Something to savour

AT LONG last a game thatwarmed the heart of every Irishsupporter who braved the sub-zero temperatures of Croke Park. Ireland won a classic contest playing a varied brand of rugby that finally unleashed the true talent in the side. Given the sequence of fixtures that awaits in this tournament, the team now has the bit between its teeth and real momentum for what promises to be a really exciting championship.

On a broader scale given the kickingfest that the ELV’s have encouraged since inception last summer, it was great to see two teams embrace the opportunity that the counter attacking game offers. The end result produced the best Six Nations game we have seen in years. In comparison to the boring non events that took place in Twickenham and Murryfield in the other Six Nations ties which resulted in wins for England and Wales, it was poles apart.

Winning produces its own rewards but the manner of this victory will galvanise this evolving squad after all the disappointment that Ireland have endured over the last two years. When you have lost 23 of the last 26 encounters between these two countries, any win over France is something to savour.

Both teams entered this contest with plenty to lose. After an horrendous run of seven successive defeats to the French, one could understand Declan Kidney’s trepidation at the prospect of this game launching his Six Nations career. In that context it is important to recognise his role in this win. From the outset Ireland attacked with menace and played a different type of game to the one the French may have anticipated. Then, for some unknown reason, they fell into the trap of kicking far too much to an outstanding back three of Clement Poitrenaud, Maxime Medard and Julien Malzieu who, standing deep in anticipation, made serious yards on the counter attack.

Fearful of the Irish lineout they also took advantage of the new laws with a succession of quick lineout throws that caught Ireland napping and offered France the opportunity to run. This was French rugby true to its running heritage and reminiscent of the days when Blanco, Sella, Lafond, Lagisquet and so many other great broken field runners broke the hearts of many an Irish team with their irrepressible form of attack. It makes this game such a joy to watch. One sequence of play from a quick throw late in the first half resulted in the ball remaining in play for a full eight minutes. This is unheard of in the modern game where massed defences blunt even the most potent attack.

In times past a cup of tea or a slice of an orange was the staple diet of the half time dressing room. These guys played at such a pace on Saturday that there was a case for an oxygen tent at the break. Leading 13-10 at half time despite enjoying very little territory, Ireland absorbed everything the French threw at them. Their defence, in particular, was inspirational.

When Kidney reviews this game he will be especially pleased with Ireland’s discipline under enormous pressure which restricted Lionel Beauxis to just one kickable penalty. That was a remarkable achievement given the amount of time the visitors spent in the Irish half.

Put it in context: when Munster demolished the Sale Sharks in the Heineken Cup at Thomond Park they made life extremely difficult for themselves by conceding five penalties in the opening 10 minutes alone. Given that 10 is the average on a good day, that spelt trouble. On Saturday Ireland conceded the paltry sum of four penalties in total. In the pressure cooker that defines international rugby that is a truly amazing statistic. That said, it’s little wonder this group of players think Nigel Owens is a great referee!

ONE cannot underestimate theKidney factor in this win. Heused the half time break to address the issues that were causing grief in the opening 40 minutes, namely Ireland’s poor kicking game and a lack of concentration in respect of the quick lineout throws which France implemented with such menace.

However it was in the months leading up to this game that Kidney laid the foundations for this famous victory. Since assuming the role he has emphasised the necessity of building competition for places. When the squad broke from their training camp in Limerick in the week prior to this game nobody was quite sure what the coaches starting team was going to be. He kept the players guessing. A competitive environment brings out the best in the good players. Jamie Heaslip is an interesting case in point. He has had an indifferent season for Leinster but with Denis Leamy returning to the fold after a long term injury Heaslip knew his number eight jersey was under threat. On Saturday with Leamy breathing down his neck off the bench he produced a magnificent performance that puts him right back in the frame for Lions selection.

The platform for his performance was built on a great display from the front five where the scrum was rock solid. Marcus Horan completely destroyed his opposite number Benoit Lecouls and it was no surprise to see Nicholas Mas introduced at the start of the second half. His omission from the start confirmed the impression that Lievremont had picked the wrong pack for this test. Beside Horan, the great John Hayes produced yet another vintage performance that saw him put in big tackles right up to the eightieth minute and beyond. He is simply irreplaceable.

In common with the Montauban game where Munster suddenly showed that the maul can still be effectively implemented, Ireland used this dying art to frustrate the French pack time and again. They sucked in their fringe defenders which offered opportunities for Brian O’Driscoll to remind all and sundry of what he is still capable of along with Rob Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald and Tommy Bowe.

To beat France at any stage is a great achievement. To beat them when they have performed to the maximum of their ability is even more satisfying and has provided the perfect launch pad for another tilt at a Championship which has remained agonisingly out of reach for the last 24 years.