Late magic from Clerc shatters Irish Grand Slam dream

THE first match at Croke Park was supposed to be the celebration of a new era in Irish rugby.

A minute from the end, however, party-pooper Vincent Clerc appeared. The French wing will forever beremembered for ending the prospect of Ireland securing a rare and precious Grand Slam title by scoring a sensational winning try.

Seconds earlier, Ronan O’Gara had conjured up another piece of kicking magic to put Ireland 17-13 in front. To Irish fans that looked enough. It wasn’t. The French won possession from the kick off and streaked down the pitch to give Clerc his chance of glory. Lionel Beauxis conversion sealed an astonishing win for Les Bleus.