BIG CALLS LIKE Ireland’s 72nd-minute penalty against France – at which they chose to take three points, going on to lose the game – feel very different when you’re in the crucible of a matchday stadium. 

That’s according to 23-times-capped Ireland fullback Eimear Considine. 

“It’s not just one person’s decision,” she said. “That’s the main thing that people off the field might not know.” 

It’s not just the kicker [making the decision]. Everyone is mic’d up – your doc is mic’d up, your physio is mic’d up. You’re hearing so many messages.

The42′s new Ireland rugby show, The Front Row – in partnership with Guinness – dropped yesterday with an all-star lineup and plenty to talk about. 

Ireland legend Rob Kearney was with us in studio. He joined our panel: comedian Seán Burke, Considine and our very own Murray Kinsella – who was fresh off the red-eye from Paris following Ireland’s honourable defeat.

In a packed show, we also heard from Rob Kearney on his most euphoric moment in a green jersey, a “brutal” return to the GAA pitch, and his skincare routine – while host Seán Burke lost bragging rights to his French girlfriend.

Joey Carbery in action on Saturday Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

But first on the agenda was the crucial decision that had the nation talking.

SEÁN: Here’s one: Would Johnny Sexton have kicked for the corner?

MURRAY: I think he would have kicked straight for the corner. I really do.  

New episodes of The Front Row, in partnership with Guinness, drop on Mondays after Ireland’s big games. To get the latest episodes in your feed, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Or you can listen to the full show right here:
https://soundcloud.com/user-373032408/the-front-row-episode-one-rob-kearney

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