Against the head: Johnny O'Connor
Column
 By JOHNNY O’CONNOR
Gone in 48 seconds — sounds like a film title doesn’t it?
In fact that was the story of my Twickenham Powergen Cup final appearance
last Sunday which ended even before I had an opportunity to savour the
occasion.
However the good news is I’m on the mend and hope to be back in
action in a few weeks subject to medical advice and scan reports.
I need hardly tell you I had some anxious moments in the immediate aftermath
of my clash with Llanelli’s Alix Popham. It was just one of those
freak accidents that can happen in the game but thankfully I was in good
care and was taken to hospital without delay for a scan to assess any
possible neck and back damage.
My immediate recollection after the tackle was that I didn’t have
any feeling down one side of my body. However after treatment on the pitch
which seemed to last ages I was fully conscious and aware of everything
that was happening as I was stretchered off the pitch.
Consequently I saw none of the game but was delighted to hear we won the
first part of which I hope will be a domestic double. We knew we were
in for a tough game and by all accounts the Scarlets made it difficult
for us particularly in the first-half. They certainly missed their influential
leader Simon Easterby after his horrific first-half injury which left
him unconscious but I’m delighted to say I spoke to him early this
week and he assured me he is fine and will soon be back in action.
I was delighted to hear all my Irish teammates played their part including
Peter Bracken who came off the bench in the second-half to replace Ali
McKenzie in the front-row.
Eoin Reddan and Jeremy Staunton provided a solid midfield partnership
in the opening half and following David Humphries recent announcement
of his intention to retire from international rugby both could soon be
doing a similar job for Ireland in the not too distant future. Jeremy
also set up the equalising try for Tom Voyce just before half-time which
proved to be the turning point of the game.
Wasps next objective is now to get back to Twickenham on May 28 for the
Premiership final and continue our great winning streak there. While Sale
may be the team of the season we all believe we can retain our title and
hopefully I will be part of the team.
Although Sunday’s victory secured our Heineken Cup place next season
we still want to retain our title. We have some interesting games in the
concluding rounds including a visit to Saracens and hosting high-flying
London Irish on April 30.
There is still everything to play for in the Premiership and securing
a home semi-final place is our next objective. Meanwhile I am bidding
farewell to all my readers for the remainder of the season. Hope you have
all enjoyed my weekly contribution to Irish Post sport and I hope to return
at the start of next season. Hope you all have a great summer.
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