blametheref says...

Reckon the wrong selection, bad use of the subs bench and too many injuries to key first line players (Kearney, Bowe, Ferris, Flannery and the on form Horgan) and a ref, Pearson, who has a terrible track record reffing Irish teams where he seems to ref them rather than the two individual playing sides, cost Ireland this game. Pearson, never ever gives an Irish side the benefit of the doubt on a mariginal issue, fact! Ireland had a chance to win this at the death but for a panicky knock on by sub hooker Cronin who in my opinion shouldn't have been on the bench, Munster's Varley should have been. Cronin has come on as a sub for Ireland a few times before and on each occasion he has knocked on, on at least his first or second pass when in good attacking positions. Had any other Irish player received that pass Ireland would have one...End verdict is, with the team that was on the pitch Ireland made one too many inexcusable mistakes at 2 or 3 moments

Posted 11:24 14th February 2011