Kildare stars shine bright in famous Irish win over England
Jamie Osborne scores a simply sensational try as Ireland demolished England on Saturday in London. Photo: INPHO
Ireland’s best performance in two years delivered their biggest ever win over England in Twickenham on Saturday, as Andy Farrell’s men ran in five tries to win 42-21.
A huge defensive effort from Ireland in the opening quarter coupled with a clinical attack saw the visitors lead 10-0 after 20 minutes, and amazingly they moved 22-0 up with just half an hour on the clock.
England got on the board just before half time, but Ireland produced another sensational 40 minutes in the second half to pull away from England and put Farrell’s men back in contention for the title, albeit needing at least one of Scotland or England to somehow beat the French.
In a game where all 23 Irishmen put in simply sensational performances, the four Kildare players involved each played hugely important roles.
Another unbelievable effort from the Eadestown man, who narrowly missed out on the Man of the Match distinction to Jamison Gibson-Park.
He set the tone early with a lineout steal and cleverly popped the ball to Gibson-Park to allow the scrum half to race in for the opening try.
Once again, Beirne produced some incredible turnover ability, and also completed 17 tackles around, second only to Caelan Doris.
The Naas man continues to grown into the Irish 15 jersey week on week, and had easily his best ever game at full back on Saturday. He made seven carries, five tackles, and added an air of confidence to the backline under the high ball. Although there is still a question mark over his kicking.
He saw yellow following England’s second try for not rolling away, but returned from the sin bin refreshed and soon finished off an outstanding team move to score Ireland’s final try. It was arguably the score of the game, with the build-up play and finish described on commentary as “Harlem Globetrotters stuff.”
The Athy man picked a fine day to deliver his best performance for Ireland. He was under enormous pressure at the scrum, but held up well under intense pressure from Joe Hayes, and like his prop partner Tadhg Furlong, coughed up just one scrum penalty.
He is quickly beginning to improve around the park, as his skills and fitness have gone up a level since going into camp. The Munster man made an important block that helped Dan Sheehan cross for Ireland’s bonus-point try, and made a total of four tackles and four carries.
There was one one moment to forget, however, when an unlucky forward pass drew the ire of his provincial teammate Jack Crowley.
Having not played since his start against France in Round 1, the Connacht captain was called into the team just an hour before kick-off to to replace Jack Conan on the replacement’s bench, with the Leinster man unable to shake off and “illness” in time for the game.
Prendergast came into the back row for the last 20 minutes and claimed a defensive lineout in his very first act.
He carried on where he left off against France, making tackles, making carries and smashing rucks.
The famed fallow week has arrived as players from all six countries take a well-deserved break, though some will be returning to play for their clubs this weekend.
After that, Round 4 sees Wales make the trip to Dublin on the back of a heroic performance of their own which saw them go right to the wire with Scotland in a game that they somehow led for over 70 minutes.
It will be fascinating to see what changes Farrell makes to for that game, and if Sam Prendergast will play any part.
