Rugby digest

Today's other stories in brief

IRFU may turn to Aboud

GIVEN THE long-drawn-out saga that accompanied the FAI's search for a successor to Steve Staunton, it will be interesting to note how the IRFU might handle a process if they were to part company with the current coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

It would be reasonable to assume that the first port of call would be a room in union headquarters to consult the IRFU's national coaching development manager, Stephen Aboud. He enjoys an excellent reputation in international coaching circles and would have a strong knowledge of the coaching world in global terms.

Therefore it's hardly fanciful to suggest he would be charged with drawing up a list of about six names including biographies and coaching achievements that would offer a useful tool to the IRFU in any potential search.

This common sense approach is predicated on two issues: (1) that the IRFU believe O'Sullivan is not the man to take Ireland forward and (2) that the union employ a methodology they haven't used in the past for other high-level appointments.

Slam based on stern defence

ANYONE WHO doubts the impact of Shaun Edwards and the input he's enjoyed since coming in as Wales defensive coach on a part-time basis might be interested in the statistic that the Welsh conceded only two tries en route to winning the Grand Slam, a record for the Six Nations Championship.

The only tries they conceded were one each against England and Italy and this achievement eclipsed the record previously held by England, who conceded four tries in each of the championships of 2002 and 2003.

Edwards's grand praise for Gatland

WARREN GATLAND could not have received a better imprimatur after leading Wales to a Grand Slam in Cardiff in his first season in charge of the Principality than the endorsement of Welsh legend and rugby icon Gareth Edwards.

The former Cardiff, Wales and Lions scrumhalf has been very taken by the impact Gatland and his new coaching team have had since taking over.

Edwards enthused: "Warren has turned more or less the same squad into Grand Slam champions," a reference to the squad that Wales took to last year's World Cup in France when they failed to graduate from the pool stages after being beaten by Fiji.

"It sounds easy and it looks easy, but Warren has been the difference between us being out with the empties and being up there and really enjoying this success. It is extremely special, especially after the position we found ourselves in at the World Cup."

Cipriani crosses the line

ENGLAND OUTHALF Danny Cipriani kicked a flawless 18 points in his first start for England, but while he didn't put a foot wrong on the pitch he did slip up spectacularly in his post-match interview on live television. Cipriani kicked seven from seven on the day but in his eagerness to praise his forward pack in an interview straight after the game, the 20-year-old Wasps outhalf decided to employ the vernacular in assessing his pack. "It's the f*****g one to eight who deserve the 'man of the match' award," he said, before realising his mistake. He then added with a reddening of the face. "Oh no. I can't believe I've just sworn on live television - I'm so sorry."

Wilkinson stays in tune

THERE'S NO doubting that the musical instrument favoured by Irish rugby players appears to be the guitar. At one point there were plenty of willing students in Leinster including outhalf Felipe Contepomi, flanker Keith Gleeson and the recently retired wing Denis Hickie.

It seems the guitar craze is no less prevalent in Ulster, with current Ireland wing Tommy Bowe, outhalf Niall O'Connor and prop Declan Fitzpatrick potential Rory Gallaghers.

Most embraced the guitar as a hobby to enjoy an interest outside of their career. That was certainly the case for England's Jonny Wilkinson, although he showed his versatility by moving on to the piano.

Injury woe

THIS WEEKEND proved pretty catastrophic for the Irish provinces in terms of injuries, with both Denis Leamy and David Wallace suffering setbacks while Leicester may have to plan without Geordan Murphy for a while.

Ulster look set to be without wing Simon Danielli after he suffered an ankle injury and was stretchered off while playing for Scotland against Italy in Rome.

Danielli fell contesting a high ball and his potential absence from the Ulster team would be keenly felt as he has been one of the most impressive performers this season.