Sir, - I remember a wag at Lansdowne Road remarking once that Ireland would only stop playing "10-man rugby" when they could get a number 8 who could kick! Robin Brophy (December 5th) did not convert me to the view that professionalism in Rugby Union has reduced the entertainment value to players and spectators. The failure of the Celtic nations to adapt fully to the new environment does not imply the failure of the game itself.
Rugby Union has always been a game of power, speed, support and control. Competitive teams based their game plans on these principles. Where teams were evenly matched in these respect guile was required to overcome the opposition. It is Rugby League that has been the monotonous, continuous-possession version of the Union code! Neither code provides an entertaining spectacle when one side is physically superior to the other. The Celtic nations have failed to develop the skills and physical conditioning necessary to provide entertaining opposition to the leading Rugby Union nations (the top three of which are from the Southern Hemisphere).
The Antipodean tourists of recent times have shown us that the traditional skills mentioned by Mr Brophy are not only alive but are possesed by both forward and backs in the modern game. It is difficult to deny that last Saturday's encounter between England and New Zealand was one of the greatest contests of our time. It had all the skills of the traditional game including passion, swerving, incisive running, brave tackling, ferocious commitment, surprise (or should I say astonishment), not to mention the kick-and-catch, the foot-rush, and the Number 8 who could kick!
As a one-time Rugby Union player and a lifelong supporter of the Irish team I have to admit that watching Ireland being beaten, especially by so-called weaker teams, is not an enjoyable spectacle. But pride and passion will ensure that I continue to go to Lansdowne Road and further afield in the hope that more Irishmen than the parachutist and Keith Wood get to touch the ball. - Yours, etc.,
From Mark Hearns
Nerano Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin.