There's an incredibly honest interview with Ruth O Reilly in the Irish times today with Gavin cummiskey. Take the 10 minutes to read it, I think it shows up a lot of the issues that not only do the women's team face but also where the failings in this world cup have come from.

columoc wrote:

connemara man wrote: Claire Molloy had a great game, as did Miller she'll do real damage in the wing if she's can get the ball a bit quicker or a bit more space. and Ciara O Connor made an impact in the loose when she came in as a sub..

And we missed Sene Naoupu, who is registered as Harlequins, but is Connacht for me. Played a good game too.

With George coming back to coach Wicklow, (assuming that means they are moving back) hopefully that means Sene'll be Connacht again...
Although there is a possible risk that if they need to be east coast based for his work, she may end up with Leinster...

connemara man wrote: Claire Molloy had a great game, as did Miller she'll do real damage in the wing if she's can get the ball a bit quicker or a bit more space. and Ciara O Connor made an impact in the loose when she came in as a sub..

And we missed Sene Naoupu, who is registered as Harlequins, but is Connacht for me. Played a good game too.

connemara man wrote: I'd have Joanne Cantwell in DOBs seat extremely knowledgeable and takes no crap from her panel

I recall hearing Ray Silke at half time in a Saturday evening qualifier match on the radio tell Joanne Cantwell that there was only one bully in the studio and it wasn't either of the former players.
The analysis of the WRWC was in no way sugar coated which is refreshing. I was just surprised at how many Australian high tackles and crooked line out throws the Referee let go unpunished. Wouldn't happen in a Pro12 game and this is International level so hopefully he'll improve as the tournament progresses. Looking forward to Sunday as the Irish should settle.

She'd be a big improvement on the Irish John Inverdale

I'd have Joanne Cantwell in DOBs seat extremely knowledgeable and takes no crap from her panel

This deserves it's own topic I think

columoc wrote: Cannot avoid commenting on Daire O'Brien's performance as anchor - ignorant & patronizing - for a minute I thought he was commenting on a Connacht game. Fair dues to the panelists, they took no crap and gave it back right at him. How RTE still let him anchor rugby matches continues to amaze.

Joanne Cantwell is a vastly under-utilised resource at RTE.

Claire Molloy had a great game, as did Miller she'll do real damage in the wing if she's can get the ball a bit quicker or a bit more space. and Ciara O Connor made an impact in the loose when she came in as a sub.

On RTE the punditry is actually better in the women's game than the men's. if you ignore DOB they all criticise the team a lot harder then the men's panel and they don't seem to let their connection from playing with the team in the past cloud their opinion.

Worth noting the Irish victory last night vs. Australia in WWC. Not the best display but hard fought and first win ever over the Australians. They will only improve. Three Connacht players involved and all had a big impact.

Cannot avoid commenting on Daire O'Brien's performance as anchor - ignorant & patronizing - for a minute I thought he was commenting on a Connacht game. Fair dues to the panelists, they took no crap and gave it back right at him. How RTE still let him anchor rugby matches continues to amaze.