The opener: Tommy Bowe
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Ireland produced the performance that their whole nation had been waiting for on Saturday as they defeated old rivals England 24-8 at Aviva Stadium.
Declan Kidney's side were arguably three gears up from their showings in earlier rounds and consequently stunned the Grand Slam chasers, with tries from Tommy Bowe and Brian O'Driscoll sealing a much-needed win to lift team morale.
England in contrast were not quite at the races and will now face a slightly anxious wait to see how France and Wales pans out in Paris. A points difference of 26 points is the task for Wales if they are to claim the Six Nations crown at the death.
A recalled Jonathan Sexton was deadly in front of goal for the fired-up Irish and struck four penalties in all while the score for O'Driscoll brought his total championship try tally up to a record 25.
However a large amount of credit for the victory must go to their back-row of Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien and David Wallace, with the latter duo immense both in contact and in the loose.
England seemed confident at kick-off, although Ireland's defence immediately held up well and they soon won a penalty after their pack dominated the opening scrum.
They won another too when England strayed offside at a line-out after six minutes, with Sexton kicking three points from in front of the posts. 3-0 it was to Ireland.
Martin Johnson's side lost promising possession when trying to break through the midfield soon after, and although Ireland's counter ended with a knock-on, their next brought a high tackle by an, at times angry, Chris Ashton on Sexton. He found the target and England found themselves 6-0 down after fifteen minutes.
Four minutes later Wallace ended the attempts of Ben Youngs to attack and the nine was then penalised at the scrum for knocking the ball out the hands of an opponent.
Sexton kicked for the corner and with territory established, Ireland worked the ball up and back down the line. Although O'Driscoll then crossed in the left-hand corner, Bowe's pass to the overlap was adjudged forward.
Still, there was the consolation of another three points for Sexton and the knowledge that they held the upper hand. It was to get worse for England.
Having been awarded a penalty in the 25th minutes that he would surely have normally taken, an out-of-sorts Tony Flood was found wanting with the boot.
Ireland pressed forward immediately and caught England flat-footed, with a busy Bowe this time making no mistake as he took a smart Sexton's pass to cross.
Sexton could not convert, but Flood could at least put England's first points on the board with a penalty just past the half hour. And boy did they need it.
They could not use that to fashion a response though; instead Wallace came close to scoring after England's backline were dispossessed dealing with a high kick.
Youngs had helped bundled Wallace into touch but he was then sin-binned for throwing the ball into the crowd and preventing the quick throw. Sexton kicked his fourth, with Wallace almost crossing one minute before the half time interval.
England appeared just as nervous at the start of the second half as Ireland piled on more heat, although they failed to make the man advantage pay off. But with Danny Care replacing Youngs it didn't matter as O'Driscoll picked up a loose ball to cross in the left-hand corner after 46 minutes, with Sexton converting.
Ashton then burst for the line but his final pass found Gordon D'Arcy. However, Ireland gifted their opponents a try on 52 minutes after a line-out went awry and Thompson took advantage, England's record-cap hooker racing over for a try.
Jonny Wilkinson added the two and it was around this time that England finally appeared to get their act together and consistently apply pressure themselves.
Ireland's defence remained unbreached, however, and with heavy rain falling, the hosts got some respite when Care struggled to control the ball on the wet surface.
Ireland remained ahead on territory in the closing ten minutes and try as England might, their increasingly tired-looking attacks never looked likely to prosper.
Victory was celebrated like a championship for Ireland but who can blame them? Success against their old foes and depriving them of a Grand Slam, the Six Nations title?
Man-of-the-match: Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien was once again immense for Ireland with his carrying strength killing England. David Wallace and Jonathan Sexton also deserve a big mention for their efforts but captain and centre Brian O'Driscoll gets the gong for his all-action showing that saw him become the top try-scorer in Five/Six Nations history.
The scorers:
For Ireland:
Tries: Bowe, O'Driscoll
Con: Sexton
Pen: Sexton 4
For England:
Tries: Thompson
Pen: Flood
Ireland: 15 Keith Earls 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Paddy Wallace.
England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Matt Banahan, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nick Easter, 7 James Haskell, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 Paul Doran-Jones, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Danny Care, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 David Strettle.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Tim Hayes (Wales)
Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
Comments
KiwiLad says...
Norm, you will find Stag is quite the wind up merchant, but only if you let him.
Posted 08:53 22nd March 2011
Stag says...
Norm, judging by the fact that you replied twice, you're obviously still upset. Have a lie down maybe.
Posted 15:54 21st March 2011
adamk says...
I agree with Bl_Lion's comments.
In my opinion, the reason Ireland preformed so well, or rather I should say, preformed with confidence and played a simple game, was because of the 9 & 10 relationship. Myself, and a lot of other people on this site, have been calling for the scrumhalf and fly half to be a confident pairing, in order for quick ball that's dominating the play of the world's superior teams (especially that of the teams in Super Rugby, where committing more than two players at the breakdown is considered madness).
On saturday Reddan and Sexton proved my point. Whilst I am a Leinster supported, I'm not biased in this opinion, as I also said if it's not Reddan and Sexton starting, then let Stringer start with O'Gara as they've been onform this season. O'Leary has looked loose ever since he broke his hand, and pairing him with a fly half he wasn't familiar with slowed up the ball.
You could see the confidence oozing from Reddan and Sexton straight away on saturday, and that's infectous. Sexton was chipping kicks he'd usually boot, and Bowe and Trimble were all over the pitch chasing ball.
England did do really well throughout the 6N, and in fairness were the ONLY consistent team, even if they were playing below average teams. Looking forward to the Leicester/Leinster ERC QF in Aviva now... should be one to watch!
Posted 14:57 21st March 2011
crunchfit says...
ChrisInCrete
Imagine what the result would have been if Peter Allan did his job in Wales. Imagine if Cronin hadn't dropped the ball in the last minute against France. The fact is, O'Gara did get his kick and Italy still lost.
Posted 14:40 21st March 2011
l00sehead says...
TBH the match didn't do either team any favours. Before I get told off by both camps let me explain. England choked on the day and in the cosmic scheme of things (world cup etc) they now know that any hopes of defeating southern hemisphere teams in the southern hemisphere are just that, hopes.
Ireland by contrast will now be thinking that 'on the day' they can pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat.
England are NOT the finished article, simple as that and time is running out to become so.
Ireland are NOT as consistant as they need to be and spanking the English while it will have cheered up their 6 nations no end, does not mean that they will do any better in the World Cup. All in all for both camps a disappointing 6 nations.
Posted 09:46 21st March 2011
SeamusOoo says...
Perhaps those bashing the Irish fans might remember many years ago when England were talking about the 5N/ 6N having no future as England and France were so much better than the others and the England v France game was essentially the championship decider, the others just making up the numbers.
That is why I (and I am sure many other Irishmen) get so much pleasure when we beat England every year.
Posted 23:51 20th March 2011
felly says...
Ah, that thing they call being gracious in defeat, Eng fans have it today. Gracious in victory, some Irish fans don't. And yet the English are the arrogant ones? I miss the days when Rugby fans had respect for each other, and other teams and their players. Perhaps some people have such a great chip on the old shoulder!!!
P.S Well done Ireland, set out to do something and achieved it!!!
Posted 21:12 20th March 2011
ChrisInCrete says...
A lot of people with obviously really sad lives around. England were on for a Grand Slam, the only team that was. They got beaten on the day by a better team. Well done Ireland. Hype on the Grand Slam, No, lots of hope though. Expected winners, No, just look at the Planet Rugby preview (talk about sitting on the fence). England still won the championship, so have some respect (don't forget runners-up in the last world cup - ugly but they still got there). Is there a consistent team in the 6N, not obvious. Before harping on about Ireland, just remember what the result would have been if O'Gara had missed with the last kick of the Italy game. If you want to bask in a team that really went somewhere this year, think Italy.
Posted 20:16 20th March 2011
Lucasrg says...
Very well dome IRland but also congratulations to England as champions of the 2011 edition.
Posted 18:26 20th March 2011
7ton says...
Congaratulions to Ireland.
What a superb game. Nobody watching that can say the rugby played in the 6N is dull and boring
Posted 17:10 20th March 2011
Stag says...
Norm, if you're upset by what you perceive as a lack of grace, cast your mind back to all the pre-match predictions of a comfortable victory for England. If you're still upset, maybe consider a season ticket for Twickenham instead of Landsdowne.
Posted 16:20 20th March 2011
carpelone says...
Congratulations to Ireland on yesterday, some exciting rugby was finally shown, at least in the first half.
It was rather a swan song for a glorius, ageing Irish side.
Ireland can not play with intensity for consecutive matches.
To be honest, I doubt that any of the Six Nations Teams can match not only South Africa or New Zealand, but also top Super Rugby teams (Bulls, Sharks, Crusaders).
As a neutral observer, I am quite annoyed by the comments of the majority of Irish supporters. It seems that not many of you are or were rugby players, being so derogatory with your opponents. On a rugby pitch, you can behave like this only at your own peril. You look like a bunch of football fans, always whinging on a penalty rather than on an offside.
Rightly celebrate this nice win and try to think how you get the same work rate from Irish tight five, how the 9-10 combination can be improved and who have to support O'Driscoll in the last part of his career (obviously D'Arcy can not).
Obviously England was overrated, however it is the European team with more potential in view of the RWC.
Posted 16:16 20th March 2011
BI_Lion says...
I think the Irish fans on this blog are letting themselves down a bit here by being pretty bad winners. You won a game guys, in impressive style, but there is no need for that. You don't see any others fans acting like that when they beat a main rival... Apart from may be the Aussies :o)
Posted 13:21 20th March 2011
spike19 says...
A Mr Ruckoff reading your comments I can't help but detect a air of arrogance. I find some of your words very patronising, its true you have been better than other teams in this years 6nations. However if you think full strength All Blacks and Bok teams are going to be concerned about England your deluded. Lets refresh shall we you almost blew it against the Scots at home and you failed to do what the Welsh, Irish and French have done in the past 4 years against Ireland. If you cant even win in Europe how can you expect to compete in the WC. You say our teams need to grow up, perhaps you should tell that to Ben Youngs who clearly has an attitude problem. Perhaps you have a future as a member of the British press, you can print sensationalist rubbish and then watch your team fall at the last hurdle!!!!!
Posted 11:10 20th March 2011
jehosophat says...
Great match Ireland, they outmuscled and outplayed England right from the start and kept up an intensity that I thought would drop at some point. On this form, they are world beaters, but this was one match and if they were my team then losing two and finishing with a near even points difference would not float my boat. But Dublin remains probably the toughest NH away venue to play, especially if you are in white, I was pretty confident England would lose this and we did...
I'm unsure where this leaves the NH. It was a close 6N, in which there seem to be no easy away games for anyone now. Comments about the whole 6N lacking fitness or power are nonsense - everyone is saying how average England are now - fair enough - but what does that make Australia? Only the All Blacks came back from their autumn tour unblemished. Ball handling in the forwards and true penetrative running in the backs - yes, those are NH issues, unless you are French and on a good day.
For England, confusion - Care, Thomson and Wilkinson have all looked better than the people starting in their positions in the last three games. Midfield is a big ongoing issue. The whole side has started at a canter in the last three matches and that is just not good enough, lack of experience is relevant but not enough of an excuse.
Posted 09:50 20th March 2011
Ruckoff says...
As an England fan of course I'm use to the bashing that we always get on these pages. I enjoyed the match and thought Ireland played superbly, well deserving of a victory where the score really didn't reflect their dominance on the field.
However let's not get too over excited. The fact is England still won the championship beating Wales, France and Italy very convincingly and as much as you all enjoy 'England bashing' you have to give them credit for the previous performances, as anyone who enjoys and understands rugby should. If this had been an Irish team playing the way England have this year you'd all be singing their praises, the fact that they're wearing White shirts and not Green doesn't automatically mean you can criticise them requardless of how they play.
Personally I have always thought Ireland have under performed in the 6N but if you want to have a good 'international' team you have to play to that standard consistently and not just turn it on when it comes to playing one team you have a particulay strong rivalry with. Your team needs to grow up.
I wish Ireland the best of luck in the RWC and would love to see them put on more performances of the same calibre. Sadly for you I predict that again they will bottle it. Still never mind, you might not win anything but at least you beat England. One game doesn't make you a good team. I look forward to beating you at the world cup (if you get past the group stage that is). Ireland don't travel well unlike their English counterparts. Enjoy your little moment, we have bigger things on our minds!
Posted 09:48 20th March 2011
dannyc28 says...
They say "you are only as good as your last game". This is never more true than in international rugby. Ireland outplayed and out fought England yesterday and now they are world beaters! On the other hand England is over rated and rubbish. As an Englishman it was great for the team to back in games like Grand Slam deciders but it proved too early for this team. The "just another game" plan looked ok in the build up but was fatally flawed once the game began. England where not ready for an Irish team pumped up on beating their biggest rivals (England are everybody's biggest rivals, snore....) and with nothing to lose. For Ireland they need to kick on with that performance but I fear they won't. Unless they play England in every world game later this year they wont get past the quarters. They just don't get up for any other team like that (same with all the celtic nations). As for England, disastrous. It will be hard for Johnno to drag them back this but they are a young side. My suggestion to him is stick with it, the potential is there and every international experience is a good one (ahem). The only real area of genuine weakness is in the centres. No quality. Yesterday we played with 2 very average players there. Johnno has the core he now needs to earn his money finding an international class centre partnership.
As for everyone in England thinking yesterday was a stroll up and win was very very far from the truth. The media might big it up but every self respecting Englishman I spoke prior to the game never thought this was a done deal and knew it was the toughest game of our championship. And so it proved....
Posted 07:53 20th March 2011
BI_Lion says...
Great day for Ireland. They were better prepared for the game and clearly had a lot more passion to win the game. Sadly, I see them doing their usual show at the RWC though, winning 1 or 2 games brilliantly and then just not able to follow through.
And you can see it now... France and Wales will do the same!
In general the Northern Hemisphere teams need more mental strength. 1 game is not enough in a tournament. England are the only team in the last 2 RWC's now that have shown that mental strength and I believe we will see them doing well again this RWC, but are the other NH teams going to step up to the plate? Sadly, I just don't think Ireland and Wales especially have what it takes to do well on the big stage...
I see England reaching the RWC final, but they won't win as they are a year or two away with the current team... Unfortunately the RWC will be SH dominated, especially because I don't see France getting past the QF's...
Posted 06:29 20th March 2011
SeamusOOO says...
Can you really know so little about Ireland v England rivalry???
Actually we came 3rd but it is irrelevant.
We denied England a Grand Slam in Dublin. That is enough for like...... ever.
Posted 05:13 20th March 2011
dropgoal says...
Well, we were due for a breakout game and this surely was it. The old foe always
gets the best out of us and Saturday was Ireland's day from KO to final whistle.
I'm always amazed at the pundits who write of players, tactics, selections and coaches every time Ireland loses a game. So what do you pundits have to say now? Have we still five players over the hill and a few more who never should have been selected. Tell it like it is. We are a team in transition that looks
like it has finally turned the corner and capable of a lot more. Go Ireland!
Posted 04:21 20th March 2011