3 BUCCS PLAYERS IN VICTORIOUS IRELAND TEAM
Three Buccaneers players featured in Ireland’s Six Nations 50-17 victory over Italy at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Robbie Henshaw, David Heffernan and Finlay Bealham all came off the bench as Ireland recorded a bonus point win that keeps them very much in the hunt for the title. Henshaw made a significant contribution when replacing the injured Gary Ringrose, playing for over two thirds of the game as the Athlonian won his 44th cap. Ballina native Heffernan earned his second cap and scored Ireland’s final try while Bealham, listed inaccurately as Galway Corinthians on the matchday programme but who is still registered with Buccaneers, went into double figures notching his tenth cap. Jack Carty is also in the extended 35-man squad.
Ireland played quite well for three-quarters of the contest but may rue coughing up two sloppy second half tries to the visitors. This 14 points differential could yet prove costly as England will surely wallop Italy next Saturday. However, destiny is in Ireland’s hands, although it certainly will not be easy, but a bonus point victory in France in the final match of this Six Nations championship will guarantee them the title. Here’s wishing them well.