It was stunning in every sense of the word. Croke Park was full - we were full of anticipation. The Irish were slow to start. By half time the French were ahead 13-11 - Ibanez's first half try was converted while O'Gara's wasn't and we exchanged 2 penalties. But in the second half we scrapped and scraped ahead. O'Gara gets over for a try to take the lead. But it was just a single point at 14-13. The French could back in with a penalty. With 3 minutes to go we won a kickable penalty. "Go on Ronan - put it over - then at least they will need a try". Be careful what you wish for!! He did, we allowed ourselves a sigh of relief. What a mistake - now we can say that he would have been better to miss. From the kick off France attack, we make 2 mistakes and a missed tackle and Clerc is in for a try; they convert and its just 1 minute left. 
Can we not do the same? We kick off - they gather the ball set up a maul that goes nowhere, but lasts until full time. They kick the ball out, the whistle blows; we are stunned .... but what about the grand slam ... what about the best Irish time in living memory... such is life and rugby.
No comments:
Post a Comment