A fitting farewell

ONE HUNDRED and twenty eight years after the first ball was kicked in anger, the curtain finally came down on international action at the world’s oldest rugby arena yesterday.

Ever since Ireland lost that opening game against England on March 11, 1878, Ireland has battled for recognition on the world stage. It was somewhat ironic therefore that the last game should feature a side Ireland were meeting for the very first time.

Throughout the week, fitting tributes were paid to the unique atmosphere and challenges that Lansdowne Road presented for a host of international opposition.

In the hotels and pubs around Ballsbridge prior to the game, nostalgia reigned with discussions ranging from the never-to-be-forgotten reception John Pullin’s England received in 1973, to THAT drop goal by Michael Kiernan in 1985, the furore surrounding Ireland’s response to the New Zealand’s Haka in 1989 and Gordon Hamilton’s try that should have landed Ireland a World Cup semi-final slot for the first time in 1991.

While it could be over three years before the next Irish team parades their talent in this arena, the temporary move to Croke Park to enable the construction of a new 50,000 seater stadium represents major progress for the game in this country.

It is fitting that it comes at a time when the future of the game here has never looked brighter. It was only right and proper that the current squad received a standing ovation to match the green ticker tape response as they, along with their management, conducted a farewell lap of honour. To the backdrop of an emotional Fields of Athenry, a eight-try 61-17 victory was more than anyone could have hoped for.

Make no mistake this was a competitive Pacific Islands team containing players with vast experience of rugby in Europe and New Zealand.

It said everything about the current strength in Irish rugby that Eddie O’Sullivan had the facility to make nine changes to his starting XV from the team that defeated Australia last weekend and still produce a side with eight players with 50 or more caps.

It provided the perfect platform for the introduction of three new caps along with a first start for Paddy Wallace in the coveted No. 10 jersey.

Playing their third game on tour it was always likely the visitors would provide worthy opponents despite the comfort of an opening try from Denis Hickie in the third minute. The islanders had sufficient quality behind the scrum to ask questions of the Irish defence. One wonders just how effective this talented group could become if they could achieve parity in the line-out. Against Wales and Scotland they struggled badly in this area. Against Paul O’Connell and Malcolm O’Kelly it was inevitable they would come off second best. Their inability to secure quality ball out of touch proved costly.

There was also the danger Ireland would be sucked into a free-flowing Barbarian-style game which would undoubtedly favour the visitors. This is exactly what happened in the middle period of the opening half when Ireland’s decision-making created difficulties for themselves.

Nowhere was this more evident than when a spark of genius from Brian O’Driscoll left three defenders in his wake. Ulster prop Bryan Young found himself with a three-to-one overlap but suffered stage fright at the vital moment. From the resultant turnover Tusi Pisi initiated a midfield break which resulted in an outstanding try under the posts for flying Wellington winger Lome Fa-Atau.

It was the proverbial 14-point turnaround. With just five minutes to go before the break Ireland enjoyed a slender four point lead. However two tries in quick succession from Paddy Wallace and Malcolm O’Kelly ultimately decided the game.

Over the previous two weekends the Pacific Islanders kept their best rugby for the second half, totally dominating Wales and Scotland. There was no question of a similar response on this occasion. Ireland, playing some outstanding rugby, scored five additional tries.

In the end it was no contest.

For the new caps it was a day to savour. While Paddy Wallace enjoyed a two-minute cameo appearance against South Africa this, in effect, was his first appearance on the international stage. Incredibly he is the first player other than Ronan O’Gara or David Humphries to start at out-half since Eric Elwood lined out against Romania in the 1999 World Cup.

A member of the 2003 World Cup squad, he was under more pressure than anyone. For the past few years he has lived in the shadow of David Humphries in Ulster but obviously learned from the master. Now playing regularly albeit at inside centre he managed to translate excellent form in the Heineken Cup on the international stage.

To score 26 points including a try and kicking nine from 11 it says everything about his temperament. While he will not replace Ronan O’Gara for the Six Nations, he has shown enough maturity to warrant the back-up position.

Debutantes Luke Fitzgerald, Stephen Ferris, and Jimmy Heaslip offered a glimpse of the future. Fitzgerald, especially when moved to his favoured full-back position in the second half, showed flashes of brilliance.

Ireland have unearthed another serious talent.

Given the presence of Neil Best, Denis Leamy and David Wallace, it is unlikely Ferris or Heaslip will enjoy much opportunity in the short term. Yet there was sufficient evidence in their individual displays to suggest that they will be a big part of Ireland’s World Cup campaign come 2011. Both showed sufficient strength and ball-carrying ability to ensure a bright international future.

Old stager Simon Easterby really rose to the occasion. Having lost out to Best in the autumn series, his two tries sent a message to O’Sullivan that he has much to offer this side.

It will be interesting to see what tangible rewards this squad achieves by the time they return to headquarters in three years.

In the short term the possibility of a first Championship success since 1985 is now a very realistic target.