6 Nations 2014

[Liverpel]

17-7 half time.

[Liverpel]

Easy enough in the end.

Roll on next Saturday.

[Liverpel]

BRIAN O’Driscoll only played an hour of his Dublin farewell – but what an hour.


Unloading a box of tricks, including out of the back passes and basketball lobs, he set up three of Ireland’s tries in a romp that gives them more than a sporting chance of securing the Six Nations titles in his final appearance in Paris next weekend.

When he departed on the hour, the Aviva stadium rose to a man, woman and child to acclaim a true Irish sporting icon – his race is nearly run but he is ensuring that his final lap of honour in green may well be trophy-laden.

His man of the match award was inevitable.

Two Jonny Sexton tries and one each from Cian Healy, Andrew Trimble. Sean Cronin, Fergus McFadden and Jack McGrath propelled Ireland to a facile win against the game Italians, avenging last season’s shock reverse in Rome.

O’Driscoll led his side out although it was a pity he did so when more than a quarter of the 51,000 attendance had still refused to take their seats before the 140-times capper was introduced to his Dublin faithful for the last time in a green shirt.

They didn’t miss his first significant intervention. From a superb set-piece scrum, he ran a loop with Jonny Sexton and the Irish out-half scampered beyond the despairing Italian centre Gonzalo Garcia to dot down and nail the easy conversion, his fourth for Ireland.

There were only six minutes gone and already thoughts were turning towards the potential to sizeably increase Ireland’s points differential as they contemplate a second title in five seasons.

The Italians, as they had done against Wales first day out, were unbowed by the early concession and they played some sparkling stuff amongst their fresh-faced backs for the rest of the quarter as Ireland forced a lot of their play.

Ireland may have enjoyed 75% possession and turning over set-piece at will, but Italy’s enigmatic endeavour was rewarded when they drew level with a superb 25th minute turnover try when Andrew Trimble lost contact.

It was no surprise that it came from one of their fledgling backs, Leonardo Sarto, who destroyed the Kearney brothers and a desperate tackle attempt from O’Driscoll on the left flank of Ireland’s defence for a glorious touchdown.

Ireland responded strongly, Eoin Reddan almost made the line after breaking from a scrum, but as Cian Healy attempted to scramble, Marco Bortloami committed a professional foul.

There was no yellow card; only three points for Ireland and a 32nd minute three point lead, 10-7.

O’Driscoll was central to Ireland’s second try; first, when Ireland broke from their 22 following a tap penalty, as his flick set Rob Kearney free; then, with an outrageous dummy and basketball pass to try-scorer Trimble, his 14th for Ireland.

Sexton converted the cracking try in a belter of a game for a fairer first-half reflection of Ireland’s dominance, 17-7.

The theme continued apace in the second-half; Ireland controlling possession, with more emphasis on mauling, but unable to convert until, from close range, Cian Healy burrowed over in the 53rd minute for his third Irish try.

Referee Nigel Owens was on his knees when he whistled the 54th minute score; so were the gritty Italians, although Sexton erred for the first time of the afternoon to leave the score 22-7.

O’Driscoll was centrally involved again in Ireland’s fourth try, with an extraordinary offload from his left-hand side releasing the Kearney brothers to allow Sexton to claim his fourth try of the day on the hour for 27-7.

Ireland emptied their bench and their lungs in pursuit of vital points; Sean Cronin scored his first ever international try in 34 appearances.

O’Driscoll had long gone by then, departing on the hour, succumbing for the final time to his wearying body, despite the wondrous skills that had been evidenced for the previous 60 minutes.

It may take some time to realise we would never see his likeness again.

[ChesterDave]

Massive try from the French. Turned over 10 yards from their own line followed by an interception and 70 yard run to score

[RichC]

Good start from England so far today

[Leyton388]

We're giving wales too many soft penalties.

[RichC]

We've let them back in through soft pens, should be away and over the hills already

[RichC]

Good win for England 29-18 against the Welsh.

Need a big win vs Italy next weekend

[Gazzla]

Always good to see Wales and Gatland lose but in fairness to England they deserved to win by more, too many unforced and needless kickable penalties. Priestland is a shocking flyhalf at this level and Wales need to replace him to move forward.

The England wingers are poor and need upgrading, when the injured players come back that will be a hell of a lineup

[Cormack74]

Wales best players are their 3 quarters: Astonishing that they used them so sparingly especially when they have such a good back row in support.

[Liverpel]

All to play for going into the final round.


1 Rigadon 237
2 Chazza 234
3 Liverpel 224
4 Casemore 220
5 Lucas 202
6 Chester Dave 182

[Catrin]

Originally Posted by Gazzla

Always good to see Wales and Gatland lose but in fairness to England they deserved to win by more, too many unforced and needless kickable penalties. Priestland is a shocking flyhalf at this level and Wales need to replace him to move forward.

The England wingers are poor and need upgrading, when the injured players come back that will be a hell of a lineup

It was quite a strange performance from Wales. I haven't seen them miss so many first tackles for a long time and their chasing of Priestland's kicks was hopeless. They weren't great kicks but the chasing players seemed to give up. As for Care's quick tap-and-go....turning their backs on him was schoolboy stuff.

[ChesterDave]

England leading by 11

[ChesterDave]

Another try for Mike Brown. Second of the game. Farrell to kick for 18 point lead

[ChesterDave]

Italy just knocked on in their own dead ball area. Don't think I have ever seen that before!

[ChesterDave]

39 ahead. Clawing the points difference back

[ChesterDave]

Disaster. Interception. Italy score. Now relying on France

[Rigadon]

England have been the best team throughout the Six Nations and deserve the title.... if it wasn't for that blip against France! However, they're building well for next year's World Cup. Ireland will win the Six Nations (they've also been very good) - can't see France winning today's game. Be nice to see O'Driscoll triumphant in his final game.


Wales have been very poor - Gatland has got a rebuilding job on his hands.

Scotland and Italy seem to have regressed.

France don't seem to have a game plan or structure.

Would be interesting if there was a Lion's tour this year (i.e. players selected).

[RichC]

Credit to Gatland for making several changes today, the Welsh have been below par and shaking it up can't hurt.

I think England are getting a decent squad together and as you say in good time for next years World Cup, it'll be interesting to see how we get on in the autumn internationals

[ChesterDave]

Horrible from Hogg.

hahaha


Just seen the replay on the big screen and upgraded yellow to red.

[ChesterDave]

Ugh. No.

Thats so horrible the BBC should not keep showing it.

[Rigadon]

Right decision (sending off) but spoils the game

[ChesterDave]

Man advantage or not that was absolute class!

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by ChesterDave

Man advantage or not that was absolute class!

Got North, Brown and Farrell in my fantasy team

[ChesterDave]

This could be a huge score.

Video ref might rule another try out though

[ChesterDave]

Originally Posted by Rigadon

Got North, Brown and Farrell in my fantasy team

North, Farrell, Vinupola for me. Couldn't be bothered making a sub but was going to put in Brown

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by Rigadon

Got North, Brown and Farrell in my fantasy team

Also got Roberts in my team

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by ChesterDave

North, Farrell, Vinupola for me. Couldn't be bothered making a sub but was going to put in Brown

Forgot to make changes, last week, but still managed to do well (with 12 players). Made changes 5 minutes before the England kick off, today

[ChesterDave]

I think I have picked up 50 ish points today. 182 in 4 weekends, 50 points in 1.5 games

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by ChesterDave

I think I have picked up 50 ish points today. 182 in 4 weekends, 50 points in 1.5 games

More points - North

[ChesterDave]

Everyone but Super Voles have him in their team. I think he is the only one not to have Farrell too


Edit: Whoever manages Super Voles, not Casemore

[ChesterDave]

assist for Faletau

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by ChesterDave

Everyone but Casemore has him. I think he is the only one not to have Farrell too

North is immense. Changed my outside half and kicker to Farrell (from Sexton and Halfpenny) for this weeks game.

What a try - Roberts

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by ChesterDave

assist for Faletau

Got him too

[Rigadon]

Scotland feel sorry for them.

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by ChesterDave

assist for Faletau

And a try

Just realised I took him out of my team

[RichC]

What a try for the Welsh.

[G]

I know absolutely nothing about rugby but I alway enjoy watching the world cups and the 6 nations. Its brilliant how much respect the players show toward the refs and also the amount of technology available to refs to use.The don't make mistakes very often which is great to see.

Something I hope makes its way into football.

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by G

I know absolutely nothing about rugby but I alway enjoy watching the world cups and the 6 nations. Its brilliant how much respect the players show toward the refs and also the amount of technology available to refs to use.The don't make mistakes very often which is great to see.

Something I hope makes its way into football.

The atmosphere amongst the fans is also fantastic. No animosity - lots of drink and good banter.

I would highly recommend a trip to Rome, Dublin, Edinburgh or Cardiff when your team plays - guaranteed an excellent time irrespective of the result.

[G]

My mate is a big Leinster fan, he's invited me a few times to their games. Not gone yet. Will have to go soon.