It doesn't get much better, more so by beating the English to complete it. And they don't come much better than Johnny Sexton. During the game he also passed Ronan O'Gara's 6 Nations points tally, sealing his recognition as Ireland's GOAT. Like all masters of their professions, Sexton is a joy to watch. Sometimes he is worth the admission price on his own.
It was an excellent 6 Nations this year. France are back to being a top nation again, while Scotland continue to come on in leaps and bounds. Ireland's games against those 2 nations were really tense encounters, but Ireland came through to lift only their 4th ever Grand Slam. Ireland now sit as the number one team in the world rankings just 6 months before the start of the Rugby World Cup. Can they go on to lift the ultimate prize?
I have to admit to not being a die-hard lover of rugby. I was forced to play it at school as footy was off the menu at a Ulster grammar school in the 80s, but as I'm over 6 feet tall I was quite good at it and made the first team. I appreciate that only top level rugby is entertaining. At lower levels the games can be routine or one-sided, and in bad weather knock-ons completely ruin the games. Generally I only watch 6 Nations, World Cup and European Champions Cup games on TV, while attending the odd Ulster or Ireland game. That said, the 6 Nations can be epic, as during any given year 5 of the 6 nations can be in the ascendance.
Another thing I love about Irish rugby is that it annoys the b'jasus out of republicans and loyalists alike. It is largely responsible for giving me my Irish identity. Growing up in a unionist community in the 80s, identitfying as Irish wasn't the done thing, but playing in an all-Ireland sport made identifying as Irish something normal. Much to many republicans' and loyalists' chagrin! The sight of "Lundy" Henderson and "Plastic Paddy" Sexton singing Ireland's Call together is enough to send the haters straight to their Twitter accounts to rant. Long may it continue.
Long may Ireland's dominance in world rugby also continue. Head coach Farrell has a deep and experienced squad to choose from, having used more than 30 players in this season's championship. The average age is fairly young as well. Sexton, surely, will be be determined to end his reign by lifting the World Cup. This is the first time in my lifetime that the Northern Hemisphere sides have been superior to their Southern counterparts, but the All Blacks, South Africa and Australia are never easy to beat, especially at the World Cup. Ireland historically have never done well at the World Cup. Can we dare to dream? If Sexton can last the tournament, who would bet against us?
It was an excellent 6 Nations this year. France are back to being a top nation again, while Scotland continue to come on in leaps and bounds. Ireland's games against those 2 nations were really tense encounters, but Ireland came through to lift only their 4th ever Grand Slam. Ireland now sit as the number one team in the world rankings just 6 months before the start of the Rugby World Cup. Can they go on to lift the ultimate prize?
I have to admit to not being a die-hard lover of rugby. I was forced to play it at school as footy was off the menu at a Ulster grammar school in the 80s, but as I'm over 6 feet tall I was quite good at it and made the first team. I appreciate that only top level rugby is entertaining. At lower levels the games can be routine or one-sided, and in bad weather knock-ons completely ruin the games. Generally I only watch 6 Nations, World Cup and European Champions Cup games on TV, while attending the odd Ulster or Ireland game. That said, the 6 Nations can be epic, as during any given year 5 of the 6 nations can be in the ascendance.
Another thing I love about Irish rugby is that it annoys the b'jasus out of republicans and loyalists alike. It is largely responsible for giving me my Irish identity. Growing up in a unionist community in the 80s, identitfying as Irish wasn't the done thing, but playing in an all-Ireland sport made identifying as Irish something normal. Much to many republicans' and loyalists' chagrin! The sight of "Lundy" Henderson and "Plastic Paddy" Sexton singing Ireland's Call together is enough to send the haters straight to their Twitter accounts to rant. Long may it continue.
Long may Ireland's dominance in world rugby also continue. Head coach Farrell has a deep and experienced squad to choose from, having used more than 30 players in this season's championship. The average age is fairly young as well. Sexton, surely, will be be determined to end his reign by lifting the World Cup. This is the first time in my lifetime that the Northern Hemisphere sides have been superior to their Southern counterparts, but the All Blacks, South Africa and Australia are never easy to beat, especially at the World Cup. Ireland historically have never done well at the World Cup. Can we dare to dream? If Sexton can last the tournament, who would bet against us?
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports |
Very few loyalists have an interest in all island teams . I assumed they cheered for the Jocks or ( Anyone but Ireland ) . Celtic fans from Calendonia support Ireland over Scotland ! Rangers & Linfield diehards have a soft spot for the Three Lions #FunnyOldGames
ReplyDeleteNo Loyalist cheers for Scotland these days due to the actions of the SFA. I've no real interest in any other sport but football either.
DeleteInteresting to note the most highly decorated British soldier of WW2 was an Irish boxing champion and Lion when he wasn't obliterating Nazi's in North Africa.
Red Ron
ReplyDeleteIt's defo a class thing. I'm from a working class family but went to a grammar school where rugby, hockey and golf were all-Ireland games. To represent Ireland was the dream
In the case of Rory McIlroy , representing N I is his dream . Same goes for G Mc Dowell & the other golfers & snooker players up north .
ReplyDelete