17

3 weeks on, after the frozen farce in France, a second attempt to decide who would join Wales as likely winners of this year's 6 Nations Championship failed to reach a positive conclusion, but for the right reasons, not the wrong this time.

Ireland had clearly read my tactical appraisal on www.therugbyblog.co.uk where I preview and review Ireland internationals, as they satrted strongly and seemed determined to hit high balls for Poitrenaud to make a mess of. However, the Toulouse full back had clearly not read the script and looked solid as a rock under his first two balls, making a positive start. There was much grunt in the first half, with only the occasional bit of class, usually coming from France, but Ireland are redoubtable opposition and with Tommy Bowe haring out of defence on every single occasion, they scored the first try as Rougerie was caught in two minds... Laurel and Hardy's (or Coluche and Jacques Tati for our French readers) as he handed an awful pass straight to Bowe who strolled under the posts to the undisguised mirth of his teammates. Sexton converted, redeeming in part an awful miss of earlier to give the Irish a 7 point lead.

2 Parra penalties sandwiched a successful one from Sexton and as the half continued in a sort of uneasy lack of atmosphere at the Stade de France, Ireland led 10-6, until Best turned the ball over and Earls fed Bowe, who eschewed a simple inside pass to Kearney in favour of a kick and chase, which aided by a friendly bounce resulted in his second try, also converted by Sexton, as Ireland led 17-6 after the first half.

It would be fair to assume that Philippe Saint-Andre read the riot act to the French side at half time, as he sent them out 5 minutes early for the second half. Ireland conceded a penalty after 7 second half minutes, as the French took control for a spell. Fofana scampered home for an unconverted try 3 minutes later, and Parra kicked a 4th penalty to bring the scores level after 57 minutes. France's game for the taking then.... except it wasn't. Ireland bossed the next ten minutes or so, but when in position to press and take a drop goal, silly decisions or handling errors cost them dearly. Lionel Beauxis it was who had the two drop goal attempts to win the game for the French. The first never got above knee height and the second was blocked after a poor pass from Parra.

And that was that. A 17-17 draw, which to be honest never reached the absolute heights. Yes it was tense, yes there were good moments, but rather than those frequent quotes after drawn games where "neither side deserved to lose" I actually had this down as a game that "nobody deserved to win".

There were good performances. Wesley Fofana has a try in each of his first three Internationals. He runs like Sella or Blanco and has a massive future. Tommy Bowe continued his poaching and now has 5 tries in 3 games: 1 more to tie the record. Cian Healy, one cynical offside apart, had what I consider to be his best game in an Ireland shirt. And then there was Rob Kearney. 3 years ago, he was brilliant in a Lions shirt. Injuries have cruelly reduced his time on the field in recent years, but I cannot remember a better performance from a full back in a long time. He tackled well. He kicked to touch with length and accuracy. He broke the line, when required, with ease, and his running style looked so easy. He kicked and chased with accuracy and vigour. Most of all though, his poise and success under the high ball both in defence and attack is beyond belief. I cannot recall another player who takes such difficult balls with such ease. As I said during the game, I get the feeling he could catch a ping pong ball, dropped from a helicopter in a force 9 gale. He is so solid under the high ball. Man of the Match and I almost gave him 10 out of 10.

France still have their destiny in their hands. A win against England and then similar in Cardiff could still see them crowned champions, but without a Grand Slam. Ireland's chances are all but extinguished (they need a couple of wind and every other game to go their way, including Italy to beat Wales). An England win in France and against Ireland, while France beat Wales, could see England win the tournament too, but you would have to suggest that it is Wales short favourites followed by France.

If you want to check out my ratings of the Irish side, as well as those of my counterpart who analyses France, then check out www.therugbyblog.co.uk tomorrow. There are all manner of articles there for perusal.

Next weekend sees Ireland take on Scotland, Wales continue their serene progress (probably) against Italy and then the piece de resistance, France hosting England on Sunday. I'll be there for that one, so expect some sort of summary..... but not until Monday morning, better make that Monday afternoon!

Share the link with anyone you think may enjoy it as ever, and see you next week.