Menu
31/03/2003
Ireland disappointment as England take Grand Slam
Ireland's hopes of a first Grand Slam in 55 years ended in disappointment yesterday, as England put in their finest performance in recent years to trump the Irish 42-6 in Landsdowne Road.
The game vividly illustrated that, despite massive improvement in the quality of Six Nations rugby, there is a considerable gulf between England and the rest.
The English were cohesive, controlled and surgical in sewing up their scoring chances. But where Ireland were competitive – more so than the scoreline suggested – the defensive aspect to the game showed that England are tactically streets ahead.
As Geordan Murphy – Ireland's most potent attacking weapon on the day – threatened time and again the English defensive wall fanned out to cut off space when the ball was finally recycled. The result of all Ireland's efforts was a first-half penalty and drop goal from David Humphreys.
A Lawrence Dallaglio try and a conversion, penalty and drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson saw the teams head for the break with England 13-6 to the better.
But Tindall, Greenwood (twice) and Luger all crossed in what was a superlative second-half performance.
Ireland can reflect upon a performance that was full of passion and pride, but it was nowhere near enough to breach the English defence. For England, they finally overcame the last game bogey which saw them denied the Grand Slam for the past three years.
With the World Cup only months away, England must be viewed as serious contenders. Ireland, for their part, should take pride in their runner up spot as they set about reorganising their defensive strategy.
(GMcG)
The game vividly illustrated that, despite massive improvement in the quality of Six Nations rugby, there is a considerable gulf between England and the rest.
The English were cohesive, controlled and surgical in sewing up their scoring chances. But where Ireland were competitive – more so than the scoreline suggested – the defensive aspect to the game showed that England are tactically streets ahead.
As Geordan Murphy – Ireland's most potent attacking weapon on the day – threatened time and again the English defensive wall fanned out to cut off space when the ball was finally recycled. The result of all Ireland's efforts was a first-half penalty and drop goal from David Humphreys.
A Lawrence Dallaglio try and a conversion, penalty and drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson saw the teams head for the break with England 13-6 to the better.
But Tindall, Greenwood (twice) and Luger all crossed in what was a superlative second-half performance.
Ireland can reflect upon a performance that was full of passion and pride, but it was nowhere near enough to breach the English defence. For England, they finally overcame the last game bogey which saw them denied the Grand Slam for the past three years.
With the World Cup only months away, England must be viewed as serious contenders. Ireland, for their part, should take pride in their runner up spot as they set about reorganising their defensive strategy.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 August 2011
GCSE Students See Slight Fall In Top Marks
Around 750,000 students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their GCSE results today, with another year of record-breaking marks expected. About 30,000 NI-based GCSE students are receiving their grades and while overall the percentage of passes in Northern Ireland remained the same, higher grades have slipped. In 2010, 75.
GCSE Students See Slight Fall In Top Marks
Around 750,000 students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their GCSE results today, with another year of record-breaking marks expected. About 30,000 NI-based GCSE students are receiving their grades and while overall the percentage of passes in Northern Ireland remained the same, higher grades have slipped. In 2010, 75.
23 September 2016
Call For NI To Legalise Equal Marriage
Northern Ireland needs to legalise equal marriage as soon as possible, according to the Alliance Party. The party made the call after the government of Guernsey recognised the rights of all citizens to be married.
Call For NI To Legalise Equal Marriage
Northern Ireland needs to legalise equal marriage as soon as possible, according to the Alliance Party. The party made the call after the government of Guernsey recognised the rights of all citizens to be married.
03 November 2011
English Diet Could Save 4,000 Lives
New research has revealed that if people in Northern Ireland adopted an English diet it could save up to 4,000 lives every year. Oxford University experts carrying out the study say that people in England have a healthier lifestyle and they eat more fresh fruit and vegetables while having a lower salt and fat intake.
English Diet Could Save 4,000 Lives
New research has revealed that if people in Northern Ireland adopted an English diet it could save up to 4,000 lives every year. Oxford University experts carrying out the study say that people in England have a healthier lifestyle and they eat more fresh fruit and vegetables while having a lower salt and fat intake.
09 July 2002
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
14 November 2018
UUP: End Of Local Child Postmortems Cruel And Inhumane
A UUP Councillor who lost her two-year-old son five years ago has expressed anger following the announcement that postmortem examinations on infants in Northern Ireland will be carried out in England in the New Year.
UUP: End Of Local Child Postmortems Cruel And Inhumane
A UUP Councillor who lost her two-year-old son five years ago has expressed anger following the announcement that postmortem examinations on infants in Northern Ireland will be carried out in England in the New Year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
