So… I think it’s about time I mentioned this game.
Unfortunately, Wales were beaten by France, so this couldn’t be a Grand Slam decider. However, it was still a Triple Crown and potential title decider! Wales had to beat Ireland by at least 13 points to come up on top. But I had that gut feeling it wouldn’t happen, I knew it was going to be close, and we wouldn’t be able to get that far ahead.
For this game, the pub was absolutely packed, mostly with Irish people. A lot of drunk Irish people. There were about four of us Welsh surrounded by about 60 or 70 Irish. But it was still good despite us being overwhelmingly outnumbered. There was a really good atmosphere there!
But the game started off slow, and not much really happened in the first half. And I don’t think there’s much to mention about it, apart from Wales led by 6-0.
The second half was much better. But I’m afraid not for Wales’ favour. Ireland scored two tries in two minutes within the first minutes of the second half. The first one being by O’Driscoll, it was one of those tries, which was scored after endless phases and rucks by the tryline, and the second one was scored by a kick downfield, the ball bounced up and picked up by an Irishman who just ran the rest of the way to the line.
Wales didn’t score any tries, but penalties mostly and a drop goal all by Stephen Jones. However, it got Wales one point ahead with 15-14 and 5 minutes to go. However, at the 77th or 78th minute, Ronan O’Gara also got a drop goal in that seemed to have sealed the game. But at the last minute, and Irish player conceded a penalty by putting his hands in the ruck. Thing was, it was on the half way line, and a kick had to be done.
The whole outcome of the game and the tournament depended on this last kick. If it went over, Wales would win the game and the Triple Crown, but no Title. And if missed, Ireland would win the game, Title, Triple Crown and Grand Slam.
It was such a difficult kick, not only the distance, but also its importance. Stephen Jones had the whole nation on his shoulders, maybe even the nation of Ireland on his shoulders, too. It was a lot to ask for. But he kicked it accurately, but just too short.
And for the second time ever, and first time since 1948, Ireland have won the Grand Slam. It was Wales with 15 and Ireland with 17.
Unfortunately, Wales were beaten by France, so this couldn’t be a Grand Slam decider. However, it was still a Triple Crown and potential title decider! Wales had to beat Ireland by at least 13 points to come up on top. But I had that gut feeling it wouldn’t happen, I knew it was going to be close, and we wouldn’t be able to get that far ahead.
For this game, the pub was absolutely packed, mostly with Irish people. A lot of drunk Irish people. There were about four of us Welsh surrounded by about 60 or 70 Irish. But it was still good despite us being overwhelmingly outnumbered. There was a really good atmosphere there!
But the game started off slow, and not much really happened in the first half. And I don’t think there’s much to mention about it, apart from Wales led by 6-0.
The second half was much better. But I’m afraid not for Wales’ favour. Ireland scored two tries in two minutes within the first minutes of the second half. The first one being by O’Driscoll, it was one of those tries, which was scored after endless phases and rucks by the tryline, and the second one was scored by a kick downfield, the ball bounced up and picked up by an Irishman who just ran the rest of the way to the line.
Wales didn’t score any tries, but penalties mostly and a drop goal all by Stephen Jones. However, it got Wales one point ahead with 15-14 and 5 minutes to go. However, at the 77th or 78th minute, Ronan O’Gara also got a drop goal in that seemed to have sealed the game. But at the last minute, and Irish player conceded a penalty by putting his hands in the ruck. Thing was, it was on the half way line, and a kick had to be done.
The whole outcome of the game and the tournament depended on this last kick. If it went over, Wales would win the game and the Triple Crown, but no Title. And if missed, Ireland would win the game, Title, Triple Crown and Grand Slam.
It was such a difficult kick, not only the distance, but also its importance. Stephen Jones had the whole nation on his shoulders, maybe even the nation of Ireland on his shoulders, too. It was a lot to ask for. But he kicked it accurately, but just too short.
And for the second time ever, and first time since 1948, Ireland have won the Grand Slam. It was Wales with 15 and Ireland with 17.
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