What a week it has been in the world of sport. Amongst other events, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been hit with a five-match touchline ban for his comments regarding Premier League referee Martin Atkinson, Japan have unsurprisingly taken the decision to postpone the Japan Moto GP until their country emerge from the terrible devastation that continues to unfold across the nation after an incredibly powerful earthquake and, thrillingly for English sport fans, the international Rugby Union team continued their pursuit of a first Grand Slam in the Six Nations since 2003 with a battling win over Scotland at Twickenham.
As his team prepares for a stern test against Ireland in Dublin, coach Martin Johnson has been discussing the match last Saturday in numerous interviews: on one hand criticising his team's performance and recognising they must improve in order to complete the historic Grand Slam, but often expressing his pride in the victory despite a stumbling performance, England ultimately winning 22-16. The game began with England as firm favourites with both recent history and form on their side, but a battling Scotland were able to limit the penetration of the England team with the ball in their hand and finish the first half 9-9. England's unconvincing first half performances in recent matches, the win against France coming after a second-half improvement, will no doubt have Johnson concerned for their ability to start strongly in Ireland, however. Can England improve this facet of their game ahead of one of the toughest games in the tournament, and will the Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland produce the final boost to their spirits?
England have played some fantastic rugby during the course of this Six Nations tournament, perhaps at their best while thrashing Italy 59-13 at Twickenham. In this game, winger Chris Ashton incredibly became the first England player to score four tries in a Six Nations match since 1914, mirroring the great form he has shown throughout the rest of the tournament, also scoring two tries at the Millenium Stadium against Wales. Martin Johnson will hope for a big impact from him in Dublin, as well as several other key players. Perhaps a vital absence, however, will be captain Mike Tindall who is ruled out of the game against Ireland with ankle ligament damaged sustained in the win over Scotland. Matt Banahan replaced Tindall against Scotland, and is likely to take his place in Dublin, and similarly a big performance from him is vital in securing a Grand Slam finish for an England side which has battled its way through disappointment and success in equal measure since their World Cup win in 2003.
Ireland, however, are not unbeatable - suffering losses to France and most recently, and controversially,Wales during this year's tournament, the latter winning in no small part down to the incorrect awarding of a try after an illegitimate quick line-out was taken by the Welsh team. In actual fact replays show that a different ball was used, the original ending in the crowd and a young ball-boy bringing a new one along, an illegal move if a quick line-out is to be taken.
Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll revealed a frustration that was mirrored by the other Irish players, most pointing out that unlike football there is the ability of the referee to consult the video-referee before making the decision. As it was, referee Jonathan Kaplan simply asked the line judge who himself had obviously not seen the switch occur and was told that the correct ball was used. The decision understandably frustrating for the Irish team, considering the profound impact the incident had on the momentum of the match.
England will need more than a lucky decision to beat Ireland this weekend, one suspects. If they can overcome the inevitable jitters that a potential Grand Slam brings, and key players produce the form that English fans know they are capable of, then I believe there is no reason why Saturday won't be a day for England to celebrate as heartily as many will St. Patrick's day.
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