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Dublin (AFP) – France’s XV confirmed: Ireland’s expected victory over Scotland (26-5) in Dublin will require them to beat England on Saturday evening to win the six – nation tournament, giving them a temporary lead in the rankings.
The Irish defeat could have promised the Blues the title even before they landed on the lawn of Southampton de France, but Clover’s XV fulfilled part of the deal to maintain suspense until the end.
Thanks to a fourth victory in five matches, the Irish lost only to France (30-24) and took control of the standings before the decisive “crunch” of the evening.
They won the “Triple Crown”, an honorary title won by four nations across the channel each year at the tournament.
They won against Wales (29-7) and England (32-15), so Scotland and Ireland had not lifted a trophy in front of a Dublin audience since 2004.
His five bonus points from the start of the tournament (four offensive and one defensive) in each match give him hope for a more beautiful trophy if the Blues make a mistake before they face England.
The Scots must finish fourth in the tournament, with one more defeat as in the previous two years. Disappointment after the victory over the English on the first day (20-17) and the progress made in recent years.
Clover’s XV, who fell like France from New Zealand (29-20) during the November Test, never worried too much against a team that did not live up to expectations.
As the English cheered on Schroeder last week, young hooker Dan Sheehan and stainless pillar Sean Healy recovered his first line at Aviva Stadium with two tries in the first half.
XV du Chardon reacted in the same style, its pillar being Pierre Showman of South African descent, but it fell to one of the most successful teams in the world today.
Two days after St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland expanded the party by winning a bonus thanks to two attempts by third-tier Joshua van der Flier and substitute Schrum Hoff Conor Murray.
Third in the tournament in 2020 and 2021, she came to power under English player Andy Farrell, through an effective alliance between experienced players and newcomers such as Sacrum Half Jamison Gibson-Park or winger James Lowe.
The Irish, now trailing the English, will lift their triple trophy to a more glorious title.
© 2022 AFP
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