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.