The Irish Tongan

By CB1959
December 24 2008

The visit of London Irish to Vicarage Road is always one to look forward to in the rugby calendar. It’s not because there is a great rivalry between the two clubs, or that they are one of the “big” rugby powerhouses who you love to turnover, it’s simply because they are the “fun” club of the Premiership. It’s a great day out, or in Irish parlances, it’s the Craic!

London Irish come under various assumed names depending on who you speak to. Whether it be The Exiles, Irish, Oirish, London Irish or The Not Nots (not from London and not Irish in case you didn’t know), the game this weekend should be a great experience for all and a nice way to finish of the Xmas festivities.  

Looking at the Irish squad now is like looking at the United Nations of Rugby, representation from at least 8 different countries. I say at least 8, as the Irish website has 4 players listed where the place of birth isn’t known!! Long gone are the days when to play for them, you had to be a) Irish b) Living away from Ireland, c) Have Irish parents/grandparents or d) All of the previous 3 options.  

My first inclination that London Irish were not really as “Irish” as they previously were came many moons ago, when I watched Sarries play Irish at Bramley Road in the early 90s. The traditional green jersey had what could only be described as having a lightning bolt down one side of the front, very Aladdin Sane. Then there was this very dubious looking giant that turned out for them in the second row. He didn’t look very Irish, and didn’t sound it either. Thanks to help from the Unofficial Irish supporters’ message board, I re-discovered he was Sam Damoni, the Irish Tongan!! And after he’d gone back to Tonga for not having a visa/passport, there was the arrival around the same time of Samoan Mata'afa (or "Matt") Keenan; he at least had an Irish surname and looked Irish. The rest as they say is history, and now Irish are as cosmopolitan as the other GP teams.   

So what can we look forward to in terms of a contest? Well, Irish are top GP table at present, they are showing some fine form having tonked Glassdoor last weekend. Their Challenge Cup exploits have been somewhat easier going, they have been notching up the tries and currently sit as number 1 seed. Clearly they are the form team at present and will be a considerable challenge.  

In Bob Casey and Nick Kennedy, they have a second row partnership that can compete with the best in the Premiership. In the backs, they have youth and experience with the likes of Hodgson, Geraghty and the wily old Mike Catt. Plus, throw in a couple of south sea islanders to add a bit of flair in attack, and steel in defence. And finally they have those brothers: Delon and Steffon Armitage. Delon is a quality full back who has shown he can play at the very top level of rugby this autumn and is a man who must be watched. As for Steffon, he’s probably the one player in their squad who makes my blood boil! No doubt he is a very good player, but he’s ex-Saracens and he’s very abrasive on the field, especially against us it seems and particularly if some of the older Sarries boys are on the pitch(Chesney/Sorrell). Finally, we may get a chance to see another couple of Sarries old boys if they can make it onto the pitch: Kieran Roche and Thomas de Vedia.   

This is a game which, with a bumper crowd and SKY TV, could be compelling to watch. I think Sarries can just nick it, but their defence mustn’t go to sleep as it did in the last ten minutes at the Mad Stad and at Adams Park. 

London Irish, Irish, Exiles, Oirish or NotNots?

Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 24/12/2008 11:23

TheSaracens.com
24/12/2008 11:23

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.

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The Bard
24/12/2008 12:19

We simply have to shore our scrum up, with Cobus starting if fit. Balance in the centres and back-row also required for the whole 80.
We certainly have the capability- it is the belief that will make the difference.
London Irish and Irish teams in general seem to be much happier as under-dogs than favourites, so to some extent the pressure has shifted to them.

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TonyTaff
24/12/2008 12:42

Thanks Clive.

It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!

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Kat.
24/12/2008 13:24

From the looks of it Mr & Mrs Armitage will be supporting Sarries*


*Although probably not

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John A
24/12/2008 16:29

Kat

As well you know, that was a one-off - although very nice to meet you and other Sarrie luminaries including TOKS, Large & Rupes@Dax. You will note the protective arm around Mrs A and the hint of fear on her face.

It was certainly more fun in the pre-match bar than at the stadium - though we did meet the legendary Basque donkey.

We're taking advantage of Sky and saving ourselves the trip from Devon.

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Steve Robo
25/12/2008 20:30

With apologies to George Michael.

Last Christmas, we had tetleys and wine,
with a chicken balti pie at £2.99.
This year, the Oirish are here.
It looks like I'll have to drink guinness.

Merry Christmas all and lets hope for a craic er.

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