WHILE DAVE FOLEY was delighted to mark his debut with a win and a man of the match performance, he acknowledges that he and his team mates will need to raise the bar considerably ahead of the visit of Australia next week.
Ireland lacked cohesion and fluidity during an attritional first period but scored six tries after the interval to run riot and make it two wins from two in the November series.
Once the Georgian resistance was broken with two tries in quick succession after half-time, Ireland clicked into gear but Foley knows there must be improvements if Ireland are to complete a November clean sweep in six days time.
“Personally I’m happy enough but obviously we have a lot of work ahead of Australia next week as that wouldn’t be good enough,” he told RTÉ after the game.
Georgia frustrated the hosts for large periods of the first-half as they were combative at the breakdown and ensured Ireland were deprived of quick ball. Foley admitted Ireland were too impatient in the opening 40 as they looked to make things happen.
“We knew we had to come out here and front up against the Georgians. I played against them for Emerging Ireland a few years ago and we always knew they were going to be a physical threat.
“I think it was a matter of just holding the ball which we didn’t do at times but it was a much better second-half.”
The Munster second-row was one of the stand-out performers in the 49-7 win but he admits it’s only a start and he needs to kick-on from here.
“It’s was very important to make an impression. I’m 26 years of age now and I would have hoped it [debut] had of come a few years ago but I was delighted to get the opportunity today and hopefully I can kick on from here now,” he continued.
Ireland will look to cap off a fine November series next week against the Wallabies.
“It will be a massive game, Australia at home, what more could you ask for and we’re really looking forward to it already.”
