Ireland began their Six Nations defence in a brilliant fashion this evening, with tournament debutant Joe McCarthy among the dominant performers during their 38-17 victory over France in Marseille.
Ireland were certainly the much better side for the vast majority of the opening half. They created a huge number of scoring opportunities, and while they would have 17 points on the board heading into the interval, that tally probably should have been far higher.
France would respond well to the sending off of Paul Willemse before halftime, scoring a try to ensure there would only be seven points between the sides at the start of the second half.
While the French were always likely to make a big push once play resumed, it was Ireland took control of the game. After Calvin Nash's try in the 46th minute, they always looked likely to win relatively comfortably.
That proved to be the case, with the visitors eventually running out winners by a record breaking 21-point margin.
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Brian O'Driscoll makes cheeky Joe McCarthy comment after Six Nations debut
There were some top class performances throughout the Irish team, but Joe McCarthy provided arguably the most eye-catching of the lot.
Making his Six Nations debut, the 22-year old was absolutely immense from start to finish. He played a huge role on both sides of the ball, producing some big carries and halting the French momentum in attack on a number of occasions.
He was named man-of-the-match for his efforts.
Speaking on ITV after the game, Brian O'Driscoll admitted he was wowed by McCarthy's performance. He also made a cheeky comment about the player's brave choice of hairstyle.
Speaking from experience, when you have a barnet like that, you have to play well!
My god did that boy play well, he was everywhere today. He was the standout player of the match. He just had a physicality that maybe Irish teams of the past have lacked.
I just thought that he was everything that we needed...
I thought Ireland won the kick duel today. They were timing their runs, putting them in uncompromising positions, and Penaud under the ball had a night to forget.
It wasn't just about that. Ireland's ability to react to conceding that try, there is no panic in this Irish team. There hasn't been for a couple of years, they just believe they can find a way to get it done.
Considering some of the hairstyles Brian O'Driscoll had during his own playing days, he certainly knows what he is talking about in that regard.
The man himself was certainly keen to look his best when appearing on the big screen.
The mullet is looking grand, Joe. 😅 pic.twitter.com/tnYosCA1B7
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 2, 2024
Rory Best was also massively impressed with Joe McCarthy, summing up why he was such a nuisance to the opposition.
Joe McCarthy was everywhere. It was that physicality on both sides of the ball.
At this level, it's about getting across the gain line. If you get across the gain line, you put huge pressure on the defence.
Joe McCarthy is sure to play a big role for Ireland over the remainder of this Six Nations campaign, with this performance likely the first chapter in what will be a long and successful career in green.
Here's hoping he keep the mullet going as well.
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