World Sports Team Launched

Nov 26, 2014

New Global Sport Network launches in Dublin 

World Sport Team, a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation on a mission to provide sportspeople across the world with a supportive network, was launched in Dublin on Wednesday 26th November.

The newly-established network aims to build a member base which will provide support to those who suffer debilitating injuries through partaking in sport. Through global fundraising and awareness  programmes, the charity organisation aims to reach out to families and friends of sportspeople, amateur or otherwise, who have suffered catastrophic injury, as well as the injured themselves.

Barry Geraghty and Paul Galvin are both on board!

World Sports Team founder Eamonn Sayers said: “World Sports Team is the team every sportsperson supports. We aim to provide those who suffer catastrophic injury playing sport with a willing hand to help them through whatever difficulties they face. My cousin suffered a catastrophic injury playing sport and from my experience I realised there has to be a better way of supporting fellow sportspeople. I do not want any family to have to go through what we went through then. Ireland has given many gifts to the sporting world and we hope this can be another one that benefits people the world over”.

The global support network already has the support of an array of sporting stars including former Leinster, Irish & Lions player Brian O’Driscoll, jockey Barry Geraghty  and former Kerry inter-county star Paul Galvin, amongst others.

                                                  I’ve joined the team……. Have you?

So what can I do?

It’s really simple. Just log on to the website – www.worldsportsteam.org and #JointheTeam. By signing up (it takes 30 seconds) and spreading the word to your friends, colleagues and team mates, you will join the team that everyone should support.

Eamonn finished with a simple message: “The organisation is free to join for anyone involved in sport across the world. Regardless of what code you play or what country you play it in, sporting injuries affect everyone and with World Sports Team, we hope to make a positive difference in the lives of those who are so unfortunate as to have to deal with a debilitating injury through sport”. 

Website – www.worldsportsteam.org

Twitter – @WorldSportsTeam

Facebook – www.facebook.com/WorldSportsTeam

Ireland v Australia Final November Test – Preview

Nov 21, 2014

Ireland will play their final Guinness Series match tomorrow as they welcome Australia to the Aviva Stadium (KO 4:30pm).

Ireland, as expected, have made a number of changes to the side that won 49-7 last week against a spirited Georgia. Gordon D’Arcy, Simon Zebo and Mike Ross are the only surviving three in the starting XV from last week’s comfortable win. Robbie Henshaw comes in at 13 for what is Ireland’s third centre partnership in as many weeks. As expected frontline players such as Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray, Jamie Heaslip and Paul O’Connell have all been drafted in. Rory Best has also been selected at hooker as the Ulsterman has finally been able to shrug off a number of ongoing injury issues.

Recovered in time. Rory Best will start for Ireland at hooker

Australian coach Michael Cheika has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes from the side that lost last week against an ever improving les bleus in Paris. The Wallabies started poorly in the French capital and although mounted an impressive fight back it was too little too late.

Rugby League convert Israel Folau continues at full back and Brumbies pair Tevita Kuridriani and Matt Toomua combine at centre. Toomua, like many Austalian twelves is an out half by trade. This gives the Wallabies plenty of options and makes them particularly dangerous on second phase ball. Cheika has gone with the Super Rugby winning half back pairing of Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley while blindside flanker Sean McMahon drops out of the squad and is replaced by Luke Jones. Captain Michael Hooper and the Western Force’s Ben McCalman make up the backrow playing at seven and eight respectively. Will Genia, Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale will give Cheika plenty of options off the bench and they all have the ability to completely change the direction of a game.

Potential danger! Genia, Cooper & Beale

Player Watch:

 Gordon D’Arcy – one of Ireland’s most experienced players

Ireland: Every player from 1-23 has an integral role to play if Ireland are to come out on top but Ireland need Gordon D’Arcy to count on all his experience in particular. The Leinster man will have to lend a hand to Robbie Henshaw at times as he continues his development at the top level. The home side cannot expect to win with just a good defensive effort, as they must use a similar template to the one against the All Blacks last November if they are to finish with a win. Expect a big performance from the inside centre!

 First timer! Henry Speight will make his test debut

Australia: The Wallabies possess a number of dangerous and attacking players. Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Tevita Kurindriani all have an ability to have teams huddled over their own goal line scratching their heads and wondering how they got there. Captain Michael Hooper too is fast becoming one of the best flankers in the business but it is Henry Speight that could break Irish hearts, with the Brumbies winger earning his first test cap tomorrow. With this in mind, one may be forgiven for thinking this could be an area for Ireland to exploit, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. Explosive, quick and an ability to read the game, Speight has probably been the best player in Super Rugby not to be capped internationally in the last number of years. Residency rules has meant the Fijian born flyer has had to bide his time. Expect this to be the start of a long international career.

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Rhys Ruddock, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Paul O’Connell, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Rodney Ah You, 19 Dave Foley, 20 Tommy O’Donnell, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Felix Jones.

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridriani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Luke Jones, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Benn Robinson, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Will Genia, 22 Quade Cooper, 23 Kurtley Beale.

Date: Saturday, November 22

Kick-off: 16:30

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Television match official: Eric Gauzins (France)

Timekeeper: Kevin Beggs (Ireland)

National Volunteers in Sport Awards a great success at Aviva Stadium

Nov 20, 2014

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, announced the winners of the National Volunteers in Sport Awards at an awards ceremony in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, 19th November.

The Volunteers in Sport Awards 2014 are presented by the Federation of Irish Sport, the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, the Irish Sports Council and the Community Foundation of Ireland.

First held in 2007, the objective of the national awards programme is to honour ten individuals as representatives of the huge body of volunteers in sport who give of their time in various capacities through the structure of sports clubs and groups to sport in Ireland.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Michael Ring TD said: ‘The work of volunteers is the foundation on which sport in Ireland is built – without volunteers there would be no sport in Ireland.  These awards allow us to honour some of the real heroes of Irish sport working behind the scenes.  Volunteers are a vital part of every club and sporting organisation around the country and are doing wonderful work for sport in their communities.’

Ten winners were selected to receive an award from the nominations received. A Lifetime Achievement award was also presented to Sean Naughton.  Minister Michael Ring commented: ‘At eighty one years of age Sean remains active in athletics and can regularly be seen in the indoor stadium mentoring, encouraging and coaching young athletics and coaches alike. His lifetime voluntary contribution to sport at a local, national and international level makes him an ideal candidate for the life time achievement award.’

Sarah O’Connor, Chief Executive of the Federation of Irish Sport commented “Irish Sport is hugely dependent on the volunteer.  Without them, many of the 2.8 million people who partake in Sport in Ireland simply would not have the opportunity to do so.  These awards give us an opportunity to say thank you to a small representative group from this hugely significant workforce, the value of which in economic terms has been estimated at up to €3 billion per year”.

John Treacy, CEO Irish Sports Council  said “Volunteers play a vital role in sustaining the high level of sporting activity in Ireland with all the associated health and social benefits, and contribute significantly to the development of sport in Ireland. The commitment, dedication and leadership of Ireland’s sporting volunteers, allows athletes and communities to participate in sport all around the country”.

The award winners were selected by a committee chaired by Dr. Ronnie Delany.  Also on the committee were representatives from the Federation of Irish Sport, the Irish Sports Council, the Irish Times, RTE and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The winners at the National Volunteers in Sport Awards 2014 are as follows:

Tony Cummins – Adult Coach Award

Tony was nominated for his contribution to sport in Gailltir, Co. Waterford and in particular to Camogie and has been a volunteer in the club since 1958.  Tony has guided, managed and influenced three generations of families throughout three different parishes over a 56 year period and is broadly recognised as an individual whose personal intervention has contributed to many achievements for a vast number of people and their families in the area.

Tony Hehir – Adult Manager Award

Tony has contributed in all aspects in the sport of basketball for approximately 30 years.
Tony’s work has had a major impact on the promotion of Basketball as a sport in Limerick and across Ireland.  Tony continuously works with everyone in the community to get people involved in the club including children with disabilities. The club promotes participation with all kids and provide multiple teams at each age group to ensure that everyone gets games throughout the year.

Patrick Akpoveta – Youth Coach Award

Patrick has been a Special Olympics Volunteer since 2003 and has volunteered in the Special Olympics World Summer Games. Patrick has also coached Basketball and Football teams in various age groups in Ballyfermot and Inchicore and founded Adamstown United FC, a school boy football club in Adamstown, Lucan in 2011. Patrick actively volunteers his time as a coach and manager in the club which caters for 50 children from diverse background playing in the schoolboys South Dublin Football League.

Paddy Christie – Youth Manager Award

Even in his days as Dublin’s full back, Paddy was coaching children’s teams and managed a team that went on to win two Dublin U-21 titles. Paddy started an U10’s team seven years ago, winning the All Ireland under 14 feile title.  Paddy also serves on the juvenile committee and is a supporter of all the teams within the club, he still manages the team that won the All-Ireland and are now at minor (U-18) level. Paddy is at the heart of the volunteerism continuously working tirelessly in the background.

Danielle Keane – Community Administrator Award

Danielle is a role model for volunteerism in sport and although is actively playing Danielle continues to give so much back to her community. At Park Ratheniska Danielle is Treasurer along with playing senior football and coaching U8/10’s, U16’s and minor to a county Final in 2013. In basketball Danielle plays competitively and is the fundraising chairperson in the club along with coaching underage. Danielle also plays with the Laois Ladies Senior Football Panel.

Mary Sharp – National Administrator Award

Mary Sharp has been the epicentre of Leinster and Irish cricket for over 38 years.  Within the Leinster Cricket Union Mary has served in nearly every possible role and currently occupies the position of Honorary Secretary, a demanding role she has fulfilled with outstanding loyalty, enthusiasm and diligence for many years.  On a national level Mary and been instrumental in the running of Ireland’s premier club competition – the Irish Senior Cup and, in recent years, the Irish National Cup. Mary was named as the first ever recipient of the ‘Outstanding contribution to Irish cricket’ award, which was presented at the 2013 Cricket Ireland Awards and in January of this year.

Shane Carolan – Disabilities Sport Volunteer Award

Shane Carolan has been involved with Special Olympics Leinster since September 2007 and has made a significant impact at both local and national level. Shane has developed the unique sport of Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP) in Special Olympics Leinster. MATP is focused on the development of fundamental motor skills and is designed for athletes who have not yet gained the necessary skills for participation in structured sports training. Shane is currently responsible for overseeing 24 head coaches across 14 sports and a further 95 Coach Chaperones, assisting the 300 athletes attending the Games.

Ernie Deacy – Sporting Official Award

Over the last 20 Ernie has made a huge voluntary contribution to athletics. Ernie has coached athletes to win All-Ireland gold medals in seven different disciplines with athletes ranging in age from 8 to 18.  15 of his athletes Ernie has coached have between them won over 60 All-Ireland Gold Medals. One of the athletes Ernie coached won a silver medal in the Athens Paralympics Games and a bronze medal in the world Paralympics championship in the previous year.

Sean Naughton – Lifetime Achievement Award

Sean Naughton has made an immense and continuous contribution to Irish athletics for more than half a century at a national & international level. Sean started the Community Games athletics in Nenagh in 1972, his foresight of splitting the town into three areas, resulted in the involvement of an entire community as each child sought to represent their neighbourhood in the town games.
At eighty one years of age Sean remains active in Athletics and is a committee member of Nenagh Olympic Athletic Club and can be regularly seen in the indoor stadium mentoring, encouraging and coaching young athletes and coaches alike.

Peggy Mason – Special Recognition Award

Peggy Mason has dedicated her immense energy and passion to helping individuals, organisations and communities with intellectual disability. Peggy has been a Special Olympics Volunteer since 1985 and set up the South Dublin Gymnastic Club in 1991 with two other parents and the club is still thriving today. Peggy with her daughter Sile set up a Special Olympic Bowling Club in 1998, which has 55 athletes. In addition Peggy provides transport to four Special Olympic athletes to enable them to train with the Bowling Club each week. Peggy has been a volunteer with the Dundrum Arch Club for 35 years which is a social club for people with Intellectual Disabilities that meets every week and caters for adults age 16 . Peggy is a keen Ten Pin bowler and is still competing in the Ladies Leagues.

Ireland claim comfortable win over Georgia

Nov 17, 2014

*The hosts scored six tries in 49-7 victory

*Ireland who were captained by Eoin Reddan had three debutants

*The home team only led 9-0 at half time before ramping up the intensity

The Ireland team Photo before the game! 

Ireland continued their impressive Guinness Series with a 49 -7 victory over Georgia on Sunday. The hosts ran in six tries while three players – Dave Foley, Dominic Ryan & Robin Copeland – made their debuts. Dave Kilcoyne, Richardt Strauss, Simon Zebo, Felix Jones and Stuart Olding all crossed for tries, while Ian Madigan kicked 19 points from the tee. While the score line is impressive, at least on paper, it wasn’t plain sailing for Ireland. Georgia started well and dominated the opening ten minutes. Number eight Dimitri Basilaia was involved early as the visitors gained ground after a couple of knock-ons from Ireland. Georgia were rewarded with their early dominance as Mike Ross was penalised at the scrum. However fullback Merab Kvirikashvili couldn’t capitalise as his effort at goal went wide.Ireland now had possession and were finally able to get out of their 22. Madigan dropped a nice grubber in behind the Georgian defence after a good run from Felix Jones. Georgia did well to clear their lines but two minutes later second row Kote Mikautadze was penalised for not rolling away. Madigan slotted the ensuing penalty and Ireland were off the mark. The crowd were on their feet a few minutes later as Kilcoyne made a barging 30 metre run which was very reminiscent of Cian Healy’s now iconic charge versus the All Blacks last November.

Move out the way! Kilcoyne on the charge

Georgia were penalised again and Madigan doubled the hosts lead. Jones impressed from fullback as Ireland made a number of promising breaks but failed to see them through. Ill-discipline cost the visitors however and on the stroke of half time referee JP Doyle had had enough as scrum half Giorgi Begadze coped ten minutes in the bin for repeated team infringements. Madigan slotted the penalty and the hosts went into the break 9-0 up.

Eyes on the prize! Zebo looks to reclaim possession

Ireland made use of the extra man from the start of the second half. A penalty for foul play allowed Simon Zebo to kick to touch deep inside the Georgian 22. Struass was accurate with his throw and Ireland mauled which gave them good momentum. The ball was presented nicely and Kilcoyne was the beneficiary of some hard work as the loosehead crashed over the line after a nicely timed pass from Reddan and a delayed run from the Munster man. Madigan converted the try and Ireland led 16-0. Ireland, who couldn’t score a five pointer in the first half only had to wait another nine minutes for the second of the game as again they mauled superbly.

Try time! Dave Kilcoyne scored for Ireland at the start of of the second half

The ever industrious Strauss crossed the line after a good take from Robbie Diack at the tail of the lineout. Coach Joe Schmidt, always the perfectionist, might remind the Leinster hooker not to leave such a rampant maul as early as he did, as other opposition might have held him out. Georgia didn’t however and Ireland started to pull away.

Georgia didn’t give up as second row Giorgi Nemsadze crossed for a well-deserved try after good work again by Basilaia. Nemsadze cut a great line from the number 8 and the conversion was successful. 23-7!

Georgia’s high penalty count cost them dearly as they had two players sent to the bin

However that was as good as it got for the visitors as silly penalties saw Georgia dropped to 14 men again as Basilaia was given his marching orders for interfering with the ball off his feet. Ireland opted for the scrum and after a good inside pass from Reddan to Craig Gilroy Ireland went wide and Zebo cantered in for his fourth international try. Schmidt decided to unload the bench as Olding, Copeland, Devin Toner, Sean Cronin, Ian Keatley and Kieran Marmion all came on. Jones scored a good team try in the right hand corner after again some good play in the lineout.

Felix Jones scored his first of two tries after some good work by the Irish forwards

The try of the day came eight minutes from time as Copeland won back possession in Ireland’s 22. Olding fed Marmion who broke down the middle and in turn fed Keatley. The Munster pivot did well to dummy before giving it to Cronin on the touchline. The abrasive hooker unselfishly popped it to Jones running a switch and the full back was over for his second of the day!

Olding scored Ireland’s sixth and final try a couple of minutes from time after a nicely timed pass from Keatley saw the Ulsterman go in by the posts. Georgia pushed for a second try at the end but poor hands dashed their chance as Ireland made it two wins from two.

Seeing double! Jones scored his second, and Ireland’s best try of the match

Man of the Match: There were some good performances from a number of players. Felix Jones was strong at full back, commanding the air on more than one occasion and making some strong runs from deep. The Munster man has definitely shown his credentials and his two tries didn’t do any harm. However, a special mention has to be made for debutant Dave Foley who was at the heart of Ireland’s win. The lock continued his fine form this season and definitely put his hand up for selection next week against the Wallabies. A mention too for Georgian number 8 Dimitri Basilaia who worked tirelessly (albeit copping a yellow card for his troubles) and left wing Sandro Todua who was strong in attack.

Key Moments: Felix Jones second try was great to watch as Ireland ran 80 metres before the full back ran in. The match was done as a contest well before this but it was certainly the pick of the bunch. Georgia’s high penalty count and two yellow cards were extremely costly but they can take much from the match including their well worked try and ability to keep the score line 9-0 at the break. The visitors dearly missed Mamuka Gorgodze, their usual captain. The flanker has long been one of the best players in Europe and his physicality and leadership would have helped the cause.

Captain fantastic! Mamuka Gorgodze was sorely missed by Georgia

Next Match – Australia: Expect plenty of changes from Joe Schmidt as Ireland have a short turn around before they encounter Australia on Saturday (22^nd November). Ireland should field a team similar to the one that over turned the Springboks a week ago, with front line players such as Paul O’Connell, Jamie Heaslip, Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton and Rob Kearney all expected to be recalled.

So did anyone do enough against Georgia to force their way into the starting XV for next week against Australia? Dave Foley probably did the most to warrant inclusion, at least on the bench and possibly to start. Felix Jones was also very strong. Schmidt could put him on the wing instead of Zebo however the later didn’t do too much wrong to deserve being dropped at this point. The only other real change to be expected could be forced as Payne is still touch and go whether he will be fit in time the Wallabies come to town. If the Ulsterman doesn’t recover in time, one would imagine Gordon D’Arcy would start at twelve and Robbie Henshaw at thirteen.

COCA-COLA THANK YOU FUND GRANTS €125,000 TO FIVE GROUPS WITH NEW IDEAS TO GET PEOPLE MOVING

Nov 13, 2014

TOTAL FUNDING OVER FOUR YEARS REACHES €500K

ATHLETE DERVAL O’ROURKE JOINED MINISTER MICHAEL RING TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS

Five organisations shared in €125,000 of funding from the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund for innovative projects which will promote active lifestyles in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Fund awards grants to organisations for new initiatives aimed at encouraging people to incorporate physical activity into their day to day lives. In existence since 2011, the Fund today celebrated reaching the milestone of half a million euro in total funding with this latest round of grants.

The latest awardees are Canoeing Ireland, Killarney Rugby Football Club, Omagh Wheelers Cycling Club, Spraoi agus Spórt and Swim Ireland, which each received €25,000 today.

Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, congratulated the organisations on their achievement and said he was looking forward to seeing their projects in action.

Speaking today Minister Ring said: ‘The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund continues to have a positive impact across Ireland and Northern Ireland, with €500,000 donated in grants since the Fund began in 2011. The Government also continues to be committed to increased participation in sport at all levels, and I was delighted to announce a third Sports Capital Programme in Budget 2015. Participation in sport has risen from 44.8% in 2011 to 47.2% last year. Coca-Cola, through this level of investment, has shown a commitment to improve the level of participation in physical activity in our local communities. The Fund invests in active lifestyles and programmes and has been a great success in reaching out to people who may not engage in regular physical activity. It continues to identify initiatives that will spark people’s interest and get them moving.  Through Government investment and Funds like this, participation in sport and physical activity can grow and lead to an overall improved quality of life for participants.’

Derval O’Rourke, Coca-Cola Thank You Fund Ambassador and former Olympic athlete, tweeted her congratulations to the five winning groups. “Five organisations each received €25,000 today in major funding for brilliant projects that are sure to get you moving #greatnews #letsmovetogether.”

Ailish Forde, Public Affairs and Communications Director at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, said:

“Thousands of people stand to benefit from programmes that will variously: train a range of new kayak instructors to introduce young people to the sport; equip Kerry with its very first “Trim Trail”, a one kilometre path for use in exercise; get the whole family cycling; train people who do no exercise currently to run 5k over a ten week period; and encourage the nation to swim in their local pool through the return of a greatly expanded Swim for a Mile programme which also facilitates open water swimming for the first time. I congratulate each of the organisations responsible for these worthy and exciting projects and, indeed, commend all the applicants to the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund this year for their many brilliant ideas and for their considerable efforts aimed at increasing movement in Ireland and Northern Ireland.”

More information about the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is available at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou.

Descriptions of the five successful projects from the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund 2014:

Ireland v South Africa – Review

Nov 10, 2014

Ireland’s first match of the Guinness Series was against South Africa on Saturday 8^th November.

Two sides, different stories

Both sides had contrasting positions coming into this match. The Springboks have had a long and gruelling year: the newly expanded Super Rugby season which now runs from February –  August, broken up with two tests versus Wales and one against Scotland in the June international window. Combine this with back-to-back games against the All Blacks, Wallabies and the Pumas in the Rugby Championship, not to mention the travel and South Africa were certainly battle hardened. In contrast this was Ireland’s first encounter of the year. Not only this, but Ireland would have to make do without the services of many senior players. Speaking of the Rugby Championship, South Africa’s form was patchy at best – two narrow victories against an ever improving Argentina (13-6 in round one in Pretoria and 33-31 in the return fixture a week later) and a loss and a win versus an Australian outfit that was dogged with off field controversies that seemed to never end! Throw in a defeat to the old enemy New Zealand and the Boks campaign was not what many would have hoped for. However, piping the world champions in the final round in Johannesburg meant the tournament ended on a high, as South Africa ended a drought going back to August 2011 when they last beat the men in Black.

 South Africa were unchanged from the side that beat the All Blacks last month

Three points of contact

The ruck, scrum and lineout were the three main areas that were sure to decide who came out on top. The Springboks are largely seen as the best in the business in both scrum and lineout departments and this was not lost on assistant coach Les Kiss prior to the match. “It’s still important to understand that they will go to the core part of their game,” acknowledged the Australian. “They will drive, they will run big forwards at you, their nines are savvy and canny players. They can shape that ruck area very nicely, so you’ve got to be aware of that.”  With this in mind, one of the key one-on-one battles was always going to be in the second row between Paul O’Connell and Springbok stalwart Victor Matfield. Matfield had complemented his opposite number in the week leading up to the game – “I think Paul O’Connell is a fantastic player, I have said it before, I think he is probably the best player I have played against in my career. He is also a student of the line-out, you can see he puts in a lot of hours analysing and preparing, getting his whole unit ready for the weekend. It is always tough going up against him.”

Ready, Set, GO!

New Era

It was always going to be intriguing to see Joe Schmidt’s team selection for a number of reasons. Firstly, the question that the world and his mother had an opinion on – ‘who would play at centre?’  . Although Brian O’Driscoll was not present on Ireland’s tour of Argentina last June, many see this campaign as the start of the post O’Driscoll era. The most experienced player – Gordon D’Arcy – seemed to be in most people’s starting XV. As to who would partner him – Connacht’s Robbie Henshaw and newly Irish eligible Jared Payne were the front runners for a starting birth, with Leinster’s Ian Madigan an outside bet. Further interest as to Joe Schmidt’s plans was his selections given the ever growing injury list. Rory Best was withdrawn from contention due to an ongoing calf strain and joined the long list of those unavailable – Cian Healy, Marty Moore, Sean O’Brien, Jordi Murphy, Andrew Trimble, Luke Fitzgerald (only just returning to Leinster), Dave Kearney, Luke Marshall and Fergus McFadden. Good news however did come as Jonny Sexton was given the green light after he had to come off early in a match for club side Racing Metro the previous weekend.  South Africa had injuries themselves, albeit not nearly as many as the home side. Ulster’s South African playmaker Ruan Pienaar was ruled out of the Boks entire tour as he failed to recover from a knee injury picked up against New Zealand in September, with Jano Vermaak being drafted in as cover for the remainder of the tour.

 Jared Payne was picked at centre with Robbie Henshaw

Team Selection

The Springboks announced an unchanged 23 man squad from their recent victory over the All Blacks. Ireland’s centre partnership in this ‘new era’ was one of complete change with both Henshaw and Payne selected to start. Gordon D’Arcy, most people’s choice to start at 12 was omitted. Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin and Mike Ross were selected at one, two and three respectively while Ireland’s back row saw a late change as Chris Henry, who was originally selected at openside was withdrawn on the day of the test and was replaced by Rhys Ruddock who partnered Peter O’Mahony and Jamie Heaslip.  Rob Kearney was selected at fifteen although only recently passing fit due to on-going back issues.

All Systems Go

Dublin was hit by torrential rain in the morning and early afternoon on the day of the test that threatened to blight what had the potential of being a free flowing game given the Boks new expansive and attacking style. Thankfully it cleared up in time for the late kick off.

Kearney had spoken about Ireland’s “need to get out of the blocks really, really early” in the lead up to the match. Ironically the full backs first involvement was to take out Willie le Roux in the air in what was more a clumsy act rather than anything else.

The TMO was consulted in the opening minutes as French referee Romain Poite wanted another view of some potential foul play from South African flanker Marcell Coetzee. Heaslip took a heavy fall and Poite wanted another angle to see if Coetzee had led with the elbow when swatting off the Leinster man. Replays were inconclusive and play resumed with a scrum.

South Africa were by far the more dominant team. The vast majority of the first half was played between Ireland’s 10 metre and try line. With a conveyor belt of giants all chomping at the bit to get their hands on the ball, the South African pack regularly punched holes and constantly made the gain line. On top of this, Ireland coughed up possession as Matfield and Eben Etzebeth put on a master class in stealing lineouts. In spite of all of this it was Ireland that drew first blood as Sexton kicked a penalty after Jannie du Plessis was pinged for illegally scrummaging. Handre Pollard had an opportunity to draw level on 18 minutes but it went wide before Sexton doubled Ireland’s lead six minutes later. Ireland spent much of the remaining fifteen minutes of the first half camped deep in their own half. However South Africa’s lack of return was a huge psychological win for Ireland. The Springbok’s turned down a number of kickable penalties in the hope of pushing for a five pointer. With their huge pack and position on the pitch who could blame them? Despite this energy sapping pressure, Ireland’s defence was incredible. The Boks finally conceded ‘defeat’ and on the stroke of half time choose to go for goal having exhausted all other avenues to get on the score board. Ireland led 6-3 at the break.

Try Time!

While clichéd as it sounds, Ireland couldn’t have asked for a better start after the interval. Tommy Bowe collected his own up and under and the ensuing attack saw Henshaw hack the ball down field which sat perfectly five metres from the Boks try line. Le Roux scrambled back to cover but could only prod it into touch. Ireland now had an attacking lineout on the Springbok’s door step. The ball went to the front of the lineout and after a quick maul and some miscommunication between South African scrum half Francois Hougaard and his pack, the Bok defence parted like the Red Sea and Ruddock cantered in. Sexton converted from out wide and Ireland led by 10.

Rhys Ruddock scores the games opening try

South Africa continued to lack the execution to convert huge amounts of possession into points as handling errors and poor discipline continued to cost them. However, it was never going to last forever and eventually after another successful lineout by commander in chief Matfield, the Boks got a good maul rolling and crossed the Irish line. Coetzee came up with the ball and the Boks were back into it. Sexton kicked another goal five minutes later but the game looked like it could swing either way as both sides looked to deal a killer blow. And so it came! On 67 minutes Kearney was taken out in the air by a swinging arm from South Africa’s substitute hooker Adrian Strauss and Poite referred it to the TMO Jim Yuille. After much consultation the referee decided to sin bin the hooker as Duane Vermeulen had only just been warned about a high tackle and the official had had enough.

One infringement too many…. Strauss was sent to the bin!

Ireland stretched their lead a few minutes later with another penalty from Sexton which put the home side nine points in the clear with only eight minutes remaining. However, the All Black encounter a year previous was still itched in the minds of many. Surely this Ireland team who since that match have won the Six Nations title could see this one out, couldn’t they?

The answer was yes. Ireland put the game to bed with a memorable try. Again, possession was coughed up by the Boks – a simple knock on, le Roux this time the culprit. From the ensuing scrum, Ireland went left. Sexton saw a ray of light in the defence as substitute scrum half Cobus Reinarch, with his handful of caps, showed the outhalf far too much room and the Lions pivot stepped back inside and gained huge ground. He was hauled down by the covering defence but Ireland were on the front foot and the damage had been done. Instead of continuing the attack down the left side where the Springbok’s were now desperately trying to cover, Conor Murray turned and chipped  the ball over everyone to the right hand side in what was very French esq in its flair. Although Bryan Habana tried desperately in vein to back track and cover his wing the damage was done and Tommy Bowe had the pace to gather the ball and dot down. The killer blow was dealt. Madigan kicked another goal a few minutes from time before South African substitute JP Pietersen scored a consolation try after a nice break from le Roux in the last play of the game.

 Contender for try of the season? Tommy Bowe’s try sealed the game in style

Squad Effort

Not many saw the game end the way it did. As 29-15 winners it wasn’t just the result that was so pleasing but the manner in which they won that is the greatest positive from the game. Ireland found a way to win, they adapted their game and their tactics were astute to say the least. On top of this Ireland can now positively say they have a squad and not just a team. With the way the modern game is, the ability of a team to have as wide a squad as possible is paramount. When one considers Ireland were missing the likes of Cian Healy, Rory Best, Sean O’Brien and Chris Henry in the pack alone, the future is certainly bright. On top of this the ‘new era’ centre pairing was hugely successful and a gamble well taken from Joe Schmidt. South Africa on the other hand were far from their best that saw them end the All Blacks record unbeaten run only a month ago. They missed Pienaar desperately as Hougaard and Pollard struggled to find their rhythm. Poor handling errors and a high penalty count also cost them dearly.

Huge respect. Paul O’Connell and Victor Matfield after the game

Turning Point: South Africa were possibly a bit hard done by the sin binning of Strauss but if you do what he did you leave yourself open to ten minutes in the naughty boy chair. It couldn’t of come at a worse point for the Boks and really took the wind out of their sails.

Man of the Match: There were many that put in stellar performances for Ireland. Paul O’Connell was pivotal in Ireland’s win and underlined his credentials as one of the best in the game. Rhys Ruddock did remarkably well given the little time he had to go from the bench straight into the cauldron like match. Conor Murray too put his hand up in another performance that must make him within the top two scrum half’s in the world right now. But it was Jonathan Sexton that was the difference. His kicking was immaculate as he struck six from six from the tee. On top of this he regularly pinned the Boks back with inch perfect kicks from hand and played a crucial role in the lead up to Bowe’s try.

 Man of the Match: Jonathan Sexton

The Score Card:

Ireland:  Try – Ruddock, Bowe. Conversions – Sexton (2). Penalties – Sexton (4), Madigan

South Africa: Try – Coetzee, Pieterson. Conversion – Pollard. Penalties – Pollard. Yellow Card – Adrian Strauss

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip 7 Rhys Ruddock, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Paul O’Connell, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Dave Kilkoyne, 18 Rodney Ah You, 19 Mike McCarthy, 20 Tommy O’Donnell, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Felix Jones.

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jan Serfontein, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Tebo Mohoje, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Bakkies Botha, 20 Schalk Burger, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 JP Pietersen.

Date: Saturday, November 8
Kickoff: 17:30
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant Referees: JP Doyle (England), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
TMO: Jim Yuille (Scotland)