Who is popular today?

Troy Parrott’s late goal against Lithuania means Ireland’s unbeaten run under Stephen Kenny extends to eight matches. Four disallowed goals were all the 30,686 attendance at the Aviva were seemingly privy to until the young Spurs striker, on loan to MK Dons came on to grab the winner in stoppage time. Best for Ireland on the night, according to Malachy Clerkin’s player ratings, was Nathan Collins and Ryan Manning. Elsewhere, Portugal and Poland both booked their spots in the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.
In his column this morning (Subscriber Only), Gordon D’Arcy writes that after a slow burn, the URC’s newest recruits from South Africa are making their presence felt: “The elements – heat and altitude – have been significant factors recently as clubs make the reverse journey, in the same way that the Stormers squad arrived in the Sportsground many moons ago dressed as Arctic explorers, shivering in the cold.” Damian de Allende has confirmed that he is leaving Munster at the end of the season, saying he wants to finish up with some silverware before he most likely heads back to club rugby in Japan.
Waterford will be without Austin Gleeson for Saturday’s league final as they will not be appealing the red card he received late on in the semi-final win over Wexford. In his column this morning, Seán Moran explains why the decline in the east gives hope to Sam Maguire aspirants elsewhere: “As ever the Ulster title race will be a demolition derby. Leinster may be for the moment subdued but the other provinces are buzzing.”
Meanwhile, the prospect of Tiger Woods making an incredible comeback at the Masters next week has increased after the 15-times Major winner arrived on Tuesday at Augusta National for a practice round. Images have also surfaced in recent days of Woods playing at the Medalist club in Florida, fuelling speculation of an unlikely Masters return.