
Football
Share
Published 15:52 18 Jul 2022 BST
Explore more on these topics:
At the end of a season in which he won the Irish Players' Player of the Year award and EPCR Player of the Year, the Leinster flanker and his red cap would have been a marked man. The fact that he delivered so emphatically and consistently over three games makes his tour achievements all the more impressive.
One of only a handful to escape with credit from Eden Park, he put in 9/10 performances in Dunedin and Wellington. Scored a try in the series-clincher, had 73 ruck arrivals, made 62 tackles, 26 carries, won two turnovers and assisted in another two. Average rating: 8.33.
Munster captain Peter O'Mahony - an inspiration in Dunedin - was named the sponsors' Player of the Series. He was another that delivered over the three Tests, and stepped up with big turnovers, tackles and lineout steals.
Tadhg Beirne was oddly sedate in the First Test against the ABs, but it was his first competitive game in almost three months. A truer perspective was his performances in Dunedin and Wellington. Got a 10/10 after winning four turnovers, stealing a lineout and making an intercept in the decider.
To see Caelan Doris and Tadhg Furlong so quiet at Eden Park was one of the biggest concerns after that First Test defeat. Both roared back for the remainder of the series, with Doris at his tip-top at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Lowe, Keenan and Sheehan all finished the series with their best showings in that Wellington victory. Mack Hansen will take some shifting from the right wing, even with Andrew Conway and Rob Baloucoune fit, while Andrew Porter will never forget his two tries in the hard-fought victory in Dunedin.
Keith Earls got Ireland's series off to a flyer, was unlucky to miss out on the Second Test and it was nice to see him get off the bench in the decider. Jamison Gibson-Park had a shocker at Eden Park but bounced back well in Dunedin and was steady in Wellington.
The remainder carried out the roles as replacements well, with each making a positive contribution, in certain games, that they can proudly look back on.
Dave Heffernan lasted only a few minutes in the First Test before a concussion ended his tour. Tom O'Toole came on late in the First Test.
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
Some huge clashes! The ultimate TV guide for live weekend sport in Ireland is back! It’s another huge week in the Premier League with Arsenal hosting Newcastle, there are a host of massive inter-county championship matches in both hurling and Gaelic football, and there is an intriguing Irish derby in the URC to look forward […]
Football
3 days ago
Huge changes in store as Lions launch bid to tour new countries
This could be massive! The Lions could soon be adding a new country to their list of touring destinations, according to an exclusive report from The Telegraph. The iconic representative team – which combines the best players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales – currently tour South Africa, Australia and New Zealand on a rotating […]
Football
3 days ago
Football
Munster statement defends new coach over historical rape accusations
Football