England vs. Ireland — nothing more needs to be said.
No motivational speech necessary for the coaches of the Irish and English rugby teams that will meet today at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for the Churchill Cup championship.
“Whenever you face the Irish, you know what you’re going to get,” England Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster said. “You’re going to get a very committed and tough performance. Our challenge is to combat that, and match their spirit with our spirit.”
A tripleheader of rugby will happen on the DSG Park’s pitch, where the English side will work toward securing its third consecutive Churchill title.
“We’re under no illusions at what a challenge it will be,” Ireland coach Declan Kidney said. “It will be a sizable challenge, but we’re going to get ourselves ready and do our best.”
Canada meets Argentina in today’s first match, and the USA Eagles will play Georgia in the final match, with World Cup seeding implications on the line for the U.S. squad.
The Saxons and Ireland breezed to the final with lopsided victories in pool play. The Saxons are England’s developmental national rugby team, while Ireland has only one national team — the one that will play today.
The Saxons were supposed to play Ireland in February, but the ground was frozen and the match was canceled. This will be the second match between the countries in the Churchill Cup. Ireland beat the Saxons 30-27 in 2006.
“There won’t be any motivation necessary,” Lancaster said.
Lancaster said his side has been hard at work all week on its set piece in the scrum and line-out, always key areas in rugby.
“That’s the foundation of your game,” Lancaster said. “We need to make sure we combat well in that area. Ireland is very good in that area, and whoever comes out on top in that has a very good chance at winning the match.”
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
Churchill Cup
What: Final round of the international rugby tournament
When: Today
Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Tickets: $20-$40
SCHEDULE
First match: Canada vs. Argentina, 12:05 p.m.
Second match (championship): Ireland A vs. Eng- land Saxons, 2:30 p.m.
Third match: USA Eagles vs. Georgia, 4:45 p.m.
