Rory Best held Ireland together, England’s Chris Robshaw worked tirelessly and Sergio Parisse’s experience helped ItalyThe Ireland captain was asked after the grand slam victory whether Eddie Jones’s derogatory remarks about the country revealed a few days before had been motivation for the champions. Best showed class in his reply that was to the effect: who had not found themselves in a position like that? The most-capped player in the team is not among the most celebrated, but every side needs a Best to hold it together, selfless to the point where the team comes first, second and third. He has been on two Lions tours and did not make a Test appearance, but there was never any moaning or...
Joe Schmidt’s attention to detail underpinned Irish success but Eddie Jones needs a Plan BI’ve read about how it was meant to be for Ireland on St Patrick’s Day – but make no mistake, they earned their grand slam. They fully deserved it. The players, coaches and all the backroom staff are extremely comfortable with the game-plan, they have the best tactical half-backs in the world, a strong set-piece and a defensive system that Andy Farrell has improved no end. The thing that strikes me most is that their established players really get up for the big games, and on top of that, their youngsters – players like Jacob Stockdale – have flourished. My only question would be what happens...
The players of the tournament, the outstanding matches, best and worst moments and team of the championshipRobert Kitson: Conor Murray. Epitomises the team Ireland have become: classy, smart, consistent, strong, versatile. Probably the world’s best scrum-half. Related: From Ireland’s win to England’s loss, the Six Nations was settled in Paris | Paul Rees Related: Six Nations: England v Ireland on St Patrick's Day – in pictures Related: Conor Murray gives Ireland reason to dream of making it big in Japan | Gerard Meagher Continue reading...
Ireland and England’s campaigns were summed up by their final few seconds in the French capital, with Ireland surging to victory and England losing after a fumble at the breakdownThe outcome of the 2018 Six Nations was settled in Paris. It was where Johnny Sexton, on the opening weekend, delivered a precious away victory for Ireland four minutes after time was up with a 45-metre drop goal after his side had taken play through 41 phases, and it was where England surrendered their crown, fumbling at the breakdown in the last play of the game after France had wasted an opportunity to end the match. Related: Conor Murray gives Ireland reason to dream of making it big in Japan |...
The scrum-half’s dominating display against England should give Joe Schmidt belief for next year’s World CupWith the clock turned red, even the heavens were smiling on Ireland, a flurry of snow serving as the ticker tape to their coronation. Victory was theirs, and fully warranted, after emphatic confirmation that it is Joe Schmidt’s side who are best equipped to challenge New Zealand at next year’s World Cup. Related: Ireland seal grand slam with storming win over England in Six Nations finale Related: Six Nations: England v Ireland on St Patrick's Day – in pictures Continue reading...