Coosan native, Robbie Henshaw, put in a barn-storming ‘man of the match’ performance as Ireland demolished England 32-18 in the final round of this season’s Guinness Six Nations championship played at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The fancied visitors put Ireland under early pressure and seemed to target Henshaw, who was playing at outside centre on this occasion, with their restarts but they found the Buccaneers clubman defiant and inspirational as he fired up the hosts. His immense contribution, in which he made ten carries (the most of the game ), earned the Athlonian a well overdue and richly warranted ‘man of the match’ accolade.
Tadhg Beirne was again magnificent in the pack where CJ Stander put in another serious shift, dominating the gainline, in his 51st and final outing for his adopted country. The win gave the popular South African an appropriate send off which came despite Bundee Aki somewhat harshly incurring a red card midway through the second half.
On his 99th appearance, a driven Jonathan Sexton continued to roll back the clock as he dictated matters at fly-half as well as being spot on once more with his place-kicking. He scored 22 points with a 100 percent success rate from his eight kicks at goal. This brings his international points tally to 925. Another veteran to defy the clock was Keith Earls who again demonstrated his lethal finishing against last season’s World Cup finalists.
Tadhg Furlong, with the benefit now of a few games under his belt, is regaining the form that made him a fearsome front-rower. He will surely be a certainty for inclusion, as will Henshaw and Beirne, when the British and Irish Lions squad is named in the near future. Ireland could have a healthy contingent when and wherever the Lions square up to world champions South Africa.
Robbie has been Ireland’s standout performer during this sometimes frustrating Six Nations campaign. Everyone at Buccaneers RFC is justifiably proud of the unassuming Coosan man’s displays. Hopefully he will add another PRO14 title when Leinster square up to fierce rivals Munster in Saturday evening’s final.
Rory Grenham wins 50/50 draw
First team player Rory Grenham was the winner in Buccaneers St Patrick’s week 50/50 Draw. The dedicated club man won €170. You could be next by signing up to this weekly fund-raiser. Contact Club Administrator Geraldine at 0861732711 or email [email protected] to join.
Thanks to all who participated in the Virtual 5k/10k fund-raiser in association with Connacht Rugby which concluded on Wednesday, March 24. All support for this event was greatly appreciated.
