SH PATIENCE The only way is up for North
Ireland focus on ending their long wait for a Grand Slam
IT’S mad to think that Johnny Sexton has won three 6 Nations titles but not one Triple Crown.
That’s just one of the things that can change at Twickenham.
Nothing to play for? Don’t tell Ireland – or England, for that matter.
The championship is done and dusted a week early but motivation won’t be a problem for either team on Saturday.
England want to tear into Joe Schmidt’s side. Remember, Ireland spoiled the Red Rose’s own Grand Slam party 12 months ago.
Victory for the visitors won’t just deliver a first Triple Crown in nine years.
It would better the achievement of the golden generation who, under Declan Kidney, won the second Grand Slam in Ireland’s history.
On the flipside, defeat would leave a bit of a sour taste – even as Rory Best lifts the 6 Nations trophy.
But as the Slam remains a live issue, Schmidt is clearly loving the opportunity to achieve greatness on the field of play.
“To be honest, 2014 is still probably, dare I say it, the most special,” he said.
“We won it the moment we finished the game [at the Stade de France], with the guys on the pitch at the time.
“In 2015, we were in suits shouting at (France’s) Ugo Antonio to keep the ball and not let it squirt out because England might score and the championship could be lost.
“So we’re cheering on one team to beat another. We had no control.
“But it give us that clear air to go to Twickenham with the championship. It’s an incredible relief. Incredibly satisfying.”
Sexton spoke of how he was “in the bibs” back in ‘09. Despite Kidney’s assertion that he was part of that Grand Slam story,
Sexton knows otherwise. But he can still recall the words and actions of the
“O’garas,
O’driscolls and
O’connells” that propelled
Ireland to a first
Slam in 61 years.
Schmidt believes there’s a similar leadership group in place. By pure evidence of performance and results, I think you’d have to say so,” the Kiwi said.
“Three [titles] in five years, there are some very EDDIE JONES says Ireland are deserved 6 Nations champions - just as he predicted.
And he claims he’s not annoyed the men in green have leapfrogged England to second in the world rankings ahead of their Twickenham clash on Saturday. “It doesn’t really bother me, mate,” said the England supremo (left).
“Our aim was to get in the top four to qualify for the World Cup.
“And then after that the rankings, they’re nice to be…you’d like to be as high as you can. consistent personnel during that period – Rory Best, Peter O’mahony, Jonathan Sexton, Devin Toner, Cian Healy and Jack Mcgrath.
“Conor Murray and Johnny, obviously, have been incredibly consistent. So has Rob Kearney.
“I’m delighted for Keith Earls. It’s fantastic for him to grab what he really deserves. And then there’s this young crew.”
Sexton referenced Ireland’s 2010 Triple Crown shot that was thwarted by Scotland at Croke Park.
“I thought, ‘A Triple Crown, I’ll have plenty of more opportunities for this’. I still haven’t won one.”
Schmidt echoed the sentiment. “James Ryan doesn’t know what it’s like to lose a 6 Nations,” he stressed.
“These kids need to understand this doesn’t happen very often. This is incredibly tough to do. This opportunity is really precious.” Characteristically, Schmidt (left) spoke of work to be done.
“If you think you’re in front, it’s only a matter of time before someone passes you,” stated Schmidt. “You’ve got to keep scrambling to get a bit further along.”
“We wanted to win the 6 Nations, but it’s all about getting ready for the World Cup.”
Asked if England’s aura was being stripped away, Jones responded: ‘I don’t think so…well, we’re not in any cycle.
“We’ve lost two games of rugby. One’s by a hair’s breadth today and the other one we were outplayed.
“So I don’t see any cycle.
“We win together, we lose together. There’s no such thing as a cuddle or a bollocking.
“Each player will get what they need to get.”
Wales
38
Italy
14 GEORGE NORTH was back with a bang to send Wales soaring up the Six Nations table.
The giant wing blitzed Italy with a brace of tries as Warren Gatland’s men moved into second place with a bonus-point win.
And the Northampton flyer was delighted to put a week of club chaos behind him to get back amongst the tries.
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks,” said North, who moved to third in the all-time Six Nations try-scoring rankings. “To get a start for your country means everything to me.
Wales stormed into a 14-0 lead inside six minutes thanks to tries from Hadleigh Parkes (right) and the rampaging North.
These kids need to understand these things are incredibly hard to achieve
Gareth Anscombe converted both scores, but Gatland’s men took their foot off the gas.
Matteo Minozzi slipped past a feeble Liam Williams tackle to cross in the corner to get Italy back in it, before Gareth Davies had a try chalked off.
Williams’ nightmare 40 minutes ended with a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Minozzi, as Wales went in at half-time with a 17-7 lead.
Normal service was resumed three minutes after the restart when Cory Hill crashed over from close range.
North put the icing on the cake after 67 minutes when he barged over for his second try to snatch the bonus-point win.
There was still time for Parkes to lob a pass to send Justin Tipuric over at the corner and Wales into second, before Mattia
Bellini scuttled over for a consolation try to end it 38-14.