| For a nation that truly knows how to party, Ireland certainly know how to spoil it for England.
Again, the Irish rugby team took the English apart to ensure that there was no “grand slam” for St George’s boys.
Admittedly the English were very average on the day and the Irish team played very well with tremendous commitment but it was hugely disappointing for all English rugby supporters.
The fact that they still won the Six Nations 2011 was only minor consolation as they had been comprehensively beaten in Dublin and did not look like worthy champions.
The 6 nations tournament had generally been a struggle for Ireland & they were fortunate to beat Italy in their first match; their performances were less than convincing but in Dublin on 19th March, they put it all together and took the English apart. The 24-8 score probably was just about right as it reflected and emphasised Ireland’s superiority
So why are Ireland generally so good against England? Why do they raise their game whilst the English appear to be inhibited? Certainly Ireland have become England’s nemesis in sporting terms. The Irish cricket team beat England in the world cup recently, though unfortunately it was not enough to see them through to the final stages of the tournament.
When the two nations meet, it’s like a world cup final for Ireland. They play their hearts out. They are always determined to win; England by contrast always seem to be surprised by the energy and level of commitment shown by the spirited Irish and inevitably don’t appear to know what has hit them as they get “steamrollered”. The Irish team are usually fast out of the blocks and England are immediately on the back-foot. Also the “boys in green” seem streetwise whilst a certain naivety is shown by the English players. Ireland often appear to empathise with the referee more so than their opponents too.
If Ireland can produce this type of rugby against all comers, rather than just against England, then they will be world champion contenders later this year. The Six Nations has ended with England as champs but it must be Ireland who have come out of it with their world cup ambitions stronger.
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