Classic Match: Wales v Ireland 2009 | RBS 6 Nations
- 6 years ago
Ireland travelled to Cardiff on the last day of the 2009 Championship knowing a win would hand them their first Grand Slam since 1948.
The home side scored first with two penalties from fly-half Stephen Jones to lead 6-0 at half-time. However, a four minute period in the second half would tilt the game in favour of the visitors. In the 43' minute Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll buried over from close range with the try confirmed by the TMO and Ireland lead for the first time in the game.
The try of the match and possibly one of the most iconic ones in Irish rugby came only minutes later. Ireland had a scrum just inside their half and after the ball was fed to the right, Ronan O'Gara chipped over the rushing defence with the ball sitting perfectly for Tommy Bowe who's angled run meant he never lost his stride. A 40 metre sprint for the line ensued and although he had plenty of attention from Shane Williams, the Irish winger dived over under the sticks and the visitors lead 6-14.
Jones kicked a further two penalties to bring it to a two point game and a nail biting finish for the away supporters. The fly-half appeared to dash Irish hearts with a 76th minute drop-goal before Ronan O'Gara brought the Irish dream alive with his own two minutes later.
The drama didn't end their however and a discretion in a ruck in the last play of the game gave Stephen Jones a 48 metre penalty to steal the win at the death. Unfortunately for him but to the delight of the men in green, it just dropped short and with that Ireland had won their Grand Slam.
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The home side scored first with two penalties from fly-half Stephen Jones to lead 6-0 at half-time. However, a four minute period in the second half would tilt the game in favour of the visitors. In the 43' minute Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll buried over from close range with the try confirmed by the TMO and Ireland lead for the first time in the game.
The try of the match and possibly one of the most iconic ones in Irish rugby came only minutes later. Ireland had a scrum just inside their half and after the ball was fed to the right, Ronan O'Gara chipped over the rushing defence with the ball sitting perfectly for Tommy Bowe who's angled run meant he never lost his stride. A 40 metre sprint for the line ensued and although he had plenty of attention from Shane Williams, the Irish winger dived over under the sticks and the visitors lead 6-14.
Jones kicked a further two penalties to bring it to a two point game and a nail biting finish for the away supporters. The fly-half appeared to dash Irish hearts with a 76th minute drop-goal before Ronan O'Gara brought the Irish dream alive with his own two minutes later.
The drama didn't end their however and a discretion in a ruck in the last play of the game gave Stephen Jones a 48 metre penalty to steal the win at the death. Unfortunately for him but to the delight of the men in green, it just dropped short and with that Ireland had won their Grand Slam.
Website: RBS6Nations.com
Facebook: RBS 6 Nations
Twitter: @rbs_6_nations
Instagram: RBS6Nations