The Rugby Thread

In fairness, it pre-dates Gatland. After the turn of the pro-era and after 1994, Ireland and Wales were adrift behind Scotland, England and France. Thus, the game between the two countries meant a lot. However, even though Ireland hand the upper hand on all but once between 1995-1999 that winning mentality meant that Wales were rarely intimidated and beat Scotland, England and France in that period. Often before or after shipping close to a half century. Whereas we'd back up a gallant defeat to France or a win over Wales with a hammering in Murrayfield, or a limp defeat to England. Basically, we were both poor during that era, but Wales were less poor, even though we were better on a head-to-head basis. Or, even pre-dating Gatland, Wales made light work of Ireland in a decider in 2005 (it would have been a tall order for Ireland to actually win the Championship). Less important, but notable was the 2003 Six Nations when Wales were absolutely dreadful, and only actually showed up against Ireland, and nearly stopped the ill-fated drive to the Grand Slam, before the last game.

sid waddell wrote: I was watching highlights of Ireland's 1985 Triple Crown earlier today, they drew with France so didn't get the Grand Slam but won the championship outright Ireland beating England 17-0 in 1987 is my first memory of watching a championship game so '85 came too soon for me But in retrospect, that '85 team was everything I loved about rugby - there was something about that Irish team that appealed to the Irish psyche in a way that maybe no other Irish team in any sport ever has - and that season I think will live much longer in the memory than Ireland's two Grand Slams - bar the key moments when O'Gara and Sexton nailed drop goals, particularly the Sexton one which to be fair was an all time stand out moment The matches and the moments of '85 were legendary, and the legendary Mick Doyle presiding over it all  Trevor Ringland's tries against Scotland and Wales, Keith Crossan's try against Wales, Fred Cogley's commentary, Fitzy's "where's yer f**kin' pride", Brendan Mullin charging down the English full back's kick for a try, Michael Kiernan's drop goal, the genuine bedlam on the terraces I had a glance last night at Doyle as an analyst on Rugby After Dark from 1992 after we lost to Wales  Phenomenal analysis, he f**king laid into them, as he used to do in print as well Doyle was brutally honest and he did not care one jot who he offended Back in the amateur days I used to like that culture of honesty that was in Irish rugby, and that Munster team of the 2000s had it as well, which is why they were so loved Irish rugby is crying out for a Mick Doyle now to shake things up, to insult people's pride Even in the 2000s that culture of confrontation and honesty was still sort of there, especially the way that Leinster were called "ladyboys"  But Irish rugby now is trapped in a world of corporate circle jerking  Brian O'Driscoll said after the France game "let's be honest, we're third, maaaybe even fourth out of the six teams" That's not honest, Brian We're fifth and well adrift of the other four, and we all know it

Roberto Baggio wrote: So you loved both Irish Rugby and Celtic football club in the 80s? Thats called nostalgia Sid

TRV wrote: Roberto Baggio wrote: So you loved both Irish Rugby and Celtic football club in the 80s? Thats called nostalgia Sid His hinterland is rugby,leafy suburb bloke, trying  while younger  to be a working  class hero he started following liverpool , to b fair loads lads fell into same trap, easy when they were winning  things back then.

Always love a win at Murrayfield! Perhaps done the hard way, but Ireland did what they need to do in the end.

Even though we won today we dont really look like were going anywhere. We never really make any line breaks, dont rate Gibson Park. Too slow. Why is Luke McGrath not getting a look in? Stander yes he carries the ball but where? Into a man usually. James Lowe for all his excitement is a terrible defender. His place looks dodgy for me now. We really need an injection somewhere along the line. Is it out there though. 

Don't be scared Johnny  

A win but woeful. I don’t know what the game plan is, we look like we don’t have one, make it up as we go along. Woeful to watch.

I thought England played some good stuff yesterday esp in the first half. Made a few good line breaks and looked like they worked on a few tidy moves. We never make a line break these days.