Talk about entertaining rugby matches. Okay, so we might not have had the “free-flowing champagne” rugby that certain quarters yearn for, but for sheer tension and not knowing what was going to happen this opener to the World Cup was more than sufficient. And 17-12 to Argentina! I’m delighra.
Although maybe I shouldn’t be. Will we now face a backlash from France. Had Les Bleus suffered their version of the “Croke Park nerves” that we suffered in the Six Nations, and if so will they try to do to us what we did to England? And is this just the boost that Argentina need? Now that they’ve proved “they exist” they’ll be aiming to push on and win all their pool matches.
I still have a good feeling about this RWC. I think we’ll do well. I was flicking between the coverage on TV3 and Setanta Sports and so caught both Denis Hickie and Eddie O’Sullivan giving their reaction. Hickie was his usual sensible self, saying that it would really affect the players, they have to concentrate on their own matches and playing the game the way they want to. They don’t want to have to worry about what other teams are doing. And O’Sullivan seemed to come away with positives. Of course there are also the negatives. How will our scrum hold-up against the French? Their maul was also quite impressive. Still, if they use the same full-back I’m sure ROG will fling up a couple of garryowens just like Argentina did. I don’t think that the Pumas will try the same thing against us, although I would like to see it, Dempsey would have a field day.
Roll on Sunday.
Well no, it wasn't a pretty game, but you wouldn't have missed it for the world would you?
But to be honest, the French lost it rather than the Pumas winning it. Argentina's line-out ball was atrocious and if they give Ireland that much possession they will be severely punished. And they tried the kick and run way too many times, although as long as it kept working for them why the hell not. But if they tried that against most decent teams they wouldn't get very far. And then there were France's two missed penalties which should have turned things their way.
It's going to be an interesting group now. But I think if Ireland want to win it they need to go all out for tries against the Pumas and try to pick up an extra point of their own.
i am disconsolate :(
lol, pretty is not a word I'd use Alan. And yes, France played poorly, but nevertheless a lot of credit must go to Argentina. Their defence in particular was very strong. The were constantly throwing their bodies into danger. But there is nothing hugely to worry us there. Doesn't mean we'll win, but it means we can.
JP, I feel your pain, but at least you got a bonus point eh?