The mood music heading into Ireland vs England were sombre to say the least. But it was clear that Ireland were up for this game today when Donnacha Ryan got stuck in on his first tackle. Throughout his 64 minutes on the pitch this evening, Ryan made life absolute hell for England. He was flashing imaginary yellow cards, he was in the mix on every ruck. He was not going to let Ireland lose to England today.
Ryan is enjoying the best season of his career and put himself into the Lions reckoning this Six Nations. He was Ireland's spiritual leader today and played like an absolute beast. Twitter was purring with Ryan's performance.
Donnacha Ryan playing himself onto the plane to NZ. Very competitive position but he has been immense.
— Overthehillprop (@Overthehillprop) March 18, 2017
Donnacha Ryan has been outstanding in everything that he's doing. Top drawer #IREvENG
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) March 18, 2017
I am known for being cranky but I tip to my hat to Donnacha Ryan the boss of belligerence #angerbeatsskill #agressionbeatstalent #IrevEng
— Peter Hatton (@hatton_peter) March 18, 2017
@DonnachaRyan is a man possessed #IrevEng
— Anthony Beades (@antobeades) March 18, 2017
Half time, Donnacha Ryan leads England 10-3
— niall daly (@horrible_niall) March 18, 2017
If Donnacha Ryan congratulated me with that slap in the head I'd be hospitalised #celebrationshurt #IrevEng #RBS6Nations #SuperSaturday
— Clíona Dukes (@ClionaDukes) March 18, 2017
All the hype about Itoje.....Peter O'Mahony and Donnacha Ryan taught him a thing or two out there today #IREvENG #operators
— Rory O'Keeffe (@ro_keeffe) March 18, 2017
In the end, he looked rightly chuffed.
