2017 final day of 6 nations
George Munroe Sat 25 Mar 2017
As is becoming custom, some of us gathered to watch the final day matches of the Six Nations rugby union tournament.
First up the Italians probably did a bit better than the 29-0 defeat at the hands of the Scots suggests, but no real surprises here.
Next, the French match with the Welsh boys turned out to be a real nail-biter—full time on the clock and France five points down but with possession and close to the Wales line... and that's how it stayed for another 20 minutes until the French scrum finally pushed over the line and converted to a 20-18 victory.
Thanks to a poor start with Scotland and a very unfortunate tussle with Wales in their penultimate match, Ireland were in no position to win this year. That certainty had already been earned by their final day opponents, England. Unbeaten through all of 2016 and right through the tournament, on an all time high, poised for a record two six nation grand slams in a row, this last match was going to be a walk over for the English... ha, not so fast!
The proud Irish dominated throughout, the Dublin crowd spurred them on, every one who wasn't English was treated to sheer rugby delight as we stopped the visitors in their tracks, 13-9 to Ireland!
Sure, we didn't win the tournament, but we created one mighty upset and ended up second.
We had to celebrate afterwards, we had six from the class at dinner: Michael, Adrian, David, Vicky, Julie, George, joined by partners Rosemary, Charan, Christine and young Eva. And a great evening was had by all, even those who weren't too interested in rugby!