IRELAND & CHEIKA

[England87]

Brilliant coaching by Chieka, how many one-on-one steals did Lebanon have? Hopefully, risk-averse NRL coaches take notice of how to maintain a share of possession.

So impressed with the Cedars' shape on both sides of the ruck, consistently dangerous by applying mental fatigue to an Irish side who assumed they would be playing 5 hit-ups and a kick for 80 minutes.

Obviously, Moses is one of the top 5 halves in the tournament but everyone else knew where to be in attacking sets. I can't say the same of any of the other tier 2 nations who are just relying on big-man talent and second-phase footy.

Personally, it is a shame Ireland has bowed out as they have a real potential in becoming the 'Tonga of Europe' with Irish migration & identity in the North of England. Keary aside, their squad has more than a handful of genuinely talented full-time pros. The King's are arguably top 5 in their positions in Super League, Bentley has been at dream team level this season and Myler was in decent form. Oh well.

Hopefully, they keep it respectable against the Kiwis.

 

[Irish-bulldog]

Brilliant coaching by Chieka, how many one-on-one steals did Lebanon have? Hopefully, risk-averse NRL coaches take notice of how to maintain a share of possession.

So impressed with the Cedars' shape on both sides of the ruck, consistently dangerous by applying mental fatigue to an Irish side who assumed they would be playing 5 hit-ups and a kick for 80 minutes.

Obviously, Moses is one of the top 5 halves in the tournament but everyone else knew where to be in attacking sets. I can't say the same of any of the other tier 2 nations who are just relying on big-man talent and second-phase footy.

Personally, it is a shame Ireland has bowed out as they have a real potential in becoming the 'Tonga of Europe' with Irish migration & identity in the North of England. Keary aside, their squad has more than a handful of genuinely talented full-time pros. The King's are arguably top 5 in their positions in Super League, Bentley has been at dream team level this season and Myler was in decent form. Oh well.

Hopefully, they keep it respectable against the Kiwis.

Chieka is coaching well, and they have a talented squad, they have for the last 7 years or so, it should be strong for the next 20 years with migration to western Sydney.

but Ireland were disappointing to be honest, beat themselves today, they just didn’t have those powerful backs bringing the ball out, they couldn’t hold the ball, and by the looks of things were out coached. I really hope Ireland get there shit together

 

[Perth Red]

Watching the Ireland kiwi game now 30mins in and Ireland are performing admirably against a kiwi monster pack, arguably the best forwards group ever assembled. They play with a lot of passion Ireland.

 

[Irish-bulldog]

Watching the Ireland kiwi game now 30mins in and Ireland are performing admirably against a kiwi monster pack, arguably the best forwards group ever assembled. They play with a lot of passion Ireland.

Irelands backs just have no punch bringing the ball out, and some of the forwards just look that level below where it needs to be, they tried hard no doubt, but even Lebanon exposed them in the backs in my opinion.