Andy Farrell’s team have made a blistering start to this year’s tournament.
Ciarán Kennedy EVEN THOUGH ANDY FARRELL described parts of Sunday’s dominant six-try defeat of Italy as “clunky”, the Ireland head coach didn’t look too stressed as he went through his post-match duties.
Much of this is down to an improved return at the lineout. Ireland have been 100% off their own throw across the opening two rounds and in Marseille, the lineout proved the source of all five tries. Advertisement Ireland’s attack has been exciting to watch but Farrell might be even more pleased with their defensive effort. The shut-out against Italy represented the first time Ireland have nilled a team in the Five or Six Nations since 1987 and having conceded just two tries in France, their defensive record in the competition remains highly impressive – Ireland have conceded just 12 tries across their last 12 outings in the Six Nations.
While his three missed conversions on Sunday will have been a point of frustration, Crowley is generally reliable off the tee so it should be no major concern for now. The 22-year-old lock was a sensation in France, marking his first Six Nations start with an authoritative performance that made him the hottest young prospect in Irish Rugby.
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