| Triple glory  By
Graham Clifford
There was a time when winning a Triple Crown would spark days of celebrations
in Irish rugby heartlands but not anymore.
On Saturday at Murrayfield Eddie O’Sullivan’s Ireland lifted
their third Triple Crown in four years to cement their place as kingpins
of the Home Nations.
England’s win over France the following day however means a comprehensive
victory by Ireland against Italy on St. Patrick’s Day could seal our
first Championship win in 22 long years.
Ireland weren’t at their best against Scotland but the 19-18 win means
the men in green have defended their Triple Crown title.
Ronan O’Gara was yet again vital to Ireland’s cause against
the burly Scots scoring a late try under the posts and kicking four penalties
and a conversion.
At the whistle however the Irish and Munster fly-half was allegedly struck
by a Scottish player causing outrage amongst the Irish players and management.
Irish manager O’Sullivan said: “Ronan went blue at the end.
I think that his air supply had been cut-off and I believe it was deliberate.
He was losing consciousness but thankfully he started breathing again.”
After looking at footage from the game the independent citing commission
decided to take no action against any of the Scottish players.
Ireland’s Paul O’Connell also picked up an injury and won’t
feature against the ever-improving Italians in a game Ireland need to win
well if they’re to finally reap the rewards of the Irish rugby renaissance.
n For full match report and reaction see pages 66-67.
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