Ireland rocked Paris this weekend, with a tough, hard fought
victory, in a match that was alive until the last second. They claimed only their second 6
Nations title in 14 years, had the best points difference, had the best points
scorer, Jonny Sexton (66) , who also shared the most tries scored (4) with Mike
Brown. We conceded the least penalties (36)
, and managed to win the final despite conceding the most heart attacks in the
last 5 minutes (4.5 million). Yes, it wouldn’t have been a proper victory
without giving the opposition every opportunity to snatch the win in the last
few minute – ‘You’re sure like?’.
Brian O’Driscoll was 21 when we last beat France in Paris,
so what better way to end your career with a victory in a place that was so
hard to get wins. He retires with the record for international caps, was both
an Irish and Lions captain, he put his body on the line for 15 years for his
country, and it’s really tough to say goodbye, but better to celebrate his
career than be sad he’s leaving.
It was day for heroes, Trimble, Kearney, O’Connell, Murray, Toner,
world class performances but even more the ultimate team performance. France of
course, couldn’t have played rubbish like they did the three matches before, oh
no, they came out all guns blazing, but the team, and coaches Joe Schmidt and
John Plumtree had a plan, and the rest, as they say is history!
Elsewhere, worthy runners up England put 50 points on Italy,
playing their rugby this year with a lot of heart and skill. Italy had an awful
tournament, with no wins, taking over from where France left off last year!
Wales got a big win over Scotland, in a match that ended as
contest when Stuart Hogg was red carded
for a late hit in the 22nd minute. Fortunately, Dan Biggar wasn’t
badly injured, and Hogg will never in a million years deliver such a sweet
uppercut with his shoulder again! Not a great season for Wales, after back to
back tournaments, but they have all the players, they just need the x-factor
back. Scotland still lack the players and the belief, but maybe new coach Vern
Cotter will start to fix that next season.
RBS Six Nations
Saturday , March 15
Italy 11 - 52 England
Wales 51 - 3 Scotland
France 20 - 22 Ireland
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