JACOB’S GLADDER
SIX NATIONS Ireland remain on course for Grand Slam
THE green machine was almost spectacularly derailed in Dublin.
But with wheels just about back on the tracks after Wales’ near-miraculous robbery attempt, the Irish Six Nations challenge starts to look meaner.
They had to win this epic twice though to keep their Grand Slam dream alive.
It looked for all the world that Wales were dead and buried when Cian Healy went over for Ireland’s bonus-point try after 55 minutes.
Joe Schmidt’s men had gobbled up the Welsh forwards for their afternoon tea, chewing them up and spitting them out in a 20-minute period either side of half-time. But Warren Gatland’s Wales refused to fold, and in a bonkers ending scored two tries through Aaron Shingler and Steff Evans to take them — unbelievably — within three points with as many minutes left.
Suddenly Ireland panicked and, incredibly, rued 10 missed points from Johnny Sexton’s boot
However, furrowed brows turned to beaming smiles as Jacob Stockdale picked off a Hail-Mary pass from Gareth Anscombe to score his second with the clock dead to keep Irish cogs turning towards a St Patrick’s Day showdown at Twickenham that could deliver their first Grand Slam since 2009.
Schmidt, though, knows Ireland must improve if they are to make it to London unbeaten.
‘The way we defended is a concern with Scotland in mind because they have some dangerous runners,’ he said. ‘But we helped Wales a little bit and I think we can repair a lot of those things next week.’
And skipper Rory Best thinks that there is growing confidence in his ranks. ‘We have shown we are adaptable and we know we can win games in whatever way we need to,’ he said. ‘Our young guys don’t have the stigma of losing and it’s very exciting.’
Gatland, who could not celebrate his 100th Wales Test, admitted the tournament was over for his side but was able to assess the main contenders for the championship — England and Ireland.
‘They’re both teams that keep the ball for long periods of time, they defend quite similarly,’ he said. ‘Ireland are very accurate, when they get into your 22 they’re clinical. They’re a tough team to break down. That last game of the championship at Twickenham is going to be an interesting one. ‘I don’t really care who wins it.’ The opening quarter set the tone for the day — Wales hardly seeing the ball. They only managed 30-percent possession and 19-per-cent territory — but crucially, led.
That was because Sexton conspired to miss three consecutive kicks from the tee — two penalties, one conversion. It was the first time he had missed three consecutive kicks at goal for club or country for eight years.
But while his feet were not fastened on properly, his hands were. At 3-0 down, after Bundee Aki had given away a penalty that Leigh Halfpenny smashed over from 45 metres, Sexton showed a touch that oozed class. Taking the ball on the left and 15 metres from the line, he fizzed a stupendous pass to Stockdale — so perfect it cut out two defenders and sent the Ulsterman over for the opening try.
Sexton’s conversion was missed, as was the next penalty from right in front to complete the set of three shanks and just as the clock ticked into the second quarter Wales went ahead.
Gareth Davies had the try — with Stockdale all at sea in defence the Welsh scrum-half was waved through, touching down between the posts for an easy Halfpenny conversion. His next penalty meant Wales deservedly led 13-5.
The momentum then swung dramatically back to Ireland. Sexton finally hit a penalty and then on the stroke of half-time the Irish regained the lead. Aki cut the powerful line — just the ticket as Ireland had gone through stacks of phases without making the breakthrough. Sexton hit the conversion to end a pulsating half. It was all Ireland on the resumption and they added their third try when Dan Leavy crashed over from close. Sexton converted and suddenly they had a nine-point buffer. The pack was so impressive. Wales had no answer to the Irish maul, or their smashing, bashing and crashing close around the rucks. One of their number made sure the bonus point was wrapped up inside 55 minutes, Healy unstoppable from close. Sexton’s conversion limped wide, but it did not matter, this game was now won.
Well, Wales did not think so. Steff Evans had Ireland in a panic when he made a huge burst down the left. Soon Shingler scored on the far side. Halfpenny’s wonderful conversion meant Wales — from nowhere — were still in it, which was nothing short of miraculous.
Wales have a real knack of hanging on in there. Now with them just seven points back, the game became frantic. Ireland could not slow it down and Wales were growing with every tick of the clock.
The hosts, though, thought they had won it for a second time when Conor Murray took the kicking duties and hit a penalty, but remarkably Wales still refused to die.
Evans scored with three minutes left, and when Halfpenny converted Wales were within three. Surely they could not steal it?
No. Stockdale’s interception sent the stadium into raptures, and Joey Carbery’s conversion meant Ireland have still not lost here under Schmidt in this championship.
Scotland are the next stop on the line, and despite the almighty late scare this Irish juggernaut is chugging nicely towards Twickenham.