France… 17
Ireland… 38
Not all that long ago, while longingly looking at clubs like Kilmacud Crokes and Kilcoo and Ballygunnar and bemoaning the fact that one’s own entity are not at a similar plateau.
“Culture” explained a friend of mine with experience of playing and coaching in both GAA. “With them, it’s an in-built culture, names don’t matter”. The theory holds true when you consider the number of different players the great Gary Sice will have lined out with while garnering a horde of Galway SFC medals.
The same ideals very obviously prevail within Irish rugby. Life sans Sexton began in France on Friday night. Judging by the evidence, thankfully, it’s only the names in (and on) the jerseys which have changed. Because the same voracious workrate, uenchable belief in their own ability is still alive and well.
As evidenced by the efficiency with which Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne cruised in for tries which left the Irish 17-3 clear on the run in to half time. That in itself would’ve been a healthy enough position to be in.
But that in itself was bolstered when French lock Paul Willumse was sent off following a high collision with Caelan Dorris – just minutes after he should already have been given a straight red for an identical hit on Andrew Porter.
As often happens in these situations, Les Bleus did actually rally for a spell thereafter, notching a try on the call of half time and then full back Tomas Ramos lofting over a mighty penalty.
However, an Irish side still smarting from the heartache inflicted the last time they were on French soil were in no mood for leaving avenues open and when Porter, Dorris and Beirne effected huge turnovers in defence, the were ruthlessly turned into scores at the other end.
Six Nations newcomer Calvin Nash getting on the end of a brilliant move instigated by James Lowe. Then Dan Sheehan broke off a ruck from his own put in to sail over before his replacement Ronan Kelliher got in on the act to complete a record breaking, history making victory.
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