35 Georgia 7 John Fallon reports from Manchester IRELAND ARE THROUGH to the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20 Championship for the second time in the nine-year history of the competition. But while they won easily in the end, Nigel Carolan’s side had to dig deep to see off the challenge of a brave …
Read more “Ireland U20 made to work for semi-final spot by resolute 14-man Georgia”
South Africa 19 Ireland 13 Rory Keane reports from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium IN THE END, it proved a Test too far. After two thrilling contests in Cape Town and Johannesburg, when just six points separated the sides on both occasions, it was fitting that this deciding Test should come right down to the final …
Read more “Schmidt’s Ireland come up short as Springboks claim series victory”
DESPITE ENJOYING 68% of the possession and a 73% share of the territorial advantage, Ireland only managed to score one try in the 19-13 third Test defeat to South Africa. Paddy Jackson dejected at Ireland’s defeat. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO Luke Marshall’s score came when the Springboks were down to 14 men after Willie le Roux’s …
Read more “Analysis: Ireland leave their best try-scoring chance untaken in Port Elizabeth”
South Africa 30 Argentina 23 A LAST-GASP Warren Whiteley try gave South Africa a dramatic 30-23 victory over Argentina Saturday in a Rugby Championship first-round thriller in Nelspruit. Trailing by 10 points with 10 minutes left, the Springboks fought back to score two tries and avenge a stunning home loss to the Pumas in the …
Read more “Last-gasp Whiteley try gives Boks victory in thriller against Pumas”
AS RECENTLY AS 2012, Jean Kleyn had no plan to play professional rugby. The new Munster lock enjoyed the oval ball game during his youthful days at Hoërskool Linden in the Johannesburg suburbs, but the high school is far from being one of South Africa’s renowned rugby institutions. No Craven Week, no South African Schoolboy caps, …
Read more “Analysis: What can Munster expect from new lock Jean Kleyn?”
THE WOES MOUNTED for the beleaguered Wallabies today with news Matt Giteau would be out for the rest of the Rugby Championship series with a fractured ankle. Scans confirmed the Australian team’s worst fears, with the French-based star ruled out and outside back Rob Horne facing a likely shoulder reconstruction. Both players, along with a third back …
Read more “Ankle injury means Matt Giteau has probably played his last game for the Wallabies”
CONNACHT COACH Pat Lam said there is no danger of them panicking despite the Pro12 champions suffering the biggest home defeat since he took charge over three years ago. Connacht, who won 14 of their 15 home matches at the Sportsground last season, were blown away by six tries to one as the 2015 champions …
Read more “Lam looks for Connacht reaction after shock hammering”
Division 1A: Garryowen 25-32 Lansdowne Dooradoyle LANSDOWNE LAUNCHED THEIR Ulster Bank League campaign with a 32-25 bonus point victory away to Garryowen. The Light Blues battled back for a late losing bonus point, but the visitors were full value for their win which builds on their early season Leinster Senior League Cup form. John O’Donnell …
A HAT-TRICK FROM 19-year-old Rieko Ioane helped Auckland to a 44-38 victory against Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup overnight. The teenager went over three times at Rotorua International Stadium to help his team to a hard-fought win in wet conditions. Source: The Tight Five Rugby Union/YouTube Number eight Joe Tupe also scored …
Read more “Rieko Ioane wins hat-trick battle in 82-point thriller”