Ford drives the message home

THIS was never going to be pretty but, by God, was it compelling. With 20 minutes to go and Ireland defending for their lives you could cut the tension in Lansdowne Road with a knife.

That Ireland survived to win a game of breath-taking intensity, despite being on the receiving end of an intense English backlash, says everything about the character and determination of this side.

When England look back at this game, they will wonder how they lost, having dominated territory and possession for the entire second half. Of course, they failed to translate it where it matters most, on the scoreboard. A three-point return for their second-half efforts was never going to be enough.

The ironic thing about this victory was that it was forged in England. Phil Larder, England’s highly influential defensive coach was the man who coined the phrase “defence wins trophies.” How right he is. In this respect, nobody contributed more to Ireland’s victory than Mike Ford, Ireland’s defensive coach.

Three years ago, Warren Gatland lost his job primarily due to deficiencies in Ireland’s defensive organisation. Since then, on the recommendation of Larder, Ford was offered the opportunity of transforming the defensive side of Ireland’s preparation. From the outset, he said it could take two years. Yesterday, against his compatriots, he was responsible for engineering a famous Irish victory.

If Ford was the catalyst for this Irish victory off the field, then man-of the match Ronan O’Gara was again outstanding on it. What a day it proved for him. On the occasion that he broke the 50 cap mark and the 500-point barrier, he was also responsible for breaking English hearts.

In contrast to Ireland’s opening two Championship games, Ireland started brightly and exploited obvious English nervousness. When Steve Thompson failed with his first throw, one suspected another productive day for the Irish line-out. To his credit, Thompson recovered and the English performance out of touch improved immeasurably as the game progressed.

Significantly, however, they were never able to make any progress with their driving maul. England, more than anybody, recognise that winning rugby internationals is a matter of inches. Over the past number of seasons, they were clinical in securing scores when it mattered most. On three occasions, Charlie Hodgson’s well-placed diagonal kicks were within inches of yielding the decisive try. It always seems to happen that teams under pressure fail to convert these opportunities.

By way of contrast, Ireland converted the one try-scoring opportunity that presented itself in the 19th minute of the second half. It was the most significant moment of the game. Once again in a tight game, inspirational captain Brian O’Driscoll produced a match-winning try when it mattered most. Denis Hickey’s ability to play off his wing was instrumental in setting up the opportunity. Geordan Murphy’s class and O’Driscoll’s strength did the rest.

Given England’s dominance, this score proved a significant body blow.

It was also hard to believe, given the intensity of the final quarter, that it was the last score of the game. That final period was spent exclusively in the Irish defensive zone. The most inspirational aspect of Ireland’s defensive performance was the manner in which they collectively held their composure in the final ten minutes.

Defence is based on trust and communication. Traditionally that breaks down when the energy levels are at their lowest. Yet, when it mattered most, Ireland, to a man, refused to buckle. It was truly inspiring to watch.

Should Ireland progress to win this year’s Championship, their efforts in the final ten minutes will prove decisive.

On the day he completed his first 80 minutes of international rugby, Johnny O’Connor was outstanding. All day he was responsible for slowing down English ball at the break down and frustrating many an England attack. Beside him there were heroes aplenty, none more so than John Hayes, Shane Byrne and Paul O’Connell.

Despite the pressure that the forwards as a unit were under, the manner in which they held their discipline was exemplary. The fact that Hodgson was deprived a kick at goal in the second half, despite their dominance, was instructive.

The intensity of this game was at a different level to what Ireland had experienced in the opening two games of the Championship. From here on in, it will only get tougher.

ON Saturday, Wales showed remarkable courage and resilience in defeating reigning Grand Slam holders, France, in an outstanding match at the Stade de France.

Given the pummelling they received in the opening 20 minutes, when France raced into a 12-point lead, the manner in which the Welsh players kept their heads says a lot about their growing maturity. The narrow victory over England in the opening game of the tournament has had a galvanising effect.

France, of course, remain the great enigma of international rugby. With Damien Traille and Yannick Jauzion reunited in midfield, they moved more ball in the opening 10 minutes than they had in the tournament to date. Their reward was instantaneous, with two magnificent tries. When the French play like this, they are a joy to behold.

Yet, when it mattered most, the experienced Welsh players showed the way.

In this respect, none did better than their outstanding No 7 Martin Williams. To score two tries against France at any time is a remarkable achievement. To achieve this feat with only three minutes gone in the second half provided the inspiration and platform for this historic victory. At out-half Steven Jones kept his head when it mattered most, and the introduction of veteran hooker Robin McBride had a steadying influence on a shaky scrum and line out. In the end, France almost pulled off a third last-gasp victory in a row but foundered on a growing Welsh belief that will prove hard to breach in the remaining weeks of the championship.