Ireland must not be over confident
against the Scots
 By JOHNNY
O’CONNOR
The performances of both Wasps and Ireland have really put a big smile
back on my face this weekend.
After our dismal display at Bristol’s Memorial Ground last week
Wasps more than made amends for their disappointing 9-9 draw with a convincing
10-point victory over Sale to cut the Premiership leader’s margin
to four points.
Likewise Ireland have also answered their critics in the best possible
way with an emphatic 31-5 victory over the Grand Slam title holders Wales
at Lansdowne Road. It certainly was a strange Round Three of the Six Nations
where results have left it one of the most open championships in years.
England’s surprise defeat at Murrayfield has meant that we are
the only remaining team who can win the new Triple Crown trophy.
It is by no means beyond us to win it and even the championship itself
if we can build on our solid performance against a Welsh side that lost
its way in the second-half.
It is a result that has given the team a much needed boost and although
we are all back on club duty this weekend the squad cannot wait to get
back into international action against Scotland on March 11.
Although I saw some action late in the game I have to admit my mind
was also on how my Wasps colleagues were getting on back in the Causeway
Stadium.
Trailing 16-9 at the interval they came back in the last quarter to maintain
our superb home record and close the gap on leaders Sale after a 26-16
victory. Tries from Richard Birkett and Rob Hoadley and Mark van Gisbergen’s
three successful kicks clinched a vital victory.
Disappointed England trio Lawrence Dallaglio, Simon Shaw and Tom Voyce, who
were on the bench, were all thrown on after 56 minutes and they made an
immediate impact.
Voyce set up Shaw after he set off on a powerful run and though tackled
by Jason Robinson, Richard Birkett followed up to touch down and Mark
van Gisbergen levelled the scores.
Lawrence Dallaglio and Tom Voyce were then involved before flanker Tom
Rees sent in Rob Hoadley in the corner and Mark’s superb conversion
made it 23-16.
London Irish also had a fine 30-3 victory over Northampton and look on course
for the play-offs at the very least.
Meanwhile as Leeds Tykes continue to improve with their fifth successive
victory, the Saracens free-fall continues after another home defeat to
Bristol.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s trip to the Millennium Stadium I am
hopeful that we can qualify for another Twickenham final when we take
on an inconsistent Leicester Tigers team in the Powergen Cup semi-final.
Bath and Llanelli contest the other semi-final in what should be a most
attractive double-bill.
What a difference a week makes! Ireland on course for a second-leg of
a possible Triple Crown against a resurgent Scotland on March 11, Wasps
still on course for a possible Powergen Cup and Premiership double.
Is it any wonder I’m feeling on top of the world right now.
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