Rugby: World Cup
It wasn’t pretty, but Ireland scraped their way past Italy to a third World Cup win yesterday evening at the Olympic Stadium and now remain on course to top pool D - if all goes well against the French of course. Either way, the result guarantees them a place in the last eight.
Joe Schmidt’s team had Keith Earls to thank as his first half try proved the difference in a laboured 16-9 win. Earls touched down after a line out steal by Peter O’Mahony and a fine offload by his fellow centre Robbie Henshaw - to become Ireland’s leading all-time World Cup try scorer.
Despite always remaining in control, Ireland were frustrated for long periods by a physical and resilient Italian challenge and after the game captain Paul O’Connell insisted the team must hold on to the ball more.
“For us it is about having the ball. At times we were inaccurate today. We turned the ball over as well with penalties which gave them access to our territory and put us under pressure.”
It was O'Connell's second row partner Iain Henderson who again stood tall and justified his continued selection - along with Rory Best he topped John O'Sullivan's player ratings for the game.
Soccer: Premier League
Manchester United were brought crashing back down to earth yesterday as they were dismantled by Arsenal at the Emirates - 3-0 down within the first half and had the Gunners been more ruthless it could have been more but Arsène Wenger’s side had to settle for just the three to make United’s long awaited return to the top of the table short-lived.
The big news breaking from across the pond last night though was that Liverpool have parted company with manager Brendan Rodgers - a nervous 1-1 draw with Everton in Goodison Park yesterday exposed the same defensive frailties which have epitomised the young manager’s tenure at the club, while the passing fluency of previous seasons was again absent. That result meant one win in nine - and so after three seasons under the 42-year-old’s reign the famous Anfield club are in search of a new manager again.
Golf
Greystones’ Paul Dunne can be pleased with his first tournament as a professional golfer - he earned €47,530 to join Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell in a tie for 19th place at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
What to watch out for
The Irish rugby team will be conducting a top table interview this morning - so keep an eye out for the latest injury news and the post-match verdict in the cold light of day.
Also team news will be coming in ahead of Tuesday and Wednesday’s RWC fixtures.
