By beating England on Saturday, March 18, the XV of the clover, author of the Grand Chelem, succeeds France at the charts of the competition. For the Irish people, the challenge is now to be so competitive in six months during the World Cup in France.
by Valentin Moinard
The Irish people did not necessarily need additional reasons to party this Saint-Patrick weekend. But in doubt, their national rugby selection added a Saturday, March 18. At the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the XV of the clover concluded a dream winter by dominating England (29-16) to win the Six Nations tournament. After the victory of France against Wales earlier in the day (41-28), Ireland knew that it had to impose itself so as not to let the trophy escape.
She did it after a start of the match made complicated by revengeful English after their rout against the Blues in Twickenham. But reduced to fourteen against fifteen after the cardboard of Freddie Steward, the XV of the rose did not hold the shock against Euphoric Irish. Thanks to an immaculate hunting board, these add to this trophy the mention “Grand Celem” for the fourth time in their history, after 1948, 2009 and 2018.
Jumped at the top of the world ranking for several months, Ireland seemed to be the best armed team at the start of the Six Nations tournament. But still it was necessary to win against France (32-19) in a summit of intensity, or to resist Scotland (22-7) while facing a cascade of injuries, which notably led to the ‘infirmary his two heels. “They could have panicked, when we see the scenario of the match and the blows of fate, but that was never the case, notes the former third international line Imanol Harinordoquy (82 selections). The Irish give the impression that ‘There can be nothing to do with them. “
No one is resistant to Ireland, and it is enough to be interested in his last results to be convinced. On Saturday, the XV of the rose became the tenth consecutive victim of the men of Andy Farrell, and came to add to a prestigious list made up of France, South Africa, Australia and even the new -Zéland (twice). “The Irish are still as well organized and strong in conquest. But they have also greatly improved technically and offensively,” analyzes Imanol Harinordoquy.
To progress thus, the XV of the clover has bet all its tokens – or almost – in the province of Leinster. Against England, twelve of the fifteen holders thus played in the province at the four European titles. A sacred asset, according to the old French opening half Lionel Beauxis (24 selections): “In difficult times, they have the advantage, because players know each other. And their offensive patterns are so well executed that They are almost impossible to counter. “By the wand, we have found as for more than a decade Jonathan Sexton, always indisputable holder despite his 37 years and the many injuries that have punctuated his career.
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