Ireland’s fall

WITHIN minutes of the final whistle a massive black cloud descended on Lansdowne Road. It captured the mood perfectly.

Before the match some had questioned this French team’s commitment to victory, but the sight of the entire squad doing a lap of honour at the conclusion of the game said it all. The fact that their magnificent captain Fabien Pelous was winning his 100th cap provided the cause the French so badly needed. He was carried from the field on the shoulders of his team-mates.

This defeat will come as a bitter blow to the Irish players. From the outset of this tournament, it was widely acknowledged that this was our best opportunity in years to capture the coveted Grand Slam. Wales are the only side to retain ambitions on that front. Right now, to win the championship outright, Ireland must beat Wales by 13 points and hope France doesn’t beat Italy by more than 42 points. Given that the French game will be played before the Cardiff clash, both Wales and Ireland will know exactly what is required to secure the trophy.