Ireland retain Six Nations title with narrow Scotland win
Ireland retain Six Nations title with narrow Scotland win
DUBLIN: In a tense match at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, Ireland defeated Scotland 17–13 to win back-to-back Six Nations crowns for the second time in 11 years and move over their World Cup heartbreak from the previous year.
Ireland appeared to be in danger of losing the crown and giving the English something to play for in Paris after England rejected their attempt for back-to-back Grand Slams last week. They managed to eke out an insignificant 7-6 lead at halfway.
Ireland appeared to be in danger of losing the crown and giving the English something to play for in Paris after England rejected their attempt for back-to-back Grand Slams last week. They managed to eke out an insignificant 7-6 lead at halfway.
After the half, Andy Farrell's team was much more focused, and they pushed hard until Andrew Porter's try in the 65th minute separated the teams. However, a late score by Huw Jones and an Irish yellow card set up a nerve-wracking conclusion.
With the win, Ireland avoided a repeat of last year's devastating World Cup quarterfinal loss, moved ahead of second-place England, and made sure the post-Johnny Sexton era started with a trophy.
After the defeat at Twickenham, captain Peter O'Mahony told supporters that not too long ago, Ireland would have given an arm and a leg for a single crown. "Very special, these days don't come around very often," he remarked.
"Backing up to the World Cup, we worked very hard. It was difficult. however, it inspired us. Recovering from that setback demonstrates the character of our group," he continued.
With the win, Ireland avoided a repeat of last year's devastating World Cup quarterfinal loss, moved ahead of second-place England, and made sure the post-Johnny Sexton era started with a trophy.
After the defeat at Twickenham, captain Peter O'Mahony told supporters that not too long ago, Ireland would have given an arm and a leg for a single crown. "Very special, these days don't come around very often," he remarked.
"Backing up to the World Cup, we worked very hard. It was difficult. however, it inspired us. Recovering from that setback demonstrates the character of our group," he continued.
Before hoisting the trophy, the seasoned Munster back-row forward expressed that this match might be his final as an Irish player. He broke down in tears during the anthems.
"I'll be a happy man if it was the last one," he remarked during a pitchside interview.
SNAPPY ACCESS
The first ten minutes of the match were feisty, with more balls being pinged into the air than through the hands. Finn Russell's goal put Scotland ahead 3-0, causing the home crowd to become anxious throughout the match.
A horrifying lineout by the Scots five meters from their own line gave Ireland an early try.
ball soared above all of the Scottish jumpers and into Dan Sheehan's arms as he walked over for his sixth championship try.
Ireland's offense appeared worn out and lacked the fluidity it had displayed earlier in the campaign. The visitors' well-organized defense stifled Ireland's meagre offensive threats, allowing eight early mistakes.
But neither team was able to exert any influence over an insignificant first half, thus the errors were not exclusive to Ireland.
Following the break, Ireland came alive, with flyhalf Jack Crowley pushing them four points up before the referees made a close call to deny prop Tadhg Furlong a touchdown.
Ireland's offense appeared worn out and lacked the fluidity it had displayed earlier in the campaign. The visitors' well-organized defense stifled Ireland's meagre offensive threats, allowing eight early mistakes.
But neither team was able to exert any influence over an insignificant first half, thus the errors were not exclusive to Ireland.
Following the break, Ireland came alive, with flyhalf Jack Crowley pushing them four points up before the referees made a close call to deny prop Tadhg Furlong a touchdown.
The mood of the opening forty minutes was muted, with choruses of "The Fields of Athenry" and apprehensive groans in the second quarter, but the home team persisted and knocked on twice, the tryline beckoning.
Following another hold-up on the line, relentless Scottish fouls resulted in the sin bin for replacement prop Ewan Ashman. The breakthrough came when the ensuing penalty fell to Porter, who completed the task.
Four minutes from the end, Irish substitute Harry Byrne received a yellow card, guaranteeing a more nervier finish than Ireland would have preferred, especially after Jones narrowed the gap to four points but the hosts held firm and the celebrations started.
Following another hold-up on the line, relentless Scottish fouls resulted in the sin bin for replacement prop Ewan Ashman. The breakthrough came when the ensuing penalty fell to Porter, who completed the task.
Four minutes from the end, Irish substitute Harry Byrne received a yellow card, guaranteeing a more nervier finish than Ireland would have preferred, especially after Jones narrowed the gap to four points but the hosts held firm and the celebrations started.
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