In the Red Corner. England: World Champions and Grand Slam holders, unbeaten and unbeatable in twenty two games; unbeaten by Ireland at Twickenham since ’94; favourites to win this season’s RBS Six Nations championship; supplier of the coach to the 2005 B&I Lions; and favourites to supply the bulk of the 2005 B&I Lions; and in the Green Corner Ireland, Grand Slam runners-up (and by a long way); World Cup also rans; unbeaten since the last game v Wales 9 a fortnight ago); and 8/1 with the bookmakers to beat Sir Clive’s Knights in White Satin. “We were aware they had a great record here but we felt it had to go at some stage so why not let it… Continue reading »

Ireland ignited their own Six Nations campaign as the Welsh revival came to an abrupt halt in Dublin. The anticipated close contest never materialised as the Irish blitzed the visitors by six tries to two. Shane Byrne and Brian O’Driscoll both grabbed a brace, with further scores from Ronan O’Gara and Anthony Foley, O’Gara adding six points with the boot. Replacement Tom Shanklin grabbed two late tries but it was scant consolation for an outclassed Welsh side. With the wind at their backs, Ireland scored four tries before half time, a combination of their attacking spark and the visitors’ defensive frailty. Wales, buoyant after an opening win over Scotland, were deflated within 58 seconds of the kick-off after some woeful… Continue reading »

France cruised to a comfortable win against Ireland in the RBS Six Nations. The Irish were only 11-10 down five minutes into the second half but France then produced a devastating 14-point burst to stretch clear. Vincent Clerc, Pascal Pape, Yannick Jauzion and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde scored the hosts’ tries, with Frederic Michalak kicking 15 points. Ireland’s tries came from Anthony Foley and Tyrone Howe, with Ronan O’Gara kicking their other points. When the two sides met in the World Cup France destroyed Ireland’s hopes within the first 20 minutes and the visitors came out determined not to let the same happen again. The fired-up Irish dominated territory for the opening quarter, but all they had to show for their efforts… Continue reading »