When Ireland last fielded their front line troops at the Aviva Stadium, against New Zealand in November, the rapturous response from players and fans alike at the final whistle could not have been more exuberant. Kings of the world. On Saturday, French referee Jerome Garcès’ whistle to signal the end of our Six Nations opener just couldn’t come quick enough. The fact that Ireland failed to register a bonus point of any description could prove even more costly in a highly competitive championship that will prove challenging for any side to capture a Grand Slam. Ireland are out of that contest, with Wales and England looking the two viable candidates.

Source: Irish Examiner February 04, 2019 03:22 UTC