Majic.iE

Gatland adding fuel to the fire

Yes the men in green finally landed their first ever RBS 6 Nations title and first Grand Slam since 1948. In doing so they dethroned Wales of the title and also denied the Welsh side a Triple Crown.

It was a sweet, sweet victory given that the Wales manager Warren Gatland had claimed ‘‘Wales disliked Ireland’’ prior to the game. The former Irish manager added spice to an already tense occasion.

The tension was evident from the first minute. Ryan Jones cynical trip on Ronan O’Gara after the Irishman had dispatched his kick led to a skirmish between half the Irish and Welsh side. However the rest of the game was fiercely fought in a competitive but fair manner.

Euphoric Scenes

Ireland had plenty of possession in the opening period but it was Wales who led at the break. Two Stephen Jones penalties gave the Welsh side a 6-0 interval lead.

The second half began like the first but this time Ireland made it show on the scoreboard. Brian O'Driscoll outstretched hand gave Ireland the break they badly needed. O’Gara converted as Ireland took the lead for the first time.

Ninety seconds later and there was euphoric scenes among the Irish contingent. A crossfield kick by Ronan O’Gara was gathered by Tommy Bowe who raced in and the party was really starting now. O’Gara made it 14-6 as Irish fans began to believe that maybe today was their day after all.

Heartbreak

However the game degenerated into a cat and mouse affair. Two Stephen Jones penalties pegged Ireland back. It was now just a two point game.

Heartbreak followed when a Stephen Jones drop goal with six minutes remaining put Ireland 15-14 in arrears.

Panic Ireland did not. They immediately went on the offensive. Ireland was patient and as we all begged the pack to offload it for O’Gara to drop goal. Yet that’s exactly what the Munster man did! Given the extraordinary pressure he was under he showed fantastic character.

The last minute drama followed but today nothing could deny Ireland their day. Great credit too to manager Declan Kidney and his backroom staff. They have lifted Irish rugby to the heights this golden generation deserves to be.

Homecoming with a trophy

The thousands of Irish people who turned up at Dawson Street to welcome the team home was an indicator of the feat they achieved. The homecoming was different to many others held for Irish teams. These boys in green had a trophy and boy didn’t they deserve it!