Ireland’s recent triumph over France in the Guinness Six Nations showcased some exceptional performances, particularly in the areas of lineouts and the composure exhibited by out-half Jack Crowley. The commanding 38-17 victory prompted the Against the Head panel to highlight these elements as significant strengths for the Irish team.
Despite some minor issues with his kicks from hand, Jack Crowley concluded the match with an impressive 13 points, including three sideline conversions. His performance elicited comparisons to previous esteemed out-halves in the early stages of their careers, indicating a promising future for the young player. The intense scrutiny leading up to the game, particularly focused on Crowley, was acknowledged by Donal Lenihan on RTÉ2. He emphasized the mental fortitude and resilience displayed by the young out-half, underscoring that such attributes cannot be coached.
Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman attributed Ireland’s triumph to their exceptional performance in the lineout, which he deemed a decisive factor in the victory. He commended the flawless throwing of Dan Sheehan and his late replacement Rónan Kelleher, as well as Ireland’s capability to secure possession from the French on two occasions. Jackman also credited Paul O’Connell for the astute movements and strategic plays associated with the 13 lineouts won by the Irish team.
Looking ahead, rugby enthusiasts can tune in to the upcoming match between England and Wales in the Guinness Six Nations on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, while also following the live blog coverage of Ireland’s game against Italy on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, as well as listening to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.