These moments definitely changed the game.
There was so much optimism going into Ireland’s clash with Wales.
Yes, it was expected to be a tight, attritional affair but many, this writer included, expected Ireland would pull away in the final quarter of the game, with the screw being firmly turned through the guidance of both Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton.
Unfortunately, both of those players didn’t have the influence they or any of us would have hoped.
Murray received a knock to his arm which ultimately led him to play on through the pain barrier, the quality of his passing taking a huge hit.
Sexton was off the field for considerable amounts of time, both through a head injury assessment (HIA) and a 10 minute sin-binning.
It was through Sexton’s absence that led to Wales’ and George North’s first try.
Paddy Jackson shot out of the defensive line too quickly which created a gap for Scott Williams to make his break.
Overexcited https://t.co/WYZRZEmzCr #WalvIRE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 10, 2017
This was something which Joe Schmidt mentioned to SportsJOE in the aftermath of last night’s game, citing how difficult it was for Jackson to get up to the speed of the game so quickly.
“Unfortunately we lost Johnny and we lost a little bit of leadership. You don’t need to give Scott Williams too many invitations to break the line. He hit a nice line on a good change up.
“We weren’t quite connected but it was very tough for Paddy. Just coming on to suddenly slot straight into that. Again, that’s a learning experience and I honestly think you can profit from that further down the line and that’s a challenge for us.”
Another major turning point in the match was Rory Best’s disallowed try in the second half. Ireland looked to have gotten themselves back in the game only for Robbie Henshaw to be penalised for joining the maul in front of the ball carrier, in this case, Best.
In all likelihood, the try would have been scored without Henshaw’s intervention which makes it even more difficult for the management to take.
“It’s hugely frustrating when you get over the line and get the ball down and a player who probably didn’t have a massive material effect gets sanctioned appropriately.
“Again he’s a young player who had a super game but you learn from those experiences and that was incredibly disappointing,” Schmidt said.
Crucial, crucial moments and ones which could have been avoided so easily.
