So that’s how you play rugby these days… No complaints on the All Blacks. Even the Haka seemed played down somewhat. Though Nonu should have been yellow carded for that spear tackle. There’s little doubt the guy caught himself on half way through, but as with the brutal crunching of O’Driscoll, this kind of dangerous action should be stubbed out before it leaks downward to more junior levels in the game. I was disappointed that the Irish players seemed to be hanging on until half time before getting passionate, but then that’s been a feature of Irish games over the last two to three seasons. Glad the Ulster contigent got their go, albeit too late, at rustling up some pride. But they brought a combination of intelligence and passion that won Ireland’s only score. Can’t help feeling that Humphries’ golden years have been squandered by systematically ignoring his cool temperment and consistent kicking.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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