Ireland's scrum has generally been pretty solid through this World Cup, even if it creaked at times against France last Sunday.
By far our shakiest day out was against Italy when the players, or Joe Schmidt, didn't seem to understand how the scrum was being refereed by Jerome Garces and his officials.
So this evening's news that the Frenchman will take charge of Sunday's clash with Argentina is unlikely to be too pleasing to the Kiwi or Ireland's front row.
Schmidt was hugely critical of Garces after the pool win over Italy when the referee appeared to change his mind on various scrum decisions.
The reaction to his appointment online has been mixed
https://twitter.com/buck_mitchell/status/653982568820441088
https://twitter.com/KavanaghCk/status/653980307876638720
https://twitter.com/Roarzz/status/653978677273866240
Although if Johnny Sexton is fit then he might not be all that bad.
https://twitter.com/RugbyRefscom/status/653881495744983040
A lot of positives but more negatives… Ireland were 42-12 winners against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium this evening, but that score arguably flattered the visitors. There were a number of top quality outings, in what was a hugely encouraging night for Andy Farrell’s charges. Andrew Porter – 8 Immense shift. Scrum went well, his […]
Ireland are back! Follow all the big talking points here, as Ireland take on Argentina in their Nations Championship clash at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 8.10pm).
We cannot wait! Head coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland 23 to take on Argentina in their Nations Championship clash this Friday at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 8.10pm). There are a couple of surprises in the starting XV, with Craig Casey handed a rare start ahead of talisman Jamison Gibson-Park, while Ulster’s Nick Timoney […]