Young Munster 39 Clontarf 44
I’m not going to fall into the cliche trap and talk about a game of two halves. It’s probably more appropriate to talk about the new IRFU tackle rule which lowers the point of impact to below the sternum.
This “test” phase is due to last for this season and next and applies currently only to the amateur Club game. Effectively it is making a double tackle or a choke tackle extremely precarious. It requires the player going for the ball to be extremely accurate, or risk sanction if the opponents head is threatened. It is also putting extreme pressure on the AIL referees to get decisions right in the heat of fast-moving action. It’s a tall order and I predict a degree of chaos until everyone gets used to the new interpretation of the impact zone. Watch out for teams “milking” the new rule, appealing at every impact like soccer players. I also expect an increase in rucks as the “belly tackle” grounds player and ball, with more rucks being contested. Hard to guage how that is safer?
On Saturday Clontarf came away with 5 points, on the back of almost total dominance for 50 minutes. The maul delivered two scores for Dec Adamson, the scrum, after a huge effort from Darragh Bolger delivered one for Matt Darcy and Louis O’Reilly celebrated the try bonus with an interception score from half way.
In the second half Aitzol King scored a beauty after ruthless phases saw the ball moved almost the length of the pitch. Jack Murphy at 10 was supreme from hand and tee and the bench was efficient when introduced.
The issue was Clontarf’s difficulty with challenging for the ball without conceding a penalty. In my reckoning (not accurate), Clontarf conceded c. 20 penalties, 11 for high tackles!
Obviously Young Munster took advantage of this largesse and, given a steady supply of field position, were in the hunt as the game drew to a close. Tarf held on for 5 points and are the only Division 1A unbeaten team after 4 games.
There are adjustments to be made and conversations to be had with the refs and possibly the IRFU. When it comes to discussions about safety in the game, we are all on the same page that safer is better. However, reducing the number of ways teams can challenge for the ball risks creating some serious hot spots and impact points.
Counter-ruck anyone ?