Ireland's Triple Crown ambitions were shattered at Croke Park today on the final weekend of this year's Six Nations tournament, following a narrow 23-20 defeat to Scotland. Dan Parks was the hero for Scotland, kicking five penalties and a drop goal to ensure that Ireland's final game at Croke Park, before moving to the re-developed Landsdowne Road, would end in defeat. With the scores equal heading into the final minutes it was a mistake from Rob Kearney that allowed Parks to claim victory for Scotland, with his fifth penalty of the night to cap an extremely impressive performance. Following an early try from Brian O'Driscoll, which was converted by Jonathan Sexton, Scotland fought back through a try from Johnnie Beattie and two penalties and a drop goal from Parks to lead 14-7 at the interval. However Tommy Bowe's converted second half try brought Ireland back into the game, before penalties from Sexton, O'Gara and two from Parks levelled the scores at 20-20. With France now confirmed tournament winners, and due to face England later this evening, there is a chance for the latter to surpass Ireland in the final table, with what would be a surprise victory at the Stade de France. For Ireland, having won the Triple Crown five times in the past seven years, today's result will be deeply disappointing, particularly the manner in which it occurred. However for Scotland the result will almost certainly be seen as a significant coup, and an appropriate reward given the effort put in by the side throughout the tournament. Furthermore the manner in which the result was achieved may help to erase some of the pain of losing leads against England, Wales and Italy in the final minutes in the early stages of the Championship. On the Scotland performance, Coach Andy Robinson said "the guys are hurting, they are tired but they deserve the plaudits for this win.", whilst Man of the Match Darren Parks echoed the views of many fans and pundits, stating "I think we have deserved a lot more than we have got from this championship". With Scotland having spoiled the Irish party, the pressure is set to build on England to put a dampener on French celebrations in Paris later tonight, in what unfortunately looks set to be less 'Le Crunch' and more a severe lesson from the worthy champions of the 2010 Six Nations Championship.
Saturday 20 March 2010
Choke Park for Irish as Scots avoid dreaded Wooden Spoon
Ireland's Triple Crown ambitions were shattered at Croke Park today on the final weekend of this year's Six Nations tournament, following a narrow 23-20 defeat to Scotland. Dan Parks was the hero for Scotland, kicking five penalties and a drop goal to ensure that Ireland's final game at Croke Park, before moving to the re-developed Landsdowne Road, would end in defeat. With the scores equal heading into the final minutes it was a mistake from Rob Kearney that allowed Parks to claim victory for Scotland, with his fifth penalty of the night to cap an extremely impressive performance. Following an early try from Brian O'Driscoll, which was converted by Jonathan Sexton, Scotland fought back through a try from Johnnie Beattie and two penalties and a drop goal from Parks to lead 14-7 at the interval. However Tommy Bowe's converted second half try brought Ireland back into the game, before penalties from Sexton, O'Gara and two from Parks levelled the scores at 20-20. With France now confirmed tournament winners, and due to face England later this evening, there is a chance for the latter to surpass Ireland in the final table, with what would be a surprise victory at the Stade de France. For Ireland, having won the Triple Crown five times in the past seven years, today's result will be deeply disappointing, particularly the manner in which it occurred. However for Scotland the result will almost certainly be seen as a significant coup, and an appropriate reward given the effort put in by the side throughout the tournament. Furthermore the manner in which the result was achieved may help to erase some of the pain of losing leads against England, Wales and Italy in the final minutes in the early stages of the Championship. On the Scotland performance, Coach Andy Robinson said "the guys are hurting, they are tired but they deserve the plaudits for this win.", whilst Man of the Match Darren Parks echoed the views of many fans and pundits, stating "I think we have deserved a lot more than we have got from this championship". With Scotland having spoiled the Irish party, the pressure is set to build on England to put a dampener on French celebrations in Paris later tonight, in what unfortunately looks set to be less 'Le Crunch' and more a severe lesson from the worthy champions of the 2010 Six Nations Championship.
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