RUGBY OPINION
Defeat to Wales sets up thrilling Six Nations climax
By Daire Walsh
THE RBS Six Nations Championship is set to go down to the wire this weekend, after Ireland’s 23-16 defeat to Wales in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday ensured that the race for top honours was thrown wide open.
Heading into Week Four of the competition, Joe Schmidt’s side were the only ones who were in contention for a Grand Slam, but their seven-point reversal in Cardiff means that Ireland will not repeat their 2009 heroics.
Following the most recent round of results, Ireland are now level on points with both England and Wales. Despite gaining significant ground on his former charges, Warren Gatland’s team are still 21 points behind Ireland on score difference, but thanks to their 25-13 success over Scotland in the Calcutta Cup, England’s +37 narrowly outweighs the +33 of Ireland.
This will make Saturday March 21st one of the more dramatic days in Six Nations history, when Ireland and Wales will be expected to secure victories over Scotland and Italy, while England face the more daunting task of France in Twickenham.
Having surprisingly trailed 12-0 after 14 minutes, Ireland were playing catch up for much of Saturday’s game.
Three penalties from Jonathan Sexton helped the Green Army to stay within touching distance (15-9) at the break, but after being thwarted on several occasions by superb Welsh defensive work, the visitors conceded a morale-sapping try to Scott Williams just past the hour mark.
A converted penalty try subsequently offered Ireland a lifeline, before Leigh Halfpenny increased his personal tally to 15 points late on to complete a disappointing day for Paul O’Connell on his 100th international appearance.
There was also frustration for the Ireland Under-20s in Colwyn Bay on Friday, as they suffered a 19-12 loss to their Welsh counterparts. Local stars Billy Dardis, Jeremy Loughman and Joey Carberry saw action once again, but in spite of the best efforts from Kildare resident Ross Byrne (who contributed all of Ireland’s points), a second successive defeat places them out of the race for the top spot.
However, there was better news on Sunday for the Ireland Women’s side, who recorded an outstanding 20-0 triumph in Swansea. With Jenny Murphy of Kilcullen continuing to be an ever-present in Ireland’s midfield, Tom Tierney’s brigade secured a fully-deserved success with tries from Paula Fitzpatrick and Alison Miller, alongside ten points from captain Niamh Briggs.
Because of France’s shock loss to Italy, Ireland now have an excellent opportunity to claim the Women’s Six Nations Championship. A win over Scotland would definitely seal the Triple Crown, and the French will more than likely have to overcome England if they are to hold on to their title.
Meanwhile, the Leinster Schools’ Senior Cup ended in heartbreaking fashion for both Newbridge College and Clongowes Wood College, but there will still be some Kildare interest in the upcoming finals. Naas’ Sean Kilgallen will be part of Cistercian College Roscrea’s squad for today’s Senior Cup decider against Belvedere College, while Sam Dardis (brother of Billy) will feature at full-back for Terenure College in Sunday’s junior showpiece at Donnybrook.