Ireland defeat Wales to win the Grand Slam
March 25, 2009
A defiant Irish team overcame a stuttering Wales to wrestle the Six Nations title away from them, and in the last two minutes kick the three points to give them their first Grand Slam title in sixty-one years.
Ireland deserved the victory and led for most of the game, overpowering Wales where it mattered most, but a kick in the last few minutes from Stephen Jones almost snatched the dream Grand Slam from Irish hands.
Luckily for the Irish, their dreams were kept alive by the boot of Ronan O’Gara, who replied to Jones’ drop goal with one of his own, with just two minutes on the clock. Wales responded immediately and Irish indiscipline led to a Welsh chance in the final minute as Jones once again had the chance to end Ireland’s dream with a penalty practically on the halfway line. Long distance specialist Gavin Henson looked on as Jones attempted the penalty, got the accuracy perfect, but his range came up short, gifting Ireland their deserved victory.
Despite playing in front of a packed Cardiff crowd, free flowing Wales failed to spark their game into life, and couldn’t breach the Irish defence. Ireland on the other hand managed two tries from Bowe and the ever reliable O’Driscoll.
