Ireland’s heart-breaking 24-22 defeat by New Zealand brought back memories of previous deflating moments in Irish rugby’s history. Here’s a look at three memorable results from the past decade:
Ireland 6 England 42 (2003)
Whilst this may have not been the closest of matches, it was particularly galling for a number of reasons. England captain Martin Johnson ensured a bubbling Lansdowne Road atmosphere boiled over when his English side lined up on the home side for the pre-match ceremonies. It was the 2003 Six Nations decider and Ireland were bidding to win the accolade for the first time, whilst Sir Clive Woodward’s Red Rose men had tasted Grand Slam disappointment at the final hurdle in preceding years. It also ended a 10-Test winning streak.
Ireland’s Six Nations dreams crushed by France
This isn’t an Irish defeat per se but it was no less heart-breaking. Eddie O’Sullivan’s side were on the brink of finally laying their hands on the Six Nations trophy. Although Ireland had lost to France earlier in the competition, they could still secure the title if they beat Italy by four more points than France. Ireland were 51-24 winners against the Azzurri but it proved insufficient as France beat Scotland 49-16. It all happened on St Patrick’s Day, too, to compound Ireland’s misery.
New Zealand 22 Ireland 19 (2012)
Perhaps a sign of things to come as another late New Zealand score denied Ireland a famous result. Declan Kidney’s men didn’t surge into a commanding 19-point lead like last Sunday, but the visitors were punching their weight in the clash and trailed by a point at half-time. Even when the All Blacks scored an early first-half try, Ireland responded through to leave it 19-19 with eight minutes remaining. Jonny Sexton missed a 49m penalty before Dan Carter scored a late drop goal to break Irish hearts.
Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/445087/Laidlaw-Scotland-making-progress
Three heart-breaking moments in recent Irish rugby history
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