“In Ireland’s green, he is playing with a real spring to his game.”
Given that Peter O’Mahony and Ireland were up against only 13 Italian players for over an hour, on Sunday, most of their players were always going to be hard-pressed to get lasting credit.
Italy are winless in the Six Nations since 2015. Even though they show good patches of play and are giving runs to promising youngsters, every other nation is expected to beat the Azzurri and take a try-scoring bonus point while they are at it.
Add to that Italy losing two players in one fell swoop after the red card received by Hame Faiva, and some Irish players could run in a 50-minute hat-trick and muster only a raised eyebrow. Ireland, falling into that trap of going wide quickly when facing a depleted opposition, then put in a hot and cold performance. They won 57-6 but their performance was error- and penalty-strewn.
It is probably no great surprise, then, to learn that only one Ireland player has made the Six Nations ‘Team of the Week’ selected by Stuart Barnes in Rugby World.
On the latest House of Rugby URC [LISTEN from 2:30 below], Leinster and Ireland outhalf Ross Byrne highlighted some of the better Irish performances with hosts Greg O’Shea and Megan Williams.
Michael Lowry, centre, celebrates with Ireland teammate Peter O’Mahony. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile)Stuart Barnes selects nine France stars in ‘Dream Team’
France and Ireland shared 10 positions in the Stuart Barnes’ XV after round two of the championship, and their thrilling clash in Paris.
Both nations share 10 positions again, for round three, but this time France boss the split 9:1. Fabien Galthie’s side ran Scotland ragged, at Murrayfield, to stay on course for a Grand Slam.
Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony, who had a decent outing against Italy, is their sole inclusion.
“In the loose,” writes Barnes, “the Munster blindside has added an edge to his game to go with his renowned bite in defence and unquestioned excellence at the lineout.”
Italy captain Michele Lamaro makes the former Bath and England star’s team, with England and Wales sharing two places apiece.
STUART BARNES’ 6 NATIONS ‘DREAM TEAM’
15. Freddie Steward (England)
14. Damian Penaud (France)
13. Gael Fickou (France)
12. Jonathan Danty (France)
11. Yoram Moefana (France)
10. Marcus Smith (England)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)1. Cyril Baille (France)
2. Julian Marchand (France)
3. Uini Antonio (France)
4. Will Rowlands (Wales)
5. Paul Willemse (France)
6. Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
7. Michele Lamaro (Italy)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
