Ireland vs. France: a clash for the ages
“It is hard to remember a more compelling Six Nations contest,” said Gavin Mairs in The Sunday Telegraph: Ireland’s 32-19 win over title-holders France in Dublin was studded with breathtaking action, including three spectacular tries in an opening half that will surely “be remembered as the tournament’s zenith”. The clash between French creativity and Irish physicality elicited extraordinary feats of athleticism on both sides, and Ireland were forced to wait until the 73rd minute before Garry Ringrose delivered the match-clinching try.
There is no question now about who is “the best team in world rugby”, said Michael Scully in The
Irish Mirror. Before it, France had gone 14 games without a loss; but Ireland sealed their position as world No. 1 with their 13th home win in a row. The game absolutely lived up to the billing. It was a game of two halves, the first “a blaze of entertaining, riotous rugby”, the second “more of a chess match”. Even a dose of first-half controversy, when James Lowe flew in for a try in the corner, didn’t sour the enjoyment. Tackled at the last by Damian Penaud, Lowe had somehow managed to touch the ball down while in midair, but a television replay unseen by officials later revealed that the tip of his foot was out of play.
Whether it was legal or not, it was a “brilliant finish”, said Stephen Jones in The Sunday Times. The skills on display from both sides seemed to herald a new kind of rugby, as if the game “had taken on a brand new shape and size”. Ireland now look favourites for a Six Nations Grand Slam, but have also raised hopes of a first-ever trophy in the World Cup later this year. At the very least, it’s worth hoping that these two teams meet in its knockout stages. “We want a repeat.”