Finishing line in sight
France's comprehensive victory over England yesterday, yielding them a point's differential of +58 to Ireland's +30, puts Les Bleus in the driving seat.
The French face an inviting trip to Cardiff to face the struggling Welsh. Given that Italy secured their first ever away points in the championship against the Welsh on Saturday, France will fancy their chances.
A victory for Ireland in Twickenham on Saturday would at least guarantee a second Triple Crown in three seasons. On the basis of the respective performances over the weekend, Ireland are well capable of achieving such a feat.
It was appropriate that Ireland should produce their best performance of the championship on the day when the historic tournament bade farewell to Lansdowne Road. In a perverse way, the fact that it was wet and windy also seemed historically significant. It just always seemed to be like that.
The fundamental difference between Saturday's protagonists was that Ireland played to win while Scotland were playing not to lose. Over the course of the 80 minutes, the home side were the only team interested in playing positive rugby.
Scotland's successes in this year's tournament have been built on a very limited game plan. This was the day when the shortcomings of that approach were exposed to the full. Incredibly, the final quarter remained scoreless but Ireland held their nerve and their patience to deliver on the three home victories they needed at the outset.
Scotland achieved the almost impossible feat of beating both France and England this year on the back of a malfunctioning lineout. Ireland forwards coach Niall O'Donovan deserves immense credit for the work he did on the training field in finally making this weakness count.
Edinburgh hooker Dougie Hall had a nightmare in the throwing department, his task made all the more difficult by the aggressive manner in which Paul O Connell and Malcolm O Kelly attacked the opposition throw. In the end, Hall looked a nervous wreck every time he prepared for a lineout. It was incredible that he remained on the field as long as he did. Scotland lost eight lineouts during his time on the pitch. By contrast, Ireland achieved a 100% return on their own throw and the quality of ball was infinitely superior to that enjoyed by the visitors.
On the back of such poor quality possession, Scotland's halfbacks, Mike Blair and Dan Parks, were under constant pressure. It was no surprise therefore when both were replaced with 20 minutes remaining.
As a result of the expected vulnerability of the visitors' lineout, the key area of confrontation was likely to take place at the breakdown. Scotland's back row had controlled this area with spectacular success against England and the pressure was on David Wallace, Denis Leamy and Simon Easterby to negate a potential Scottish advantage. When the weather turned nasty just prior to kick-off, one sensed a smile on the faces of the visitors.
It was a matter of huge encouragement, therefore, that the early turnovers in the game were achieved by Ireland. In this respect Wallace was outstanding. As the game progressed, both he and Leamy emerged as towering figures and their aggressive ball-carrying gave Ireland a distinct advantage at close quarters.
Given the lack of any game breakers behind the scrum, Scotland's only attacking threat came from their driving maul. Again, Ireland had done their homework and countered with a well-structured defence on the ground. John Hayes played a vital role in this area. Time after time Scotland were frustrated in their effort to gain any significant yardage from this ploy.
It was no coincidence that Ireland's first Saturday afternoon kick-off time of the tournament produced a quality atmosphere. The singing of the national anthem seemed to inspire the players and Ireland enjoyed their most successful opening period in the campaign. Tactically Ireland played in the right areas of the field and got their just rewards when Ronan O'Gara kicked two penalties for a six-point lead. As the conditions deteriorated, Brian O'Driscoll's men found it difficult to take advantage of their obvious attacking superiority and forced too many passes. Inevitably, given the greasy ball, handling errors ensued.
All season, Scotland's defence has been superb and one can only sit back and admire their commitment to the tackle and the manner in which they put their bodies on the line. To hold this Irish team tryless was an achievement in itself and for that they deserve credit. But Ireland came ever so close.
Twice in the third quarter they came within inches. Hugo Southwell denied Andrew Trimble a deserved try with a magnificent cover tackle in the old Lansdowne clubhouse corner. In the other corner, Sean Lamont's timely intercept of Paul O'Connell's lob pass saved another certain score. In the end the Scots resembled a boxer on the ropes and were out on their feet at the final whistle.
While the returning Paul O'Connell was heroic for 65 minutes and was voted man of the match, my choice for that accolade rested between Peter Stringer and Jerry Flannery. Once again the Shannon man's throwing was superb but for me his pace and industry around the field set him apart. His game improves with every outing.
Stringer was also magnificent. He assumed a lot of the kicking responsibilities, taking pressure off O'Gara, who also excelled in the second half.
With the conditions, Geordan Murphy's display at full back is also worthy of special mention. Given the agony he endured in the opening half in Paris, he has shown tremendous character to bounce back from adversity.
If Flannery has been the forward find of the season then Trimble, playing out of position on the wing, has also been superb. His workrate, lines of running and deceptive strength have added significantly to this team.
On the basis of their woeful performance in Paris yesterday, Ireland will know that if they play the right type of game against England, they will beat them. England are in disarray and with only six days to prepare are there for the taking. It is now a huge week for Eddie O Sullivan and his coaching staff, one that they are capable of closing out with the laurels.
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