Pill report ireland

LONDON: Jonny May scored twice, including one of the all-time great individual Twickenham tries, as England delivered a defensive masterclass to beat an inexperienced Ireland 18-7 on Saturday and make it two wins out of two in the Nations Cup. The winger's two scores and two Owen Farrell penalties had England 18-0 ahead early in the second half and they then defended brilliantly until Jacob Stockdale crossed late on to reward Ireland for their worthy efforts. England top the group A standings on nine points with one game remaining away to Wales and remain on course for a potential competition decider at home against France or Scotland, who meet on Sunday. It was something of a strange performance from England, who were always in control but barely fired an attacking shot in the second half, seemingly content to display their impressive defensive organisation and aggression as Ireland banged away in midfield. Nonetheless, it was their fourth successive win over Ireland and … [Read more...] about Rugby-Spectacular May try helps England see off Ireland

LONDON: England coach Eddie Jones has reverted to his World Cup back row of Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Billy Vunipola to face Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday, a side he described as the best poaching team in Europe. The powerful trio are reunited for the second time since the World Cup final for the toughest game England have faced since the restart after easy wins over Italy and Georgia. Maro Itoje moves from number six to join Joe Launchbury in the second row.  Jonathan Joseph has recovered from a back problem to start on the wing, while flyhalf George Ford is on the bench after overcoming a foot injury. Ollie Lawrence, who barely got a touch last week, will hope for more involvement on his second start at outside centre, with Henry Slade inside him as part of the same backline that faced Georgia. The front row is also back to what would generally be considered Jones's first choice of Jamie George, Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler. "Ireland are the number one poaching … [Read more...] about England’s Jones reunites World Cup back row to face Ireland

REUTERS: Ireland winger Daryl Horgan has questioned the international eligibility rules that allow players to switch allegiances but said he has no hard feelings towards former team mate Declan Rice, who has opted to play for England. West Ham United's Rice was capped three times by Ireland and played twice alongside Horgan in 2018, before the English-born midfielder's switch was approved by global soccer body FIFA as all his international appearances were in friendlies. Horgan could face Rice when England take on Ireland in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday. "I wouldn't hold it against him. We all know how good a player he is. He's a very talented guy," Horgan was quoted as saying by the BBC. "It's one of those - he should never have been in that position in the first place. There should be stricter rules so that if you play a friendly, then that's that. "But the position presented itself, he was born in England, has lived in England all his life. I can understand it. He's … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Horgan understands Rice’s England switch but seeks stricter rules

DUBLIN: Ireland will allow shops, restaurants, gyms and pubs serving food to reopen next week, and permit travel between counties from Dec 18, to facilitate a "different but special" Christmas, Prime Minister Micheal Martin said on Friday (Nov 27). Ireland became one of first European countries to reimpose tough COVID-19 constraints six weeks ago when the government shut non-essential retail and limited pubs and restaurants to takeaway service under its highest level of restrictions. From Tuesday, however, the economy will begin to be one of the most open across Europe after a sharp cut in the 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 people to below 100, behind only Finland and Iceland across the continent. "We now have the opportunity to enjoy a different, but special Christmas. We can be with our loved ones and remember those we've lost. We will come through this together," Martin said in a televised address. Neighbouring England will also exit a national lockdown next week but … [Read more...] about Ireland to lift COVID-19 curbs ahead of many European countries

REUTERS: Flyhalf Billy Burns has been handed a first start for Ireland as they take on Georgia in their final Autumn Nations Cup Group A clash in Dublin on Sunday, while uncapped centre Shane Daly has been included on the bench. Burns, 26, has two appearances as a replacement after making his debut earlier this month and it was his clever chip that set up a try for Jacob Stockdale last time out against England. He will play alongside experienced scrumhalf Conor Murray. Stuart McCloskey will win a fourth cap at inside centre with Chris Farrell in the number 13 jersey, Stockdale at fullback, and Hugo Keenan and Keith Earls on the wings. Captain James Ryan leads from the second row along with Iain Henderson, while in front of them is hooker Rob Herring, and props Finlay Bealham and Andrew Porter. CJ Stander reverts to number eight at the back of the scrum, with flanks Tadhg Beirne and Will Connors. Daly is on the bench and in line for a debut in what is a 5-3 split between … [Read more...] about Flyhalf Burns earns first Ireland start against Georgia