Kyle: History can repeat itself

Among the thousands of rugby fans descending on Cardiff this weekend is one who has waited longer than most for Ireland to clinch a second grand slam.

Legendary half fly Jack Kyle, who led the men in green to their only clean sweep in 1948, will be in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday hoping the current generation can finally emulate that achievement.

The 83-year-old retired doctor, who in 2002 was named as the greatest Irish player of all time, said he never imagined 60 years would pass without another slam.

“We’ve held onto that mantle for far too long and it would be great honour for the seven of us still around from the 22 who represented Ireland in 1948, it would great to be able to say this present Irish side there you go, well done, enjoy it.

“If they do win I just hope it gives them the same pleasure it has given us down the years.”

Jack, who also played for Ulster and the British Lions and now lives in Bryansford, Co Down, believes the current side would be worthy successors to the class of ’48.

“It’s difficult to compare but the present team is certainly well on par with us,” he said.

“They have got what’s essential to any good side – a strong pack of forwards and a 3/4 line that can really run if they get the opportunity.

“It’s surprising in a way that we have had to wait over 61 years, if they do it on Saturday. I think that’s given our grand slam side a lot more significance than perhaps it would have had if other sides had done it since.”

Tens of thousands of Ireland supporters are expected to invade the principality over the coming days in the hope of witnessing history being made.

While officially only 5,000 seats inside the Millennium Stadium have been allocated to the Irish, the actual number will be far greater with fans already having pulled out all the stops to get their hands on a prized ticket, some of which are going for up to £500 a piece on auction websites.

For Munster folk in particular it’s a familiar journey, with the Red Army having swamped the Welsh capital for three European Cup finals in the last seven years on top of the bi-annual Six Nations clash in the city.

Ferry company Stena line has sold 7,000 rugby packages alone leaving from Rosslare, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire.

“It’s been absolutely choc a bloc,” said communications director Nigel Tilson.

“Those 7,000 are only official rugby supporters, I’m sure many will be travelling under the own steam as well.

“It’s certainly quite an exodus.”

The hordes are descending from the sky as well.

Cardiff Airport is expecting around 5,000 fans to land ahead ahead of the match, with 27 charter flights added to the 29 scheduled arrivals from Cork, Belfast and Dublin.

Thousands more are flying into nearby Bristol with others travelling as far as London and Birmingham to get the train into Wales.

Operators Ryanair and bmibaby have both put on additional flights this week to cope with the demand following the victory over Scotland on Saturday.

“There has been a huge interest this week, especially on Monday after the Scotland game,” said a spokeswoman from Abbey travel in Dublin.

“But a match ticket is just impossible to get at this stage.”

Every hotel bed in Cardiff is booked up and many supporters have had to seek lodgings in Newport and Swansea.

But finding a place to lay his head won’t be a problem for Dr Kyle.

“I am going back home on the Saturday night,” he said.

“I just hope there will be great rejoicing on the flight.”