France 22-24 England
Far from being a dead rubber, the Six Nations Paddy’s Day showdown between Ireland and England is shaping up rather nicely after events in Paris this afternoon.
While it would take a fairly big slice of luck for them to do, England still maintain hopes of winning the Championship next weekend, while Ireland would almost certainly ensure second spot if they can overturn the auld enemy on their own turf.
In short, both teams have another carrot dangling in front of them aside from the already big one that a victory for either side would represent, but on today’s evidence, Ireland are going to have it an awful lot harder than they did against the Scots yesterday.
Like Ireland in Paris last week, England built up a significant half-time lead at the Stade de France. Like Ireland, they let the hosts back into the game in the second half, but unlike Ireland they had the wherewithal to summon a last-gasp victory thanks to a late Tom Croft try which gave them enough of a cushion to be able to withstand a late Wesley Fofana touch down for Les Bleus.
Manu Tuilagi and Ben Foden also touched down for a spirited England side, but how France would have wished they could call on somebody of the calibre of Ronan O’Gara for a drop goal attempt late on. Instead they were forced to rely on Trinh-Duc, whose effort fell short and deprived the French of what would have been a smash and grab one-point victory.
Having performed below par last week, France were off the boil again today and don’t really look capable of preventing Wales from completing what would be a third Grand Slam in seven years next weekend.
As for England, they’ll have their tails up going into the encounter in Twickenham next weekend, but on Paddy’s Day of all days, a rejuvenated Ireland will be waiting to meet them head on.
Get ready to hold on to your hats folks.
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