A corner turned

WHEN the history of Irish rugby is penned during its bi-centenary in 70 years time, this game will warrant a chapter all of its own.

Not only does victory set up the probability of a first Triple Crown success since 1985, it guarantees this side a special niche in history as the first team to topple the reigning world champions. After a remarkable run of 22 games, fortress Twickenham has finally been breached.

Rarely has an Irish forward unit performed so magnificently. On the day, they were complimented by a back-line unit that defended heroically and grew in stature with every tense moment.

Had England snatched victory at the end, it would truly have been a travesty. Ireland dominated Saturday’s game from start to finish. Nowhere was it more graphically illustrated than the fact that it took England a full 25 minutes to encroach into the Irish 22. And the fact that they managed to score their only try with that incursion failed to dampen Irish spirits.

In searching for the whys and hows of this memorable moment in Irish sport, one should look no further than the line-out. From start to finish, Ireland not only dominated their own throw, but created sufficient havoc on the opposition to render this most important phase a shambles from an English perspective.

I have long suspected that Steve Thompson’s throwing would crack if his jumpers were put under pressure. In the World Cup final against Australia his vulnerability was very apparent. However on the day, the Australian line-out was not strong enough to capitalise. Ireland’s certainly was.

From the very first throw, when Paul O’Connell soared to deny England possession, the ground rules were set. I have never seen a more clinical destruction of an English line-out. In this respect O’Connell, Malcolm O’Kelly and Simon Easterby deserve immense credit.

It was incredible that the English management failed to withdraw Thompson until deep into the second half. By then they were holed below the water-line. In the end England lost 11 of their lineout throws, unprecedented at this level. In the half-time dressing rooms, Eddie O’Sullivan stressed that this game was there for Ireland to win. Across the corridor, Clive Woodward read the riot act. From the kick-off, England regained possession and with a clear overlap, which Ian Balshaw failed to execute, Ben Cohen looked certain to score. With Gordon D’Arcy making the initial tackle, Peter Stringer appeared from nowhere to check the big winger’s momentum. When the video referee confirmed a double movement, you sensed it was Ireland’s day.

In the first half, Stringer produced another trademark tap tackle on Jason Robinson to halt the Sale genius in his tracks. One cannot overstate the effect moments like these have in lifting a team. Throughout the game, Ireland’s defence was awesome. The pressure exerted by their defensive line was responsible for forcing England into numerous handling errors.

With a dominant pack, Ireland mixed their play superbly. In this respect, Ronan O’Gara was outstanding, striking a perfect balance between kicking for field position and stretching England out wide with ball in hand. With the English defence totally focused on Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy made an outstanding break that ultimately led to Girvan Dempsey’s match-winning try in the corner. The irony of its execution would not be lost on the England management. Two long skip passes from D’Arcy and O’Driscoll resulted in a clear two-to-one overlap. It was almost like watching vintage England in action.

While Dempsey’s try offered Ireland a massive psychological boost, the sight of England being forced into a triple substitution 12 minutes into the second half confirmed that they were in a state of panic - and they hadn’t a bench of sufficient quality to alter the course of the game. The Irish players sensed this too and it galvanised them.

While rugby has changed immeasurably, the one constant is the necessity of a forward platform. In that regard, there were heroes aplenty. In the second-row O’Connell and O’Kelly will remember this game forever. Shane Byrne once again showed that an accurate line-out thrower is now even more important than your place kicker. As a unit the Irish back-row dominated throughout and Anthony Foley, on the occasion of his 50th cap, completely eclipsed England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

Behind the scrum Gordon D’Arcy has emerged as the most exciting young talent in the tournament. On a number of occasions, he breached a hitherto impregnable wall with ease. Ronan O’Gara showed true strength of character when, after missing his first penalty from point blank range, he went on to convert five from five, including a superb touch line conversion of Dempsey’s try.

Quite where England go from here remains to be seen. For some time we have wondered just how much Martin Johnson’s presence means to this team. Now we know. Without him, England looked rudderless. Johnny Wilkinson’s loss was also immense. In his absence, England never achieved any territorial advantage.

With just two home games against the weakest sides in the championship remaining, Ireland must now set sights on securing Triple Crown success. The championship is also there to be won.