Keenan hat-trick inspires six-try Ireland to emphatic win against Argentina
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EN: Use the pattern 'beat [someone] [score] to [score]' to talk about sports results. Notice that 'beat' is an irregular verb: its past tense form is also 'beat'.
Our team beat them 3 to 1 yesterday.
EN: In rugby news, scores are typically reported using the winner's score first, followed by 'to' and the opponent's score (e.g., '42 points to 12' or simply '42-12'). Rugby union is a major national sport in Ireland.
EN: Use the conjunction 'and' to connect two complete sentences into one compound sentence.
The match was in London, and England won the trophy.
EN: In rugby, a 'try' is the primary way of scoring points, worth 5 points, achieved by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area. Aviva Stadium in Dublin is the national stadium for both Irish rugby and football.
EN: We often use the pattern 'Something is when...' in everyday English to explain the meaning of an action, event, or rule.
A foul is when a player breaks a rule.
EN: In rugby, a 'try' is the primary way of scoring points (worth 5 points). Unlike American football where simply carrying the ball across the goal line counts as a touchdown, in rugby the player must physically ground (press down) the ball with hands or arms in the in-goal area.
EN: Use the passive pattern 'is called + [noun]' to introduce what something or someone is named or commonly known as.
A baby dog is called a puppy.
EN: In sports such as rugby, football (soccer), and cricket, a 'hat-trick' refers to achieving three successes (like scoring three tries or three goals) in a single match. The term originally comes from cricket in the 19th century, where a bowler who took three consecutive wickets was awarded a new hat.
EN: Use 'also' before the main verb to add extra information or people doing the same action.
Jack and Emma also played soccer yesterday.
EN: In rugby union, a 'try' is the primary way of scoring, worth 5 points. It occurs when an attacking player grounds the ball in the opponent's in-goal area.
EN: Use 'so' to connect a cause and its result. The clause before 'so' tells the reason ('Keenan had an injury'), and the clause after tells the result ('he did not play...').
It was raining, so we stayed at home.
EN: Use the pattern 'It's + adjective + to + verb' to express feelings or opinions about doing an action.
It's nice to meet you.
EN: Athletes often say 'out here' or 'out on the pitch/field' to refer to being actively involved on the playing ground, especially meaningful here after Hugo Keenan's long 21-month absence due to injury.
EN: We use the modal verb 'may' followed by a base verb (like 'play') to express a possibility in the future.
We may travel to Japan next month.
EN: In rugby union, the Rugby World Cup is the premier international competition held every four years. Major rugby nations like Ireland and Argentina frequently cross paths in test matches and tournaments.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
The scoring of three goals, tries, or points in a single match by one player.
To place something onto a surface; in rugby, to ground the ball to score a try.
To ground the ball in the opponent's in-goal area in rugby, earning points.
To compete against one another in a game or match.