Ireland’s first outright title retention since 1949.
As George North scooted past a deflated Italian defence for the third time in the space of 11 first half minutes, Ireland’s chances of retaining their Six Nations trophy passed from slim to virtually none.
For the second championship in succession, Italy winger Leonardo Sarto scored a late try to give Irish rugby fans hope. When the final whistle peeped in Rome, Ireland knew they would need to beat Scotland by 21 points. Joe Schmidt’s men, however, had only scored four tries all championship and the Scots were coached by Vern Cotter, a man who built his coaching career on stern defence.
As it turned out, Paul O’Connell scored an early try and Ireland cut loose. Sean O’Brien crossed the whitewash twice, Jared Payne broke through for a score and Johnny Sexton, far from flawless off the kicking tee, landed 20 points. Interviewed by RTE post-match, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said, ‘It’s weird. We have won 40-10 in Edinburgh and no-one is celebrating… to go back to back would be incredible.’
Incredible is the only way to describe it.
France and England proceeded to go toe-to-toe. Needing to win by 26 points, Ben Youngs give England an immediate boost with a second minute try but France showed a lot of fight. They lost a thriller 55-35 and Ireland won the title on points difference.
Here is how Ireland won the championship and what Schmidt and his key players had to say:
Italy (W: 26-3)
Paul O’Connell: In the second-half, once we were a little more accurate, held onto ball, we were able to put them under more pressure and that told… patience was a big part of it.
Joe Schmidt: I’m not a guy to throw numbers out but I’d say we’re between 30 and 40% off. I don’t think we would have lived with them [on Friday] and I think Wales did pretty good. For us, we certainly need to up out game.
France (W: 18-11)
Johnny Sexton to Mathieu Bastareaud: Why always me?
Sean O’Brien on staunch Irish defence: You’re just getting up and trying to find a blue shirt. Just working and working. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about getting on the line. You’re running on adrenaline at that stage – a minute or two to go. We’ve seen before, in the past, when we’ve got caught so it’s very important to stick to the system and trust each other.
Seanie’s clear-out:
England (W: 19-9)
Joe Schmidt: No, not really. I’ll wait for Drico’s tweet [about Grand Slams] to put the pressure on me and Paul, again… Probably, for once, we’re just going to enjoy the moment and take a deep breath.
Paul O’Connell: That probably was my last Six Nations game against England in Dublin… There’s no point codding myself too much here.
Wales (L: 23-16)
Paul O’Connell: Their defence held firm when we had them under pressure and were building the phases. They survived and then scored after they had a crack off us. That was the difference.
SportsJOE’s Uncle Scrum, Neil treacy was less than impressed with referee Wayne Barnes’ performance, especially at the final scrum.
Scotland (W: 40-10)
Sean O’Brien on his months and months of rehab: Today has (made it worthwhile). I’m finally feeling back to myself again and it has been a long 15 months but very happy to be back.
Paul O’Connell: You daren’t think about winning the trophy in the hours and days coming up to the game… I’m very proud of what we have done over the last eight weeks.
Joe Schmidt on his captain, O’Connell: in his 101st cap, he was the guy he’s been for the other 100 caps. He is our leader, it was a leader’s performance.
