D'Arcy savours early present
IT WAS a case of job done for birthday boy Gordon D'Arcy and his Irish rugby colleagues as they cleared the first hurdle in defence of the Grand Slam with a 29-11 win over Italy in a lack-lustre Six Nations opener in Croke Park on Saturday last.
D'Arcy, who turns 30 today (Wednesday), played a key role in the opening try with an astute pass which helped to get Jamie Heaslip over the line on an overlap.
A second-half break by the powerful centre might have yielded better rewards if he had more support on his shoulder, but for the most part it was a subdued showing by the victors in a game which had an air of inevitability about it from the off.
Ireland were in a no-win situation as they were always expected to see off the minnows, although their lack of adventure in the second-half in particular made for boring viewing for the 77,000-plus spectators.
However, the approach was perfectly understandable in the circumstances with the clash against France looming large on the horizon in Paris on Saturday next (4.30 p.m.).
And if Ireland manage a victory there on the first of two difficult away trips in succession, then the poor fare in Croker will be quickly forgotten.
The flow of the Italian game wasn't helped by the emptying of the bench, some of which was necessitated owing to injuries sustained by the impressive Andrew Trimble, who is ruled out on Saturday and replaced by Keith Earls, as well as Paul O'Connell and Ronan O'Gara.
Still, it served to highlight the strength in depth at Declan Kidney's disposal, and not too many players can be one hundred per cent sure of their places with such reserve talent breathing down their necks.
Ireland won't be back in Croke Park again until March 13 when Wales pay a visit, and hopefully by then they will have further victories under their belts from the games against France and England.
- ALAN AHERNE In Croke Park
