TheCity

Tag: Johnny Sexton

  • Rugby’s changing its attitudes towards concussions

    Rugby’s changing its attitudes towards concussions

    Finally it seems common sense has prevailed, as players are no longer allowed play the “hero” when they have sustained head injuries on the field of play. The power is now firmly in the hands of team doctors and referees.

    This was on full display in Ireland’s final game of the autumn series against Australia, where four Irish players Johnny Sexton, Gordon Darcy, Rob Kearney and Conor Murray were assessed for concussion. Murray’s case was particularly telling however as the player clearly didn’t want to come off after receiving an Australian knee to the head.

    Dr Eanna Falvey the Irish team doctor took control however, and made sure that proper protocols were observed before allowing the Irish scrumhalf to re-enter the game.

    Despite the potential repercussions at such a critical juncture in the game, taking a player out of the game in this instance sends out a very positive message to the rugby world.

    High profile instances like this are vital in order to change the culture within rugby and put player safety number one.

    Rugby still has a ways to go however, for example Ireland’s and Ulster’s Luke Marshall sustaining four concussions between March 2013 and February 2014 was not acceptable.

    Perhaps the IRB can learn from the NFL who were recently hit with an $675m concussion settlement with an additional $112m in player’s lawyer fees.

    This has resulted in much stricter protocols in regards to concussions especially in regards to a player suffering multiple concussions in a season. All players that suffer suspected concussions are automatically taken into the locker room for assessment and in most cases are ruled out of the remainder of the game.

    Although rugby’s process for assessing concussions on the pitch are up to scratch, perhaps they should take a leaf out of the NFL’s book in regards to multiple cases. Cleveland Tight End Jordan Cameron has missed a month of action after suffering multiple concussions this season in direct contrast to how Luke Marshall was treated.

    I’ve talked to Eoin Cremen who is the physio for Seapoint RFC who compete in Division 2A of the AIL. He told me how he had the power to remove a player from the pitch if they have suffered a concussion.

    He also said how awareness has made his job much easier as a referee’s can now request a player leave the field for assessment if deemed necessary. He outlined how attitudes are changing but it is an ongoing process as medics have little precedent due to rugby still being in early years of professionalism making it necessary to learn on a case-by-case basis.

  • Ireland see off Australia in epic clash

    Ireland see off Australia in epic clash

    IMG-20141122-WA0004

    Ireland saw off Australia 26-23 in what was their sternest test of the Autumn Series.

    The victory ensured Ireland completed a clean sweep in the November Internationals and as the third ranked side in the world, they will go into next year’s World Cup as one of the favourites.

    After a dream start saw Joe Schmidt’s charges go 17-0 up inside fifteen minutes the Irish side had to quell a ferocious comeback by the Aussies whose off the cuff style was on full display.

    Australia dominated the early exchanges with a number of excursions into the Irish 22, however, excellent use of the choke tackle so effective against the Wallabies in the past, meant the Irish defense held up. After an infringement in the ruck, Johnny Sexton was able to kick the first points of the evening after six minutes.

    Sexton missed his next attempt, however another successful deployment allowed Rory Best to rip possession away from the Aussie maul. Eventually, the ball was recycled to Johnny Sexton and after spotting the inexperienced Henry Speights out of position, he sent Simon Zebo clear with a kick to the corner.

    Just two minutes later as Australia were knocking on the door, Tommy Bowe, reminiscent of his effort at the World Cup three years ago, stepped out of the line to intercept a pass from Nick Phipps, only this time he took it to the house and after Sexton added the extras Ireland held a 17-0 lead.

    Just four minutes later Australia were on the board as a loose pass from Zebo was tipped and intercepted by Phipps, who avoided the Irish cover and touchdown atoning for his earlier error.

    Just five minutes later, Australia were over again with fly half Bernard Foley. After consulting with his TMO, the referee awarded the try making the score 17-12 after Foley shanked the conversion.

    Ten minutes later, Australia crossed again as Phipps went over for his second of the day after a free flowing move that was worthy of an IRB try of the year nomination.

    Another miss from Foley meant the game stayed level and after the teams traded late first half penalties it was 20-20 at the interval.

    After a free flowing first half the second half was a much more tense affair as the defences took a grip on proceedings.

    After an infringement in the ruck, Johnny Sexton was afforded the opportunity to restore the Irish lead and duly obliged with a monster kick from just inside Australia’s half. However, just three minutes later a Bernard Foley kick ensured the sides were level again. Amazingly, this was the last points the Aussies would get.

    Both sides were now trying to impose themselves on the game, but it was Ireland that were dominating territory. This brought about an audacious drop goal attempt from the 10 meter line which agonizingly rebounded of the inside of the upright.

    However, a couple of minutes later, Johnny Sexton punished another Aussie infringement with a long-range penalty, restoring the Irish lead.

    With heavyweights Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper and Will Genia all on the field Ireland were holding on for dear life and with some stout defending, forced a number of key knock-ons, which allowed for the clock to tick down.

    Finally, a penalty against Adam Ashley Cooper for not releasing allowed Ian Madigan to boot the ball into touch as time expired for a final score 26-23.

     

  • Ireland dig deep to takedown South Africa 32-15

    Ireland dig deep to takedown South Africa 32-15

    IMG-20141110-WA0003

    Joe Schmidt’s charges are off to a flyer in the Autumn Internationals after humbling the Springboks.

    Knowing they couldn’t take on the South Africans in an arm-wrestle, Ireland played a very containing game in the first half dominating possession. This dominance was not entirely reflected on the scoreboard but thanks to a couple of Johnny Sexton penalties Ireland held a narrow 6-3 lead at the interval.

    Having contained the much fancied Springboks in the first half Ireland made a dream start to the second half as Rhys Ruddock, a late replacement for Chris Henry, slid in for the games opening try within two minutes. After Johnny Sexton nonchalantly slotted over the extras from the corner it became a two-possession game 13-3.

    After imposing their physicality South Africa eventually managed to breach the Irish defense for their opening try after 57 minutes, when Marcell Coetzee applied the finishing touches to an attacking maul.

    South Africa were clearly the dominant side at this stage as Ireland’s tackle count started to grow, however after some stout defending Johnny Sexton yet again punished a South African infringement at the breakdown with an excellent kick.

    Just three minutes later after clashing with Rob Kearney in the air, replacement South African hooker Adriaan Strauss was sin binned by referee Romain Poite who had consulted his TMO, a major turning point in the game.

    With ten minutes to go Ireland started to turn the screw as the new centre partnership of Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne showed their potential as they threatened to break through for a try. However cynical play by the South Africans in the ruck resulted in another penalty which was duly slotted over by Johnny Sexton making it yet again a two-possession game 19-10.

    Just two minutes later Ireland were again knocking on the door of the South African 22, After a few near misses earlier in the game Connor Murray caught out South Africa’s flat defense as he sent Tommy Bowe clear with a grubber kick for a try in the corner. In his last act before making way for Ian Madigan Johnny Sexton slotted over the extras in what was a flawless kicking display and ultimately man of the match performance.

    Madigan also got his name on the score sheet with a cracking penalty from 45 meters before some slack Irish defending allowed Willie La Roux to send JP Pietersen clear for a consolation try and final score 29-15, but no one other than perfectionist Joe Schmidt really minded. Unfortunately it also meant Ireland fell just four points short of their largest ever margin of victory over the Springboks.

  • 4 Reasons For Irish Rugby Fans To Feel Positive

    4 Reasons For Irish Rugby Fans To Feel Positive

    Irish rugby took a significant step toward forgetting last year’s horrific campaign with a 40-9 victory over a disappointing Samoa on Saturday.

    Joe Schmidt’s first game in charge could not have gone better, though the New Zealander was eager to dampen enthusiasm and described his side’s performance as “untidy” but “earnest” in a post-match interview.

    Regardless of Schmidt’s views, Ireland’s performance showed there are indeed several reasons to feel positive going into this season’s 6 Nations.

    Debutantes have a Ball

    Schmidt handed a starting debut to Jack McGrath in place of Cian Healy, while Dave Kearney made his first Ireland appearance as a substitute in the 60th minute. McGrath went on to win the RTÉ Man-of-the-Match while Kearney scored a try five minutes after being introduced, following it up with a second 13 minutes later.

    McGrath’s performance in an impressive scrum, as well as his work in the loose, means Cian Healy will now have to fight the 24-year-old for the loosedhead position at both provincial and national level.

    Captain Fantastic

    Last season much focus was given (undeservedly) to Jamie Heaslip’s captaincy, critics pointing to his perceived lack of form or experience as proof the decision was a mistake. There can be no such discussion this time round, with the talismanic Paul O’Connell chosen to lead his country. Though Heaslip captained the side on Saturday due to O’Connell starting on the bench, the Munster second-row was introduced in the second-half and had a telling impact as Ireland scored three tries in that period.

    However, with Heaslip and Munster captain Peter O’Mahony in the team alongside former Ireland captains Brian O’Driscoll and Rory Best, there will no shortage of leaders in the dressing room.

    Strength in Depth

    The calibre of the replacements available to Ireland on Saturday was great to see, especially after the previous injury-ravaged campaigns. The fact that the match-day squad was missing quality players such as Simon Zebo, Johnny Sexton, Stephen Ferris and Luke Marshall is testament to the resources available to the national manager.

    Added to that, Paddy Jackson’s performance confirmed the fact that Ireland can now call on three top-quality No. 10’s. After years of needing utility-man Paddy Wallace to act as cover for Ronan O’Gara, there is a genuine competition for places with Jackson, Sexton and (despite his current situation at Leinster) Ian Madigan all vying for a starting berth.

    The Man in Charge

    Schmidt’s post-match comments made clear he will not be getting carried away after one match. Singling out Brian O’Driscoll, Irish rugby’s Messiah, shows that the Kiwi will not be phased by big names or past achievements.

    The fact that two of the manager’s substitutions converted three of the teams five tries highlighted his tactical nous, Sean O’Brien with a trademark barn-storming run over the line five minutes into the second half. Dave Kearney will draw great confidence from his cameo, while the selection of O’Connell as captain and his decision to start Jackson over Madigan will prevent any whispers of a Leinster bias from the former Leinster manager.