A win may be a win, but Ireland’s 26-3 victory over the Italians failed to impress some English newspapers
Depending on which publication you read, Ireland’s performance in their Six Nations opener was either indicative of a team that could retain the championship or it was an ominous sign of inevitable failure.
The Guardian was critical of the Boys In Green, claiming that their usual brand of technical passing had been replaced with a more basic, uninspiring form of rugby. According to the broadsheet, this does not bode well for their championship hopes.
Joe Schmidt’s teams are renowned for their intricate set plays but in the end there was nothing complicated about this. Keep the ball and make the opposition tackle. Even that was beyond them for large stretches of this match – pretty much the entire first half, for a start – and if Ireland spill as much ball as this against better opposition the defence of their title may yet come unstuck.
Meanwhile, the Telegraph saw the glass half full. They praised the Irish for their superior fitness and even went as far as to say that they could potentially retain the trophy.
Showing great potential for a second successive title in the absence of Brian O’Driscoll, to turn on the afterburners.
Talk of their first back-to-back championships since 1983 does not seem in the least premature.
The Independent were harshly critical of what they saw as a sub-par performance from the Boys In Green.
Ireland’s management were just as stern-faced despite victory, because the visitors never found any control or fluency at the Stadio Olimpico.
They suggested that the lack of points scored might prove to be costly for Ireland when it comes to the business end of the championship.
Ireland may live to regret not racking up a bigger score against the lowly Italians, who tend to crack as tournaments progress.
Should this year’s Six Nations come down to points difference, just as last year, the Irish may rue not pushing the envelope somewhat once this game broke up.
Finally, The Daily Mail were a little bit more positive about Ireland’s victory, admitting that the team showed character to get the win against a grueling Italian defence. They commended the side on their dominant display in the second half.
An underwhelming Ireland won a desperate Test match against a desperate Italy with a bit to spare and now we can all get on with the serious business of hyping up the big game of Ireland’s opening two rounds, next Saturday’s visit of France to Dublin.
Ireland’s second-half energy was a good sign after overcoming the general rustiness of their 11-week break since rounding off their November sweep by beating Australia.
