Brilliant.
With Ireland clinching the Six Nations title and England falling to a whimpering defeat to France, there weren’t too many smiling faces in the BBC studio on Saturday evening. John Inverdale seemed to be on the brink of breaking down while Jeremy Guscott looked as disinterested as an eight-year-old sitting through Mass.
Paul O’Connell had plenty of reason to be cheerful, though. The former Ireland captain had just watched Joe Schmidt’s side getting the job done against Scotland, clinching the title and a fourth win in a row to set up a Grand Slam shot against England at Twickenham on St Patrick’s Day.
While Inverdale and co were intent on focusing on England, O’Connell had the last laugh with a thinly-veiled remark which suggested why England should, in theory, be considerably stronger than Ireland.
O’Connell reminded the BBC panel that Ireland only have four professional rugby teams compared to England’s 12, highlighting how much of an accomplishment it is that Ireland have such strength in depth.
“Joe [Schmidt] made five changes for the second Test down in South Africa in 2015,” O’Connell said. “When you think of an Irish team doing that in South Africa, they’ve developed great depth.”
As usual, O’Connell’s insightful, unbiased and erudite analysis and summaries attracted praise on social media.
Paul O'Connell got the fantastic last word on BBC Rugby after England lose in Paris. 'We have only four professional teams in Ireland, you know.' Knife and Twist.
— Bryan Gault (@gaultstats) March 10, 2018
Paul O’Connell is a shining star amongst the absolute shite that the BBC have to offer as Rugby punditry.
— Josh Rowe (@joshbrowe) March 10, 2018
Paul O’Connell is a shining star amongst the absolute shite that the BBC have to offer as Rugby punditry.
— Josh Rowe (@joshbrowe) March 10, 2018
Interesting dynamic in the BBC commentary box. Paul O'Connell a legend of the game with a terrific insight and analysis of the modern game mixed with Brian Moore, a pitbull with anger issues who lives for a Queen's Jubilee and St George's Day. #FRAvENG
— Dan (@Dan23_92) March 10, 2018
Paul O'Connell has been superbly unbiased in his commentary today. Inside he's like #FRAvENG pic.twitter.com/htYYHGVH0t
— G1llyW1lly (@GillHayward1) March 10, 2018
I really like Paul O’Connell’s commentary. He’s considered and sincere with none of the pomposity or hyperbole that make so many rugby commentators a total yawn-fest
— Lucy Douglas (@lucydougtweets) March 10, 2018
O’Connell elaborated on why he thought England lost to France on Saturday, saying Eddie Jones’ side lacked physicality.
“At times I think England today, because they are trying to play so much shape with the out-the-back passes, there isn’t a lot of physicality to how they are playing.”
It’s easy to dislike how the BBC cover England, but it’s almost impossible to dislike O’Connell.
Unfortunately, England v Ireland is on ITV so we won’t see Inverdale’s expression if Ireland capture the Grand Slam.
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