The Ireland Under 20's have just won a 6-nation grand slam including an
U21 French team! Despite Ulster not performing since the Toulouse first
half I can assure you we do not feel second-tier or second-class! Have a
decent breakfast tomorrow, cheerio, John


-----Original Message-----
From: irishrugby@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:irishrugby@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Caoimhin Olaoghaire
Sent: Montag, 2. April 2007 13:26
To: irishrugby@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [irishrugby] Re: Stephen Jones article



definately has some "issues" with ireland - he has been pretty
consistent in his vitriole over the years - and when he has had to admit
that an irish team was playing well it has been through gritted teeth.

I thought the build up to these games seemed all wrong from an
irish perspective - the senior players seemed knackered and without
heart on the respective days. I think that the 6N took a lot more out of
them than they/we were willing to admit. It is an issue when you have
almost ALL the irish team involved in the quarters but split between
just two teams... we don't have enough decent journeymen in our setup...
the gap between the internationals and the rest - even within the
provincial squads - is just too great, and unlikely to improve when we
effectively have a two tier provincial setup (not officially, but it's
beginning to look that way). It's a pity to not be in the semi's in some
way or another for the first time in years... but this could be the
beginning of the end if we're not careful... I'm not saying it's going
to suddenly implode, but teh slide could very well have begun.

And just like England last time around - we could end up doinbg
very well in the WC - hell, me might even win it, but this is a team on
the cusp - the zenith - of their ability... it's a-plateau for now -
then downhill...

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