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Wed 06 Jun 2010Real value of recent tour will only become apparent in hindsight
ON RUGBY:Ireland should ideally have at least three players per position and, following the recent tour, they are closer to that goal than ever before, writes GERRY THORNLEY
WHEN IRELAND bridged a 61-year gap to win the Grand Slam just over a year ago, they did so with a brand of rugby that was clever, pragmatic and saw Irish rugby reach its holy grail. Of the six teams competing in the Six Nations, Ireland kicked the ball the most, and passed the least. They made a virtue of rolling with the punches for long stretches and then stealthily making the most of their forays upfield. It delivered in spades.
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