Time to introduce new faces

AFTER a season that promised so much, Ireland were once again consigned to the role of bridesmaid as Wales collected the plaudits and the silverware.

Even before the kick-off, with France defeating Italy by the required margin of 43 points, Ireland’s grip on the Six Nations trophy looked increasingly tenuous.

The atmosphere in Cardiff underlined the importance of the occasion. The depth of feeling at the national anthem reflected a pleading nation. In a land where rugby gives meaning to life, they have endured some desperate times over the last 20 years. In the end, their players delivered, amid all the hype, in a manner even more convincing than the scoreline suggests.

For Ireland, the loss of Shane Horgan and Gordon D’Arcy to injury has altered the shape of the team and in their absence, Ireland lost their attacking zeal with a resultant over-dependence on Brian O’Driscoll.

For Wales and coach Mike Ruddock, this championship has yielded success beyond their wildest dreams. Two seasons ago they propped up the championship table, even suffering a humiliating defeat to Italy.

Now they bask in Grand Slam and championship glory. Given that their U21 side also secured their third Grand Slam in six seasons, the future for rugby in the valleys looks bright.

Wales deserve their success if for no other reason than their fresh approach and exhilarating style of rugby.

The major fear for them before Saturday’s clash was whether their relatively inexperienced group of players could handle the level of expectation heaped on them.

When star winger Rhys Williams was forced to withdraw 10 minutes before the kick-off, the omens looked bleak. Evidence from the opening period also suggested that this was a team under pressure.

Stephen Jones’ early missed penalty did nothing to relieve the nerves. The fact that the Irish were successful in slowing down Welsh ball at the break down ensured that they were unable to build the momentum upon which their game is based.

Throughout this championship, Welsh loose head Gethin Jenkins has been outstanding. His work-rate is phenomenal and he tackles like a back row forward. He displayed tremendous composure and football ability in translating his block-down of Ronan O’Gara’s kick into the opening try for his side. From that moment on, Ireland looked under pressure.

It also rocked O’Gara’s confidence. Two years ago he emerged as hero when, on his late introduction, he produced the match-winning drop goal in the dying seconds. On Saturday, he was withdrawn after 51 minutes. Sport is cruel.

Despite their expected dominance in the line-out in the opening half, Ireland never seemed comfortable. Throughout this period, they contributed to their own demise through a series of unforced errors and poor kicking.

Welsh scrum-half Dwayne Peel was the major influence and he controlled the pace of the game. Likewise the enigmatic Gavin Henson assumed responsibility when it mattered most with a superbly-struck drop goal and long-range penalty.

At half time, despite trailing by just 10 points, Ireland were in trouble.

When Denis Hickie fumbled on the re-start you sensed the worst.

Since their opening game against England, Shane Williams has provided the spark that lit up the Welsh attacking game. However, his defence at times has been suspect. How ironic then that his last-ditch scrambling effort that forced Anthony Foley’s foot into touch denied Ireland the try that may have brought them back into the game.

When Kevin Morgan scored three minutes later, the game was over.

With the exception of the Scotland match, Ireland’s forwards have endured a difficult campaign.

The strength of this unit revolves around the set piece, however their driving maul was not used with any effect in the last three championship outings. Wales knew that to win, they had to ruck and run. In the end, their pace and continuity was the key to unlocking Ireland’s Triple Crown and championship dreams.

The last eight days have been cruel to this Irish team and the realisation that some within their ranks have reached the end of their international career will hurt.

As an immediate consequence, Ireland’s successive defeats to France and Wales will impact on the composition of the Lions tour squad.

Given that as many as 44 players could travel, Ireland will be well represented. However, their rankings within the squad will have altered significantly.

In the longer term, Eddie O’Sullivan’s thought processes will now be influenced by the need to introduce new faces for the 2007 World Cup.

With Heineken Cup quarter-finals looming for Munster and Leinster, Alan Gaffney and Declan Kidney have a big week ahead.

The show must go on.