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Watch - Peter O'Mahony throws away his own boot during match
By Online Editors
Down through the years, there's been plenty of occasions on the professional rugby pitch where player's have resorted to throwing opposition boots off the pitch - often into row Z of the stand.
Some frown on it, while others see it as bit of competitiveness gamesmanship that makes rugby the sport it is.
Howwever Ireland backrow Peter O'Mahoney, who won man of the match yesterday in Murrayfield yesterday, has turned the practice on its head, instead choosing to throw his own shoe off the pitch.
His shoe got ripped off at a ruck, presumable thanks to the stray boot of a player. O'Mahony tries to get it back on but thinks better of it as the ball emerges on the Irish side of the ruck, and instead decides to throw his own boot off the pitch.
One of the most competitive animals in the international game, the flanker's abrasive edge wouldn't allow him just leave the boot on the pitch. He had to throw it off, even if it was his own.
It was a moment of light relief in what was an otherwise gruelling encounter in the Scottish capital.
Conor Murray, Jacob Stockdale and Keith Earls all crossed for Ireland, while Sam Johnson replied for Scotland with Greig Laidlaw posting eight points from the boot.
Conor Murray capitalised on a mix-up between Tommy Seymour and Sean Maitland to score the opening try after Greig Laidlaw put Gregor Townsend's side in front, while Jacob Stockdale added a second for the visitors.
Stuart Hogg went off with a shoulder injury in an open first half, yet a first international score from Sam Johnson - converted by Laidlaw - reduced the deficit to 12-10 at the break.
Joe Schmidt's men were not to be denied a fifth win in Six Nations matches against Scotland, though, with Joey Carbery - standing in for the talismanic Sexton at fly-half - laying on a try for Keith Earls and also scoring five points with the boot.
Laidlaw added another penalty midway through the second half, but that was all Scotland were able to muster after the break as they failed to build on an opening win over Italy.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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