22 Mar 2009

Ireland wins Six Nations, claims first Grand Slam in 61 years

10:58 am on 22 March 2009

Ireland has won the Six Nations rugby tournament, beating Wales 17-15 in Cardiff.

The win completes the Grand Slam for Ireland, its first in 61 years.

Irish flyhalf Ronan O'Gara dropped a goal three minutes from time after defending champions Wales were leading 15-14.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll and right wing Tommy Bowe had scored tries in quick succession to put Ireland 14-6 ahead early in the second half.

Flyhalf Stephen Jones, who kicked all the Welsh points and the only scores of the first half, kept Wales in contention with two penalties in the second and Gavin Henson failed with an ambitious attempt from halfway.

Five minutes from time, Jones brought the home fans in the packed stadium to their feet with a dropped goal which soared between the posts to give Wales a one-point margin.

But Ireland were not to be denied. They surged back into the Welsh half, set up the ruck and O'Gara, gesturing frantically for the ball, dropped the most important goal of his illustrious career.

England's 26-12 win over Scotland at Twickenham gave them second place with France third following a 50-8 victory over Italy in Rome.

Wales, the 2008 Grand Slam champions, ended up in fourth though equal on points with England and France.