Third in the world, seven wins in a row, 10 tries scored, four new caps. November 2017 was pretty damn successful for Ireland.
Ahead of the Guinness Series, an Irish fans wish-list would have included three victories, some exciting new talent getting a chance, further glimpses of an expansive, attacking game-plan and thrilling games. Joe Schmidt’s men ticked those boxes and are living up to their new tag as ‘the All Blacks of Europe’.
No trophies are handed out in November but Schmidt will be confident that the latest iteration of his Ireland team are building well and capable of pushing for the 2018 Sic Nations championship. Here are the four players that stood out for us.
Jacob Stockdale (Average rating: 9.5)
Right so, that’s the left wing spot sorted for the next eight years…
The fact that no-one was arguing when Stockdale was given the 11 jersey for the South Africa game only goes to show how rapid the Ulster winger’s rise has been. Made his provincial debut midway through 2015/16 but last season was his real breakthrough. This time out, he has accelerated the ascent.
Does all the chasing, harrying, tackling and vertical leaping that Joe Schmidt requires and still manages to be an absolute handful in attack. Three tries in two games and close to 200 metres made off 15 carries. Stepped up with a couple of solid defensive hits too.
Andrew Conway (Average rating 8.5)
All of a sudden Andrew Conway is an established Ireland international and one that has the backing of a thoroughly impressed public. Only made his Test debut back in March but looks an old hand already and, for a relatively small back, handled every thrown at him very well.
Was our man of the match against South Africa – try-saving tackles landed and one set up for Stockdale – and he did the exact same against Fiji, stopping big Jim Nagusa and teeing up Dave Kearney to score. Came off the bench against Argentina and made one superb aerial claim. Keith Earls has some competition for the 14 jersey.
Johnny Sexton (Average rating: 8)
We’ll make an admission first. We almost left Sexton out until we went back and watched some big moments again, in each of the games he played. We sometimes take for granted that we have one of the very best outhalves in modern rugby wearing that green No.10 jersey. We expect Sexton to be brilliant.
Against South Africa and Argentina, Sexton was electric. Both southern hemisphere sides were scared stiff by what he could do. He pulled out his full array of tricks and set up three tries. Goal-kicking has been class too.
Credit: RTEJoey Carbery was good against Fiji but when you watch Sexton at his best you watch a man operating on a higher plane.
CJ Stander (Average rating 8)
Welcome back big man.
Stander entered the Guinness Series under pressure from Jack Conan for his spot in the Heaslip-less Ireland back row. He answered any and every question thrown at him.
Was immense and hugely, confrontationally physical in the win over South Africa [turnover machine] and was tireless against Argentina. That Ireland back row is looking good for the 2018 Six Nations.
There must be honourable mentions, too, for Iain Henderson, Tadhg Furlong and Cian Healy as all three men averaged 8/10 from their November outings. Sean O’Brien and Bundee Aki were not far behind either.
All in all, Ireland look primed for a very positive 2018.
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