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7th October 2023
10:43pm BST
23 September 2023; Garry Ringrose of Ireland after the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile[/caption]
Ringrose had been criticised in some quarters coming into the tournament but with this performance backing up an impressive showing against South Africa, Matt Williams took aim at those critics on Virgin Media.
"So many people, before the tournament, people were saying he's not playing well, he's not great, we should replace him," said Williams, the former Ulster and Scotland coach.
"It was absolute rubbish. Yes his performances were down a little bit but it wasn't like he was poor. And then you see great player, he got his timing right."
Williams went onto praise Ireland's tackling, before sounding a word of warning ahead of their clash with the All Blacks next Saturday.
"This is not the greatest New Zealand side I've ever side. But there's never a bad New Zealand side.
https://twitter.com/VMSportIE/status/1710765954756440571
"There are still no guarantees. But Ireland are playing well enough now. And they have a game-plan. But the best thing about this, for me, was the tackling. They tackled Scotland out of it, again."
Rob Kearney is also excited ahead of the New Zealand clash.
"Every single one of them are at the peak of their powers, and that's a phenomenal place to be in.
Shane Horgan also praised Ringrose and said that, as a team, they won't get a better opportunity.
"Every time Ringrose touched the ball, it was complete class, clarity and perfect execution. Both sides of the ball, making brilliant defensive reads, he's so aggressive in the tackle as well. He's tough, he's an all-around phenomenal player," said Horgan.
"If not now then when. We're not going to have a better opportunity. This is it. This is it now."
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