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Late try gives Ireland bonus-point 31-7 win over Wales

Ireland achieved a bonus-point victory over Wales in the Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

With two tries in each half from the home side, and a perfect goal-kicking performance from Jack Crowley today, Andy Farrell’s men maintained their grip on this season’s Championship.

Wales’ only score of the game was a penalty try awarded by referee Andrea Piardi, but despite the final scoreboard, it was far from Ireland’s best performance under Farrell.

Ireland dominate territory and possession early on

Jack Crowley opened the scoring in the 6th minute of this Guinness Six Nations Championship game, the 125 time Ireland and Wales clashed in the Five/Six Nations Championship, when successfully kicking a penalty from 42m out.

With Ireland dominating territory (74%) and possession (69%) in the opening 15 minutes, the home side would not be happy to have only a penalty separating the sides at that stage of the game.

Fourth try of the Championship for Sheehan

Dan Sheehan, with three tries already in this season’s championship, added another when crashing over in the 20th minute. With Ireland successfully winning the line out, the green maul drove for the Welsh line, but with the defending side struggling to cope, Sheehan touched down for the five-pointer, much to the relief of the anxious Irish crowd.

Jack Crowley made it two successful kicks at the posts from two, as he added the conversion for a 10-0 advantage to Ireland.

James Lowe settles nervous Irish crowd

Winger James Lowe settled the nerves of the home crowd even further when scoring his 14th international try on 32 minutes.

Ireland had Wales under pressure for the preceding two minutes, with the men from the principality stoutly defending on their own line. Ireland had won the lineout but Wales held their line and forced the home side to go all the way right to Calvin Nash, before playing the ball back to the opposite wing to Lowe.

With only one defender to beat, Lowe easily touched the ball down, before Crowley maintained his 100% record at kicking for the posts this afternoon, dissecting the posts this time from a more difficult angle.

With the extra two points added, Andy Farrell’s side were ahead 17-0 by the half-time break.

Half-time: Ireland 17 Wales 0

Penalty-try for Wales as Beirne sin-binned

Tadhg Beirne was sent to the sin bin in the 43rd minute as Wales drove for the Irish line. The Ireland number 5 was found guilty of illegally binding to prevent Wales progressing toward the home side’s line.

Referee Andrea Piardi, the first Italian to referee a Guinness Six Nations game, consulted with his TMO to see if Warren Gatland’s side had grounded the ball. With TV footage unclear of a successful grounding, the Italian awarded a penalty try to the visitors, reducing Ireland’s lead to 10 points.

First international try for Frawley

Ireland sucked in the Welsh defence on 67 minutes, allowing fullback Ciaran Frawley to race in for his first International try, on only his third senior International appearance. The UCD man found himself unmarked as he crossed the line and raced behind the post to score.

Jack Crowley had his easiest kick of the day, and his conversion put Ireland 24-7 ahead just over 10 minutes to play.

James Ryan sat out the final 4 minutes of the game in the sin bin as Ireland conceded three consecutive penalties, with Wales camped on the Irish try-scoring line. Despite their best effort Warren Gatland’s side failed to score, with Cian Healy and Ronan Kelleher working in unison to hold up the Welsh-attempted touch down.

Bonus-point try for Tadhg Beirne

With Andy Farrell’s men in search of a fourth, and bonus-point try, Tadhg Beirne, who had been yellow carded earlier in the game, found himself at the end of a great team effort as he achieved the crucial score with the clock in red.

Crowley, who had been perfect kicking all afternoon, ended the game with another successful conversion, giving Ireland a 31-7 bonus-point victory over Wales.

Ireland improve record against Wales

Ireland are now unbeaten at home against Wales in their last six Guinness Six Nations Championship fixtures, a new record, with wins in 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2022, and a draw in 2016.

The Irish team is now three wins from three in the 2024 Championship, and will head to Twickenham next to play England, before the final game against Scotland back in Dublin next month.

Full-time: Ireland 31 Wales 7

Oleksandr Usyk’s blueprint: How the Ukrainian plans to beat Tyson Fury in the Ring of Fire showdown

As the countdown to the ‘Ring of Fire’ showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury intensifies ahead of their rearranged May 18 date, the anticipation among boxing enthusiasts reaches a fever pitch.

The ‘Gypsy King’ is the favourite in Fury vs Usyk odds as he aims to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, but Usyk has overcome underdog status before and can do so again.

The Ukrainian maestro, often referred to as ‘The Cat’, has outlined his approach for this historic clash at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Usyk’s strategic blueprint revolves around a philosophy that values speed and agility over sheer weight.

“To win this, I don’t need to be heavy, I need to be fast, and quick,” he said.

“You never see a fat wolf in the forest.”

It’s a bit of an unusual analogy from Usyk, but read on as we break it down further and get a better understanding of what he is trying to say.

Usyk’s philosophy

Usyk’s statement encapsulates his core philosophy heading into the Ring of Fire bout — an emphasis on agility and quickness rather than relying solely on the traditional attributes associated with heavyweight boxers.

While many expected Usyk to bulk up when he made the transition from cruiserweight to heavyweight, his dedication to maintaining speed sets him apart — aligning with his belief in the nimbleness of a predator like a wolf.

Speed and agility

Throughout his career, Usyk has been renowned for his exceptional footwork, quick reflexes, and ability to move in and out of range effortlessly.

These attributes were key in his victories over Anthony Joshua, showcasing a boxing IQ that nullified the power of his opponent.

Usyk’s strategic approach against Fury is built on the foundation of leveraging his speed advantage, aiming to outmanoeuvre the larger opponent and create openings for precise counter-attacks.

Height disadvantage turned advantage

The analogy of a “fat wolf in the forest” reflects Usyk’s belief that excess weight can be a hindrance rather than an asset.

Standing at a large height and weight disadvantage against the towering 6ft 9in, 270lbs Fury, Usyk (6ft 3in and 220lb) sees his lighter frame as an advantage in maintaining mobility and elusiveness.

Usyk is aiming to use his agility to avoid taking unnecessary punishment and not allowing the heavier Fury to lean on him while capitalising on openings.

Studying the Francis Ngannou bout

Usyk and his team have undoubtedly analysed Tyson Fury’s recent performances, particularly his bout against Francis Ngannou.

Fury faced adversity in that fight, being knocked down in the third round by the former UFC heavyweight champion.

The Ukrainian’s camp will have meticulously dissected the moments when Ngannou breached Fury’s defence, seeking insights into potential vulnerabilities to exploit.

—

As Usyk prepares to face Tyson Fury in the ‘Ring of Fire,’ his strategic blueprint emphasises speed, agility, and a refusal to conform to the traditional expectations of a heavyweight boxer.

Usyk’s philosophy of staying light on his feet, akin to a wolf navigating a forest, sets the stage for an intriguing clash of styles.

The world eagerly awaits to witness whether the Ukrainiancan translate his strategic vision into a historic victory to upset the boxing odds on May 18, as he aims to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the

All three Irish sailors secure spots in Gold fleet with top 20 finishes at European championships

All three Irish sailors secure spots in Gold fleet with top 20 finishes at European championships

The ILCA European Championships in Athens witnessed improved wind conditions today, enabling all three Irish sailors to advance to the Gold fleet final round, set to conclude the event tomorrow.

In the fiercely contested ILCA 7 class, serving as the selection trials for the sole Irish spot in the Paris 2024 Men’s single-handed event, Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) demonstrated resilience after a challenging start, securing a third and a race win as wind conditions picked up during the afternoon.

Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club), Lynch’s contender for the Olympic berth, also delivered a strong performance with third and seventh-place finishes, along with a 20th place, positioning both sailors comfortably within the criteria for the fleet final round.

While the weather-disrupted schedule led to the cancellation of the Olympic-style medal race for the top ten boats, Eve McMahon (Howth YC), already confirmed for Paris 2024, showcased improvement in her overall position in the ILCA6 championship, currently standing at 14th place.

James O’Callaghan, Irish Sailing’s Performance Director, emphasized the significance of the ongoing process and the depth of talent at the senior level, anticipating further shifts on the final day depending on the number of races conducted.

Coach Annalise Murphy, guiding Eve McMahon’s training focus on starting tactics, expressed satisfaction with the progress despite the challenging conditions, highlighting the potential for McMahon to achieve notable results at the senior level within a relatively short timeframe.

Final Score: Blackrock College 25 – 3 Cistercian College Roscrea

Blackrock College vs. Cistercian College Roscrea: Leinster Schools Senior Cup Quarter-Final

In a thrilling encounter at Energia Park, Blackrock College demonstrated their dominance in the second half to secure a convincing victory over a resilient Cistercian College Roscrea side in the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup quarter-final. Niall Smyth emerged as the hero for Blackrock, scoring a crucial double to propel his team to victory.

First Half: Roscrea’s Resilience

The match kicked off with Roscrea employing a strategic but questionable tactic of kicking long to the exceptional Charlie Molony, which initially resulted in Conor O’Shughnessy’s penalty in the third minute. However, Roscrea quickly retaliated, with Aaron Moloney’s quick thinking earning them a penalty that Jack Deegan successfully converted to level the score at 3-3. Despite Blackrock’s early dominance, Roscrea’s defense, led by players like Joe Finn and James Miller, held firm, frustrating their opponents and limiting their attacking opportunities.

Pulsating Exchange:

The first half witnessed a pulsating exchange of plays, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Blackrock’s direct approach, spearheaded by players like Tommy Butler and Jack Angulo, tested Roscrea’s defense, while Roscrea’s counter-attacks, orchestrated by Robert Carney and Harry Finlay, kept Blackrock on their toes. However, neither team could break through, and the half ended with the score tied at 3-3.

Second Half: Blackrock’s Domination

The second half saw a remarkable shift in momentum as Blackrock College seized control of the game. Charlie Molony emerged as the catalyst for Blackrock’s resurgence, capitalizing on a loose kick to set up Niall Smyth for the first of his two tries, giving Blackrock an 8-3 lead in the 38th minute.

Unstoppable Forward Pack:

Blackrock’s forward pack, led by Smyth, Butler, and Donnacha Maguire, began to overpower Roscrea, consistently gaining ground and putting immense pressure on their opponents. Despite Roscrea’s valiant efforts, including some impressive steals by Mark Walsh and Smyth, they couldn’t contain Blackrock’s relentless attacks. Jack O’Neill’s try in the 62nd minute further extended Blackrock’s lead to 22-3, effectively sealing the victory.

Scorers:

– **Blackrock:** N Smyth (2 tries), J O’Neill (try), C O’Shaughnessy (2 pens, 2 cons)
– **Roscrea:** J Deegan (pen)

Top Salaries for Republic of Ireland Players in the English Premier League

Top Salaries for Republic of Ireland Players in the English Premier League

Are you curious about the highest-paid Republic of Ireland players showcasing their skills in the prestigious English Premier League? Let’s take a closer look at the top earners among the Irish contingent gracing the pitches of the EPL.

1. **Seamus Coleman – £55,000**: As the captain of both Everton and the Republic of Ireland national team, Coleman’s leadership qualities and defensive prowess command a top salary in the league.

2. **Matt Doherty – £50,000**: Doherty’s versatility and attacking flair have made him a valuable asset for Wolves, securing him a significant paycheck in the process.

3. **Andrew Omobamidele – £35,000**: Despite his young age, Omobamidele has already caught the attention of top clubs with his impressive performances at Nottingham Forest earning him a handsome salary.

4. **Nathan Collins – £30,000**: Collins’ rise through the ranks at Brentford has been nothing short of remarkable, and his defensive abilities have rightly earned him a lucrative contract.

5. **Evan Ferguson – £30,000**: Another promising talent, Ferguson’s potential has seen him rewarded with a substantial salary at Brighton & Hove Albion, reflecting the club’s belief in his abilities.

6. **Darren Randolph – £25,000**: Randolph’s experience between the posts has been vital for Bournemouth and the Republic of Ireland national team, warranting a respectable paycheck.

7. **Josh Cullen – £20,000**: Cullen’s midfield tenacity has been a key feature for Burnley, earning him a solid salary as he continues to impress in Belgium.

8. **Dara O’Shea – £20,000**: O’Shea’s defensive contributions have been crucial for Burnley, leading to a commendable salary for the young talent.

9. **Chiedozie Ogbene – £15,000**: Ogbene’s electrifying pace and skill on the wings have been a highlight for Luton Town, resulting in a decent paycheck for the winger.

10. **John Egan – £12,500**: Egan’s commanding presence in defense has been instrumental for Sheffield United, securing him a respectable salary in the process.

11. **Caoimhin Kelleher – £10,000**: Kelleher’s emergence as a promising goalkeeper at Liverpool has seen him rewarded with a notable salary as he continues to develop his talent.

These players represent the cream of the crop among Republic of Ireland talent in the English Premier League, showcasing their skills and earning well-deserved recognition in one of the most competitive football leagues in the world.

Full List Of South African Rugby Fixtures 2024

Springbok Fixtures for 2024

The Springboks, South Africa’s renowned rugby union team, have unveiled their highly anticipated fixture list for the 2024 season. With a series of challenging matchups against formidable opponents, rugby enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for an exhilarating year of rugby action. Here are the confirmed fixtures for the Springboks in 2024:

**June:**
– *Saturday, 22 June:* SA vs Wales at Twickenham, London

**July:**
– *Saturday, 6 July:* SA vs Ireland at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
– *Saturday, 13 July:* SA vs Ireland at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
– *Saturday, 20 July:* SA vs Portugal at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein

**August:**
– *Saturday, 10 August:* Australia vs SA at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
– *Saturday, 17 August:* Australia vs SA at Optus Stadium, Perth
– *Saturday, 31 August:* SA vs New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

**September:**
– *Saturday, 7 September:* SA vs New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
– *Saturday, 21 September:* Argentina vs SA (venue to be confirmed)
– *Saturday, 28 September:* SA vs Argentina at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

**November:**
– *16/17 November:* England vs SA at Twickenham, London (specific date to be confirmed)

This exciting lineup of fixtures promises intense rugby battles as the Springboks go head-to-head against some of the best teams in the world. From facing traditional rivals like Wales and Ireland to taking on powerhouse nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, each match is sure to deliver moments of skill, determination, and raw athleticism.

As the reigning Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks will be eager to maintain their winning momentum and showcase their trademark blend of physicality and finesse on the field. With a squad of talented players under the guidance of experienced coaches, South Africa’s national team is poised to leave an indelible mark on the international rugby scene in 2024.

 

Match Preview & TV details : Ireland U20s vs Wales U20s

Match Preview: Ireland U20s vs Wales U20s

Date: Friday, [Date]

Kick-off Time: 7:15 PM

Venue: Virgin Media Park, Cork

TV Details : Virgin 2

The stage is set for an electrifying clash as Ireland U20s gear up to host Wales U20s in the U20 Six Nations Championship at Virgin Media Park on Friday night. Head Coach Richie Murphy, backed by PwC, has meticulously crafted his Match Day Squad, aiming to continue their winning momentum after impressive victories over France and Italy.

Ireland’s backline remains unchanged, showcasing stability and confidence with Ben O’Connor, Finn Treacy, and Hugo McLaughlin forming a formidable trio in the back three. The midfield partnership of Wilhelm de Klerk and Hugh Gavin brings both experience and flair, while Jack Murphy and Oliver Coffey maintain their pivotal roles in orchestrating the game from the half-back positions.

In the forward pack, the combination of Ben Howard, Henry Walker, and Patreece Bell provides a solid foundation in the front row, while Joe Hopes joins forces with captain Evan O’Connell in the engine room. Sean Edogbo, the hero of the previous match with his match-winning try, earns a well-deserved start at blindside flanker, complemented by Bryn Ward at openside and Luke Murphy at the helm of the scrum at number eight.

As anticipation builds for this highly anticipated encounter, both teams are poised to showcase their skill, determination, and passion for the game. With Ireland seeking to maintain their winning streak and Wales eager to make their mark, Friday night promises to deliver a spectacle of exhilarating rugby action at Virgin Media Park. Get ready to witness a clash of titans as the future stars of rugby collide in what is sure to be an unforgettable showdown.

Murphy has strong options among the replacements bench as Danny Sheahan, Alex Usanov, Jacob Boyd, Billy Corrigan and Tom Brigg provide the reinforcements up front, with backs Tadhg Brophy, Sean Naughton and Davy Colbert completing the 23.

Friday night’s match is live on RTÉ2.

Ireland U20s:

15. Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
14. Finn Treacy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
13. Wilhelm de Klerk (UCD RFC/Leinster)
12. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
11. Hugo McLaughlin (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
10. Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
9. Oliver Coffey (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)

1. Ben Howard (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
2. Henry Walker (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
3. Patreece Bell (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)
4. Joe Hopes (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
5. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(captain)
6. Sean Edogbo (UCC RFC/Munster)
7. Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
8. Luke Murphy (Shannon RFC/Munster)

Replacements:

16. Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
17. Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
18. Jacob Boyd (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
19. Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
20. Tom Brigg (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
21. Tadhg Brophy (Naas RFC/Leinster)
22. Sean Naughton (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
23. Davy Colbert (Dublin University FC/Leinster).

 

More calm conditions block racing at European championships in Greece

2024 ILCA Senior Europeans and Open European Trophy

No racing was held due to continued light winds at the ILCA European Championships in Athens today (Wednesday 21st February 2024) where three Irish sailors are in action.

Since starting the championship series on Sunday, just three out of a planned eight race schedule to date have been completed for the women’s ILCA 6 class while the men in the ILCA 7 have had two races.

Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) and Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) along with Eve McMahon (Howth YC) were among the 300 sailors who went afloat in the hope of wind but the calm weather persisted.

Organisers have now opted to cancel the Olympic format medal race final on Friday and instead concentrate on fleet races.

Four races are needed to constitute a championship but the hope is that the qualification round will be completed on Thursday allowing for Gold fleet racing on Friday to decide the event.

Premier League Darts Newcastle – Preview & Schedule

Get ready for a night of darting drama and excitement as the Premier League roadshow descends upon Newcastle for Night Four, brought to you by BetMGM.

Leading the charge is the formidable Michael van Gerwen, determined to extend his lead at the top of the table with a third consecutive nightly victory. Reigning champion Van Gerwen has been in scintillating form, bouncing back from a quarter-final exit on Night One to secure back-to-back wins in Berlin and Glasgow.

The Dutch maestro, boasting a three-point lead in the Premier League standings, showcased his dominance with a trio of ton-plus averages in Berlin before edging out World Champion Luke Humphries in Glasgow. Van Gerwen’s pursuit of glory continues as he prepares to face off against Gerwyn Price in what promises to be a captivating quarter-final clash at the Utilita Arena, reminiscent of last year’s Premier League final.

However, Price, the 2023 runner-up, will be eager to avenge his defeat in last year’s final and pose a formidable challenge to Van Gerwen’s supremacy. Their encounter is set to reignite the sparks of their past battles, with both players aiming to stake their claim for Premier League glory.

Meanwhile, the evening’s action will see other top contenders battling it out for supremacy. Luke Littler, currently occupying third place in the standings, will go head-to-head against the seasoned Peter Wright in a quarter-final showdown. Wright, yet to open his account in this year’s Premier League, will be keen to make his mark and stage a comeback following recent defeats.

In the opener, fans can expect a thrilling clash between Michael Smith and Nathan Aspinall. Smith, the Night One winner, will face off against the World Matchplay champion Aspinall, who is still searching for his first points of the season. With both players hungry for success, this encounter promises fireworks right from the start.

As the tension mounts and the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the Utilita Arena as the top darting talent battles it out for supremacy. Don’t miss a moment of the action as the BetMGM Premier League continues its thrilling journey, broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland and streamed globally for fans around the world.

With each throw of the dart, expect adrenaline-pumping excitement, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Join us for a night of darting excellence and witness history in the making as the Premier League darts extravaganza unfolds in Newcastle.

Richie Murphy Takes the Helm as Interim Head Coach of Ulster Rugby

Richie Murphy Takes the Helm as Interim Head Coach of Ulster Rugby

Ulster Rugby recently announced a significant change in their coaching staff with the departure of Head Coach Dan McFarland. After his successful tenure since 2018, McFarland leaves behind a legacy of achievement, marked notably by securing playoff berths in various competitions and guiding the team to the PRO14 final in 2020.

In response to McFarland’s departure, Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, expressed gratitude for McFarland’s contributions and wished him well for the future. The club wasted no time in appointing Richie Murphy as the interim Head Coach until the end of the season. Murphy, who previously served as Ireland U20s Head Coach, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role.

The transition comes at a critical juncture for Ulster Rugby, with assistant coach Dan Soper stepping in to oversee operations ahead of their upcoming fixture against Dragons. With Murphy’s arrival imminent, there’s a collective focus on maintaining performance levels during this pivotal period of the season.

Bryn Cunningham, Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment at Ulster Rugby, will also take on increased management responsibilities within the performance function, ensuring continuity and support during the coaching transition.

As Ulster Rugby prepares to embark on the next phase under Murphy’s guidance, there’s an air of anticipation and determination within the club. With a strong foundation in place and a seasoned coach at the helm, Ulster Rugby looks set to navigate this period of change with resilience and ambition.

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