Celebrations kept on ice as Ireland stars focused on Grand Slam shot
AN EERIE silence hung over Lansdowne Road rather than the raucous celebrations one might have expected.
But then both Johnny Sexton and the crowds at the Aviva knew that while they were on the verge of a Six Nations crown at the very least, the Grand Slam is where it’s really at.
Ireland had comfortably beaten the Scots, winning their fourth match in a row, but it was a case of having bigger fish to fry and all roads leading to a Grand Slam showdown in Twickenham on St Patrick’s Day.
There were, of course, a few loud cheers and one or two renditions of the ‘Fields of Athenry’ throughout the afternoon. However, the low level of noise was probably best noted by a kilted Scotsman leaving Dublin 4 on Saturday, when he told his pal he’d heard only one chorus of the song ... and that was 60 minutes in.
But then, we were all a bit in limbo. By the end of the game, not only did we know we still had to beat the English to claim the Grand Slam, but with our neighbours across the water yet to kick off against France that evening, we didn’t even know if there would be a Six Nations to toast. It turned out there was, of course, thanks to a French victory. Though based on Sexton’s interview on TV3 that night, there weren’t many raised glasses in the Ireland dressing room. “Muted” was how he’d described his teammates, despite a third Six Nations in five years. What’s rare is beautiful and the opportunity of only a third Slam was firmly on the minds of supporters and
players alike. There will no doubt be a raucous Irish invasion in London this weekend.
As the players departed the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin yesterday, they patiently stopped to sign rugby balls and pose for selfies with a gaggle of fans.
Coach Joe Schmidt gave the team the day off yesterday to spend time with their families and enjoy Mother’s Day.
Despite the pressure of the task ahead, Ireland captain Rory Best cut a relaxed figure as he posed for photographs with his wife Jodie and three children Penny (5), Ben (7) and Richie (2).
Meanwhile, try-scoring machine Jacob Stockdale was joined by his girlfriend Jessica Gardiner.
South African-born back rower CJ Stander also stopped for photographs with his stunning wife Jean-Marie.
The 27-year-old law graduate and model moved to Limerick from their native South Africa in 2012 after CJ signed for Munster, with the pair marrying a year later.
Stander has described the coming showdown as the biggest game of his career so far.
“Yes, for sure; there’s an opportunity to create something for ourselves as a group.
“Some of us, it’s their first Six Nations, some of us have been here for a few years.
“Preparation-wise, put the head down, make sure you train well and get into the team for Saturday.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said.