Hugo Keenan didn’t generate many headlines after Ireland’s impressive win in France last Friday, but the full-back was on hand for the visitors at stud on a night in which many of Andy Farrell’s players shone. He made a number of important defensive plays that helped keep the team at the top. Velodrome.
Keenan had a busy night with the ball in his hands, but his work without the ball was relentless throughout the 80 minutes.
The 27-year-old stood out early in the game with a try-saving tackle on Damien Penault just two minutes later.
With Gaël Fickou attacking France’s right flank, Keenan held his position before hitting Penault with a well-timed strike to force him into touch.
It was the first of three outstanding tackles by the fullback on the night.
The second one arrived late in the opening period.
With France’s 14-man squad increasing their numbers and putting pressure on Ireland’s 22-man team, Keenan made a strong tackle on Penault from the edge of the line, preventing the winger from finding Yoram Moefana on the left and pushing back.
Keenan also had an important intervention in the second half.
As France broke from deep, Keenan trucked across and stopped the 6-foot-4, 106-kg Paul Boudean in his tracks.
Keenan immediately recognizes the danger and tries his best to get over it and make the tackle.
It was another powerful blow that prevented Budegend from knocking his teammate off his shoulders.
Keenan also hit Thomas Ramos in the 18th minute.
Those tackles were just one aspect of a typically well-rounded performance.
After Ramos scored France’s first goal of the night, Keenan’s pursuit from Jack Crowley’s kick-off and subsequent tackle on the French full-back put the hosts under pressure, culminating in France’s hasty sending off. It ended with Fabien Galtier’s team nailed it. half of ourselves.
From the Irish lineout Ireland increased the pressure and Jack Crowley sent in Tadhg Beirne to score his second try of the night.
Keenan scored another lung-busting shot in the 63rd minute, chasing Jamison Gibson against Park, and although he was unable to win the ball, he thwarted Boudéin’s attack and denied France’s attempts to recycle the ball. It did a good job of slowing it down. After two phases, France knocked the ball on.
Keenan’s motivation never waned as the game progressed, and there is no doubt that the Irish coaching staff appreciated his desire to corner Jack Conan’s kick with six minutes remaining and put pressure on Mathieu Jalibert. Probably not.
Keenan was still running hard and looking to make things happen as Ireland put up 14 points and already had a bonus point.
Ireland then battled through the final five minutes inside the French half, with Ronan Kelleher adding their fifth try to seal a record 38-17 victory.
While other players received praise, Keenan’s contributions throughout the night were a key part of the team’s performance.