Paddy Jackson

By Gary Watton
June 16 2013

Ireland were almost on a hiding to nothing on their June excursion to the other side of the Atlantic. The team could have expected several dollops of scorn had they lost to 'lesser' rugby nations, whilst a pair of victories would not have led to too many standing ovations. Avoiding defeat was of paramount importance, at least in terms of national morale. When England have beaten the USA at soccer, nobody has remembered such apparent routine wins, but when they lost to Uncle Sam in 1950, this embarrassing 'day of shame' has lived long in the memory. Fortunately, for the Oirish, their twin victories have neatly sidestepped such potential humiliation.

However, it is to the credit of 'interim' captain Peter O'Mahony and what is effectively an Ireland reserve team that they today passed their Canada audition with flying colours. A final score of forty points against fourteen for the hosts tells its own emphatic story. It also begs the question as to why hat-trick hero Fergus McFadden or the flying Andrew Trimble have been overlooked as Lions tour replacements in Australia when the likes of Christian Wade of England and Welsh has-been Shane Williams have been summoned as wing cover.

It has been a useful exercise thrusting new blood and an assortment of fringe players on to the international stage. This only helps to boost Ireland's strength in depth. Ian Madigan appears to have come through his two tests with flying colours, while O'Mahony is perhaps more than merely a dark horse to continue in the captaincy role. Further applause can be allocated to Tommy O'Donnell for recording a try on his first start, while his Munster team-mates James Downey and Felix Jones finally had an opportunity to shine for the national team.

Admittedly, the tourists only led twelve-nine at half-time and even found themselves in arrears when the hosts scored a try early in the second half. 

I cannot resist finishing with my favourite Canada 'sport story'. That dearly departed Irish icon George Best once stated that he was attracted to play soccer in North America when he saw an advertisement which exclaimed: "Drink Canada Dry!" Well, after their try-scoring spree in Toronto, the men in green may well feel justified in drinking Canada dry. Cheers.

Canada 14 IRELAND 40; in Toronto; 15th June

15 Jones

14 McFadden (3 TRIES)

13 Cave (TRY)

12 Downey

11 Trimble (TRY)

10 Madigan (3 conversions)

9 Boss

8 O'Mahony (captain)

7 O'Donnell (TRY)

6 McLaughlin

5 Toner

4 Tuohy

3 Ross

2 Strauss

1 Court