All Blacks Legend Slams Ireland Star for 'Pathetic Dive' Against Argentina

11/19/2024 02:53 AM

When Matias Moroni received a yellow card for his challenge on Jack Crowley, fans everywhere voiced their frustration over what many saw as Crowley’s exaggerated reaction.

But none have expressed their dismay quite like former All Black Steve Devine, who went all in on the criticism during an appearance on New Zealand radio station SENZ.

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Steve Devine's Stinging Rebuke

“I used to be a great fan of the Irish,” Devine started, clearly unimpressed.

“I used to love how they played rugby, and now I think it's all been brought undone by negative rugby in terms of Jack Crowley.

“He gets a little touch on the head, there's been a lot of hard men that have played rugby very hard over the years for Ireland.

“I think it's all been undone by this soccer mentality. You get hit in the head, and you go down like you're injured, and it cost Argentina.”

Turning Points and Soft Calls

Devine didn’t hold back as he broke down what he felt was a pivotal moment: “Argentina score a great try after five minutes, and it gets brought back to the other end of the field because Jack Crowley got a finger laid on his head and he fell over screaming. It was barely a touch. There was then a penalty in the corner, and they took the penalty and scored a try.”

He emphasised the significance of the moment: “It was basically a 14-point turnaround. And Crowley doesn't have to go off with a suspected head injury even though he fell to the ground, rolling around in pain, holding his head.”

Rolling Around Like Footballers?

Despite the yellow card and Ireland's subsequent tries being game-changers, Devine did acknowledge that Moroni couldn't argue too much about the sin-bin decision. Yet, his ire wasn't just reserved for Crowley.

A Damning Verdict on Ireland

Devine expanded his criticism to the entire Irish team, accusing them of using tactics more commonly seen on the football pitch. “That's disgusting,” he said bluntly. “I don't watch soccer because we have grown men rolling around on the ground when they're injured.”

With visible frustration, he added, “I don't want to see it, and if that's what Ireland have got to resort to win matches, then I want nothing to do with them. I've had enough of them.”

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How the British & Irish Lions XV would look right now, zero Welshmen included

As the Autumn Nations Series unfolds, we assess how the British & Irish Lions would line up based on current form, with key players from England, Ireland, and Scotland leading the charge as they prepare for the upcoming challenge in Australia.

British & Irish Lions XV

Fullback

Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Keenan's consistency under the high ball and his sharp counter-attacking ability make him the perfect fit for the British & Irish Lions’ fullback spot. After his excellent performances this autumn, it's hard to look beyond the Irishman for a starting role in the upcoming Lions tour to Australia.

Right Wing

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Despite being relatively new on the scene, Feyi-Waboso has made waves this autumn with his pace and attacking flair. His try-scoring instincts make him an exciting prospect for the Lions as they look for a cutting edge on the wing.

Centre

Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Ringrose is in excellent form this autumn, showing off his vision, defensive solidity, and dynamic attacking capabilities. He's a perfect fit for the Lions' centre spot, offering leadership and experience in the midfield.

Inside Centre

Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Tuipulotu's robust ball-carrying and defensive prowess make him the ideal partner for Ringrose in the centres. His ability to break the gainline and make those powerful runs could be the key to unlocking opposition defences on tour.

Left Wing

Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Van der Merwe has shown his usual strength and finishing ability during the autumn internationals. His power and ability to shrug off tackles could prove crucial for the Lions as they look to dominate in Australia.

Fly-Half

Marcus Smith (England)
Smith has been a standout for England, showcasing his playmaking flair and ability to control the game from fly-half. He brings the attacking vision the Lions need in Australia, with an added sense of unpredictability.

Scrum-Half

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
The Irish scrum-half has been in electric form, displaying speed, accuracy, and intelligence. His quick service and sharp decision-making make him the ideal candidate to guide the Lions’ attack in the Southern Hemisphere.

Loosehead Prop

Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Porter has been a dominant force in the scrum, and his all-around work ethic makes him one of the best looseheads in the northern hemisphere. Expect him to anchor the Lions’ front row with power and precision.

Hooker

Jamie George (England)
George continues to impress with his lineout accuracy and leadership. His work at the breakdown and his ability to control the pace of the game make him an indispensable figure in the Lions’ pack. Plus, his experience on previous tours to New Zealand and South Africa will be invaluable.

Tighthead Prop

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
One of the best in the world, Furlong's scrummaging and carrying ability make him the cornerstone of the Lions’ forward pack. His technical skill is unrivalled, and his form this autumn has only reaffirmed his place as a starter.

Lock

Maro Itoje (England)
Itoje's dynamic work at the lineout and his physicality in open play make him a must-pick for the Lions. His presence in the engine room would give the Lions a physical and mental edge in Australia.

Lock

Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
McCarthy has shown tremendous potential this autumn, displaying both physicality and technical accuracy. His combination of strength and mobility gives the Lions a second-row option who can excel at the set-piece and in open play.

Blindside Flanker

Chandler Cunningham-South (England)
Cunningham-South has impressed with his work rate, ball carrying, and defensive capabilities. His versatile skill set makes him a standout player in the back row and an ideal choice for the Lions’ blindside.

Openside Flanker

Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Van der Flier has been everywhere this autumn, showing his tireless work rate and tackling ability. A strong performer at the breakdown, he would be vital for the Lions to slow down Australia's ball and disrupt their attack.

Number Eight

Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Doris has been in exceptional form, blending power with finesse in attack and defence. His ability to carry the ball and link play would make him an ideal choice as the Lions’ number eight on tour.

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