Injury makes Ireland’s loss even worse

IRELAND lost 20-9 to England at the Aviva stadium today, but the result will pale into insignificance, as injuries to key players may have a longer lasting effect. Ireland, who kick off their World Cup challenge on September 11th against the USA, had David Wallace, Jerry Flannery, Cian Healy and Jamie Heaslip all come off due to injury. At this early stage, David Wallace’s knee injury looks to be the worst and it may even end his World Cup hopes.

Ireland failed to cross the English line as Mike Tindall, (my man of the match) and his centre partner Manu Tuilagi were immense in defence. Ireland were firmly beaten up front, as they subsequently failed to make a dent in the English defence. Ronan O’Gara scored all of Ireland’s points. All penalties, while Tuilagi and Armitage scored the tries for England. Converted by the impressive Jonny Wilkinson.

For more reaction and analysis of this game, please pick up a copy of this week’s Limerick Post.