The Sports Corner

Canada spun a riddle in Limerick

Ireland ran rampant against Canada at Limerick on Saturday, coming away with a 55-0 win, on a wet pitch.

The Irish Tribune put it best, “Canada were very, very poor yesterday. They could not pour piss out of a shoe even if the instructions were written on the heel.” 

Canada struggled with the conditions and seven new starters, gifting new Irish coach Declan Kidney with a win in his first match in charge. It was a day for debutantes as Kidney’s only debuting player, 21 year old fullback Keith Earls crossed two minutes into the game.

The game was not without controversy as just after 30 minutes the Irish received two very favourable decisions from the video official who ruled in their favour on two disputed tries. Those tries proved to be the backbreaker for Canada who never looked like they were in the game from that point.

The Irish who dressed a close to full strength team including stars Ronan O’Gara and Brian O’Driscoll had the luxury of giving their bench a lengthy run in the second half, coming away with an eight try victory.

“We got 22 guys on the pitch to stake a claim (for next week),” Kidney said after the game.

Ireland will face New Zealand this coming weekend in what will prove to be a much harder assignment.