[caption id="attachment_67035" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Jersey-pulling Andrey Garbuzov of Russia can't stop Ireland's Sean O'Brien during their World. Cup game in New Zealand."]
IRELAND have very clearly put all the fuss concerning their warm-up matches and opening fixture against the USA well behind them as they move towards their crucial final Rugby World Cup pool game against Italy at the weekend.
While the match against Italy remains a real challenge, there's no doubt that Ireland have taken some major steps forward. The victory over one of the tournament favorites Australia was backed up by a comfortable 62-12 success over Russia in Rotorua last Saturday.
It wasn't perfect by a long stretch but Ireland's much changed team played some very decent rugby in scoring nine tries. The downside was the loss of concentration for a period in each half.
"We went to sleep in the middle of both halves but we are delighted with the win and to score nine tries," stressed coach Declan Kidney. At the same time, Kidney fully appreciates that the game against Italy will be a different matter altogether.
The Italians are very competitive. They were level 6-6 with Australia until the second half, have one of the best scrums around and are more than capable of producing an upset.
Their victory over France in Rome in the Six Nations proves the point. That said, Ireland will feel that they should have an edge if they play close to their potential.
Most importantly, their confidence has been restored. After their memorable victory over Australia it was important that they backed it up with a handsome win against Russia.
No fewer than nine changes were made for the game, plus a positional switch. Admittedly, the Russians are very poor. Initally, they were all over the place and could have had quite a few players sinbinned instead of just the one in the opening half.
Ireland took advantage to score some good tries. No one was better than the "Tullow Tank" Sean O'Brien who repeatedly drove holes in the Russian defense and also contributed a try.
It was also good to see Keith Earls showing some better form. Featuring in the centre, Earls got over for two well-taken tries, one in each half.
He is again expected to edge out Andrew Trimble for one of the wing spots against Italy, although Trimble gave another impressive performance, scoring a try. But the main talking point for the game against Italy undoubtedly revolves around the out-half spot.
Ronan O'Gara pushed his claims with another accomplished performance in the No 10 jersey. So far, Kidney has gone for Jonathan Sexton, almost certainly on the basis that he is physically stronger in attack and defense.
Crucially though Sexton has been having problems with his goalkicking. O'Gara, by contrast, has had no such difficulties, kicking 10 from 12, and remains one of the most reliable kickers in the game.
At 34, he also has an abundance of experience. So it's going to be interesting to see what the Irish management team do for the Italian game.
Quite possibly, they will start with Sexton and, if he continues to have problems with his goalkicking, bring on O'Gara. Another solution would be to start O'Gara at out-half and use Sexton at inside centre.
This would take the pressure of goalkicking off Sexton but also mean that Gordon D'Arcy would lose out. Either way, it's an intriguing situation as Ireland prepare for what is going to be a huge match under a closed roof on Sunday in Dunedin.
O'Gara started and finished in great style against the Russians. His cross kick allowed Fergus McFadden to go over for Ireland's first try, while his last act before being substituted was to convert a try from the touchline.
In all, O'Gara landed six conversions and a penalty. Like many of his colleagues there was the odd mistake but generally the day worked out reasonably well with the tries coming from Earls (2), O'Brien, McFadden, Trimble, Isaas Boss, Rob Kearney, Shane Jennings and Tony Buckley.
Afterwards O'Gara commented: "I was disappointed not to start against Australia but I know I have an important role to play in the squad and you soon get over that. You can make as big an impression in 30 minutes as you can in 80.
"My head is in a good place and I just want this team to go as well as possible and be part of it," he said.
No doubt he will but the question is whether he does it from the starting line-up or off the bench. Either way, Ireland are clearly in a much better position as they prepare for the Italian game.
Connacht rugby
making impact
THE victories in the World Cup are not the only good story in Irish rugby.
The second concerns Connacht in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 League, formerly the Magners League. Holders Munster lead the way, winning all four of their opening matches, but the big story is the emergence of Connacht in second spot.
Despite losing 14 and bringing in 14 new players, coach Eric Elwood has steered the western province to a great start. Their 17-13 victory over the Newport Gwent Dragons last Friday night at the Sportsground was their third win in four games.
It is exactly the reaction that Elwood had hoped for in what is sure to be the biggest season in the history of the province. Connacht are in the Heineken Cup for the first time ever and will be up against the crack French outfit Toulouse, along with Gloucester and Harlequins in their group.
Elsewhere, Munster got the better of Cardiff Blues 18-13 away to stay on top of the table, while Ulster went down to their first defeat 32-14 to the Ospreys. Leinster were also in action in Wales, where they defeated Llanelli Scarlets 15-10.
Cork reclaim title
ONCE again, it was a case of goals deciding games as Cork recaptured the All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football title with a 2-7 to 0-11 final victory over Monaghan at Corke Park on Sunday.
After losing out at the quarter-final stage last year, there had been a feeling that the all-conquering Cork ladies could be over the top. But that defeat last season was to make them even more determined to reclaim their crown.
Remarkably, Sunday's victory gave them their sixth All-Ireland Senior title in seven years. By contrast, Monaghan were suffering their sixth loss from eight finals and their third since 2002.
It was difficult for them to take, all the more so because the two Cork goals were definitely avoidable. The first was from a misplaced kick-out and the second from a penalty.
Cork, however, must be given credit for taking full advantage. They led by 1-3 to 0-4 at half-time but seemed to be in some trouble when Monaghan replied with three points from Niamh Kindlon (two) and Ciara McAnespie at the start of the second half.
The key moment came when Cork substitute Orla Finn burst up field after 42 minutes. When she was brought down, Rhona Ni Bhuachalla subsequently scored from the penalty spot to leave Cork three points up.
Monaghan came roaring back to reduce the deficit to a point with five minute left but the experience of Cork told as they held on for victory. No one was more pleased than their 27-year-old captain Amy O'Shea who had to be substituted with a knee injury early in the second half.
O'Shea was on crutches as she received the Brendan Martin Cup. She must undergo a scan later this week to determine the full extent of the damage.
Everything suggests that she will will require sugery on a cruciate ligament injury but that did not dim her enthusiasm on Sunday. She said: "Of course, I would much preferred not to have sustained the injury but it's great day none the less."
New York have
financial issues
As mentioned in the report on the opposite page, the New York vs. Wicklow junior final replay has been provisionally fixed for October 8 but this puts extreme pressure on New York's financial resources. So far, they have had to raise over €25,000 to compete in the competition.
Because of the unusual circumstances, the Ladies Football Association plan to meet later this week to discuss the situation. Either way, New York have done themselves proud in their first appearance in the competition since 2001.
Cavan, Westmeath draw
THE Intermediate Ladies Football final was also a draw with Cavan and Westmeath finishing level at 0-11 to 2-5.
Cavan had to rely on a fine comeback with their skipper Aisling Doonan finishing with six points. Earlier, Westmeath had looked in control when Johanna Maher and Karen Hegarty scored goals.
But Cavan never gave up and came good in the last five minutes to secure a deserved draw.
