The 2020-21 Irish rugby season did not yield the results Ireland’s teams would have wanted.
Our provinces underperformed and underachieved in Europe. Our men’s team had an average Six Nations. Our women’s team disappointed in their bid to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Our men’s sevens side had a poor Olympics, given the high standards they hold themselves to.
Thankfully the beginning of the new season has brought renewed hope to all our teams, and women’s rugby in Ireland looks set for great and positive change.
Throughout the year of 2021, although there were some low points, there have been a plethora of memorable scores from our teams. We take a look back at 11 of them.
Keith Earls vs England
Dismantling England at home after a poor Six Nations campaign has been a regular occurrence for Ireland over the past decade.
Our 32-18 victory appears to have been the catalyst of confidence that drove Farrell’s side towards their unbelievably successful Autumn campaign.
The try is special for two reasons. It showed that Keith Earls ages like wine. It also exhibited the handling skills of Jack Conan, and was an early moment in his renaissance that lead to a Lions Tour and a regular place in the Irish side.
#TeamOfUs
🔥 𝗞𝗘𝗜𝗧𝗛. 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗦 🤩
Siri, show me something beautiful. On repeat. ⚡️#ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby #GuinnessSixNations #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/C9gt6nd9fm— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 20, 2021
Nathan Doak vs Wales
The 2021 u20s Six Nations was played during the summer in Cardiff, replacing the annual World Championship. Ireland’s brightest sparks included Jamie Osborne, Chris Cosgrave, and Alex Soroka. But the two players who stood out above all others were the captain Alex Kendellen and the Ulster scrumhalf (who also slotted in at 10) Nathan Doak.
Doak’s score against Wales showed off his aerial skills along with footwork, a hand-off, and a turn of pace. He has since gone on to greater heights by putting in MOTM performances in the URC, and earning his place as backup to John Cooney. We will look back on this try in years to come as a defining moment in what will likely be show stopping career as an Irish rugby star.
The try can be seen at 2:27 in the video below.
Jordan Conroy vs France
Down by two points with France on the attack in Ireland’s half, and an Olympic spot at stake. Winner takes all.
The ball pops loose and falls to just the right man, Terry Kennedy. Himself and Conroy have an otherworldly relationship on the pitch and Kennedy somehow finds him. Conroy does the rest and sets his side on their way to an historic result for Irish rugby.
This try from Jordan Conroy to change the game against France is nothing short of sensational 🔥
What a moment ☘️pic.twitter.com/AdDf95x1ox— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 20, 2021
Robert Baloucoune vs USA
We had been waiting far too long for this man’s Irish debut, mostly the fault of a devastating lengthy injury. But within minutes of the grand opening that was Baloucoune’s debut, he made all our dreams come true and scored an absolute screamer.
Ireland get their opening try as Robert Baloucoune backs himself to score - #IREvUSA #rterugby pic.twitter.com/9QEJunXZRD
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) July 10, 2021
Beibhinn Parsons vs USA
Parson's is one of the most thrilling players on the island to watch in full flight. She delivered again against the USA in November, after gathering a beautiful crossfield kick from Stacey Flood.
It was a welcome moment for Irish rugby after what had been a tough year, following World Cup failure and a string of controversies within the women’s game.
Ireland finally unlock USA defence as Stacey Flood's crossfield kick finds an unmarked Beibhinn Parsons and the Irish winger does the rest #rterugby #IREvUSA
📺https://t.co/BT0TXIL7nv
📱https://t.co/9iVJumCDlY pic.twitter.com/7NobGcEYQP— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 12, 2021
Lindsay Peat vs USA
An Irish rugby legend, in her last game for her country, no more words needed.
Great to see Lindsay Peat get a try in her final Test appearance for Ireland. Restores the lead, 17-10 to Ireland#rterugby #IREvUSA
📺https://t.co/BT0TXIL7nv
📱https://t.co/9iVJumCDlY pic.twitter.com/03nIIMTyiv— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 12, 2021
James Lowe vs New Zealand
This try was special for a few reasons.
Any try against New Zealand feels different. They feel rarer, harder to achieve, and always get a louder cheer despite the score line. The All Blacks have a phenomenal defence and scoring in the corner after taking the risk of going wide is always particularly satisfying.
The fact that James Lowe scored meant more as well, given the the criticism he was subject to after his performances in the Six Nations.
Andrew Conway vs Japan
The best Irish international try of the year. Breath taking rugby, with multiple skills on show, and an accuracy that made it nearly impossible to defend.
The try that made us go “hang on, there might just be something about this Irish team.”
Here is that stunning Andrew Conway try that put Ireland into a wonderful position early on.
📺 - https://t.co/CStwnXf2cB
📱 - https://t.co/geqhxWnp9p pic.twitter.com/g0X86W5gAF— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 6, 2021
Mack Hansen vs Leinster
Hansen has been the stand out back-three player this year amongst the provinces, and a try of his had to be included. This finish showed that he’s not just a silky runner, but that he has serious aerial ability as well.
The try can be seen at 00:15 in the video below.
Dan Sheehan vs Connacht
The same game and Hansen is also involved. Thankfully the discourse surrounding this try focused on Sheehan’s footwork, rather than Hansen’s defence.
There was nothing the Aussie could do about it, after what was perhaps the best footwork we have seen from a hooker on these shores.
Hooker? What hooker? 🔥#URC | #LEICON | @LeinsterRugby pic.twitter.com/zQaSb8ehOb
— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) December 3, 2021
Patrick Campbell vs Wasps
Making your Munster debut away from home in Europe is an unusual situation to find yourself in, but Campbell looked assured and mature, and his try showed off his turn of pace.
The Munster vs Wasps game was symbolic, as it showcased a new era of Munster players. While Pa Campbell may have finished this score, we will watch it in years to come and we will remember the likes of Okeke, O’Connor, Buckley, and French.
Patrick Campbell scores on debut for @Munsterrugby 🤩
1⃣9⃣ years old and a European try scorer 👏👏#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/sMROVtxTSa— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 12, 2021
SEE ALSO: Quiz: Test Your Knowledge In Our Big Rugby Quiz Of 2021
