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TV comments after Ireland Women's mauling branded 'condescending'
By Ian Cameron
Irish television commentators have been accused of being condescending towards the Ireland Women's team following their painful 53-3 loss to France at Musgrave Park this afternoon.
Despite France playing with 14 players for much of the contest, the women in green were outclassed in all departments, leading to widespread disappointment among Irish rugby fans.
The ugly scoreline comes just a week after a 31-5 hammering at the hands of Wales last weekend.
One of the Virgin Media commentators suggested that the Irish side should be proud of their defensive effort. This comment was met with anger from some viewers who felt that it was patronizing and failed to acknowledge the gulf in class between the two teams.
"Attacking wise they probably weren't clinical inside the 22," remarked former Ireland international Fiona Hayes. "But defensively they should be proud of themselves. They stepped up their line speed and went after France."
Twitter user Kevin Byrne tweeted in response to the remarks: "Sorry but I think it’s v condescending to talk about Irish players being proud after conceding nine tries at home to a team who were down a player for an hour. Really wish the VM panel would talk about the total lack of investment by Irish Rugby in the women’s team."
The IRFU's direct investment in the Women’s game has increased to €5.5 million per annum, up €2.1 million on previous budgets. That investment currently includes over 40 contracts across both the Irish Women's Sevens and XVs programmes, although the €15,000 to €30,000 deals have been criticised as too little for players that are being asked to be based in the expensive Irish capital.
"This Irish team are being sent out by Irish Rugby to fail. We’ve gone from Grand Slam winners and World Cup semifinalists to barely even also-rans in the space of a decade. There’d be a much heavier inquiry into the system if the men finished even third in the 6N."
The passion of the players involved can't be questioned, evidenced by the Ireland captain Nichola Fryday breaking down in tears following the drubbing.
Fryday struggled to finish her post-match interview after welling up following a question about the performance that didn't seem to improve despite a one-woman advantage.
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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