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Rugby

'Ireland now has got the best 9 and 10 in the world'

The most pertinent fact about Ireland's 10-game winning run is the fact that Joe Schmidt's side h...



'Ireland now has got the b...
Rugby

'Ireland now has got the best 9 and 10 in the world'

The most pertinent fact about Ireland's 10-game winning run is the fact that Joe Schmidt's side have beaten every elite rugby nation bar New Zealand since Joe Schmidt took charge.

And Sunday's dominant 19-9 victory over England provides a good benchmark looking ahead to the Autumn's World Cup.

Last night's Off The Ball interviewee Conor Murray has been key to that alongside half-back partner Jonny Sexton. 

Liam Toland and The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley were on the show tonight and highlighted the contribution of a special player.

"He's certainly the best Irish scrum-half in my view and by the time he finishes his career, it'll be absolutely beyond debate," said Gerry, who also contrasted the standing of No 9s in Ireland and France.

"He was prone to take steps. I think the turning point in his career was the Lions tour with Rob Howley. I think he benefited from that specialist coaching and he eradicated the steps. He went out as a poor man's Mike Phillips and came back Phillips' superior.

"What has happened in front of our eyes is that Brian O'Driscoll has retired, but Ireland possibly now has got the best 9 and 10 in the world. Not just the best 10, but the best 9 as well."  

Gerry also believes that Ian Madigan should be cut some slack after his performance after replacing Sexton in the second half against England, while Toland gave his take on why there are less tries scored in the Northern Hemisphere in comparison to the North.

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