Side’s attack finds groove of Autumn Series, showcasing high-tempo, ball-in-hand game
Hanging tough when the going got rough, Ireland retained their composure to produce one of their three best halves of rugby since the World Cup. Hats off to England, they came with a plan and a purpose, sparking both the team and the crowd into life. Heck, even the atmosphere was good and a bonus point 27-22 win gives Ireland’s tilt at the title lift-off, yet with plenty to work on. Even the imperfections might be a good thing.
True, the opening half especially had echoes of the autumn, with Ireland making 23 handling errors to England’s 14, but that is also a consequence of the home side making more passes and offloads . But that first period had something to do with the slicker second one when Ireland were a little more direct and played a little closer to the gain line, as well as sharpening their kicking and aerial games.
If there was frustration in the crowd, it didn’t transmit to Prendergast and company, even when Ronan Kelleher’s finish was ruled out for Tadgh Beirne tugging Maro Itoje’s leg. Prendergast put Hansen through a hole outside Smith from Aki’s pull back for Baird to skittle Mitchell and Murley and this led to Smith being binned for England’s umpteenth offside.
And failing that, get the ball to Aki. After Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan had injected some immediate oomph off the bench, Prendergast’s skip pass to Aki on the left touchline was a beauty, and he skittled Smith and Mitchell before swivelling through Tommy Freeman. That’s why, more often than not, they pick Aki.
Ireland-Rugby England-Rugby Tadhg-Beirne Jamison-Gibson-Park Dan-Sheehan Bundee-Aki
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