WHAT a pity that the clash between France and Ireland took place in the opening round of the Six Nations Championship.
Andy Farrell’s side were certainly off form that night and met opposition who were totally on fire.
Since then, the Irish have shown us that they are capable of getting the better of any team in the competition, and wins in the two remaining fixtures, both at home (Wales, March 6, and Scotland, March 14), are well within their grasp.
Both are winnable.
Every player in the squad is now fighting for their place.
Our win in Twickenham was sweet, and the sight of white home-scarved fans leaving early told its own story.
Afterwards, Farrell revealed: “We just had the Taoiseach (Micheál Martin) in the changing rooms.”
“We spoke as a group as well, as to the people of Ireland. Winning does matter and it brings a bit of joy to everyone’s face in Ireland. It’s a special day, 100 per cent, to come here and record a 21-42 victory.”
It was difficult to choose a man of the match with so many outstanding performances.
Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris were superb in the back row; Stuart McCloskey shone in the centre and Robert Baloucone scored in his second game, but it was Jamison Gibson-Park who was the overall star.
In the URC, sixth-placed Munster welcome bottom outfit Zebre to Thomond Park on Saturday, kick-off 5.30pm.
And, in a welcome development, Springbok hooker Marnus van der Merwe has signed a two-year contract with Munster, to begin next season.
The 29-year-old commented: “I’m excited and honoured to be joining such a prestigious club, with such a proud rugby history. I want to finish the season strong with the Scarlets, before tackling this new challenge with Munster.”
Added Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello: “Marnus is passionate and extremely ambitious and has the qualities that will make him a really good fit.”