The Leinster loosehead was stirring it up all match.
Andrew Porter sent another powerful message about his scrummaging and power-game during Ireland’s 31-7 win over Wales. He did it with a little help from his friends, though.
Ireland are now three wins from three in the 2024 Six Nations and the only side left chasing a Grand Slam, after England lost to Scotland in Edinburgh.
“I actually thought they [Wales] defended really well at times,” Farrell told reporters, after his side’s victory. “It was hard to break down but to get the bonus-point win, 31-7, I thought we should have been further up in the first half to be fair, but I do understand that this is a young Welsh side that’s trying to gain experience as well, and I thought they played bloody tough, that’s for sure.”
During a match in which he excelled in most facets, Andrew Porter also did a good job of getting under the skin of Gareth Thomas, his opposite number. During the second half, he flung Thomas’ boot away after it had slipped from the prop’s foot. There was a bit of jersey-grabbing and shoving before play raged on – Thomas was boot-less for three minutes before there was a break in play.
Andrew Porter v Gareth Thomas.
A short film in three acts.
🍿 #IREvWAL pic.twitter.com/QfUVzCHttN
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) February 24, 2024
Peter O’Mahony gives Andrew Porter a hand
During the match, supporters also picked up on how Peter O’Mahony gave Andrew Porter a helping hand during some of the scrums.
Eager to present a better picture to officials, O’Mahony reached up to keep the prop’s elbow during the scrums. It certainly did the trick:
O Mahony playing the captains role and doing the on field coaching.
Got to keep that elbow up if you want to stay alive at loosehead. pic.twitter.com/HxgXrETzDE
— Jim Demps (@jim_demps) February 24, 2024
Next up for Andrew Porter, Peter O’Mahony and the Irish scrum should be a tougher test against England, in Twickenham, next month.
The officials may be watching the Leinster loosehead with a touch more interest.
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