England vs Ireland 18/3/06 - RBS Six Nations Match Review 

I drove down to Twickenham this day from Newcastle with heavy heart, I knew that there was a good chance of England failing again to win.  Much was resting on this game, Ireland had to win by 30 odd points to take the championship, France just had to really wait and see what the result of the match would be.  Scotland would be chomping at the bit to find out there place at the final table.   And England? well they had to WIN and win by many points, I just did not want to think about it and in the background we had England's Head Coach on a warning basically.

So as I say, this was our long weekend taking in the match and off to France to raid their shores of wines and spirits, frankly that was the only thing I had to look forward to.  That part of the deal worked out well.

As one of the faithful I trudged around the West Car Park on arrival checking in at the England Rugby buying hubby new shirt for his birthday and wondering WHY really!  Strolling around aimlessly, I did not have the same sense of expectation at all bumping into Barney who was proudly wearing his Ireland shirt and well, that about said it all.  I must add in his defence he did have his ERSC hat and rugby jacket on also!

It was bitter, bitter cold this day and I am not making excuses for England here, just for me!  My hands were so cold and at one point I could feel myself shaking. We had all of the normal razzmatazz out came the teams and within seconds 81 I think - Jamie Noon went over for a try!  My spirits rose and out came the hip flask however, it did not last and as the match swung back and forth, kicks were missed on both sides ( I will not go there!!!).  Nobody really took the game by the scruff of the neck and screamed this is ours but so many people wanted England to lose anyway so that the Head Coach would get the chop, frankly how could there be any good vibes.

Well England did lose but I have to say that I know in my heart that all the players tried their hardest to win, as the Captain Martin Corry said earlier in the week "We are just not good enough"  One year before the RWC and we are in a wilderness, we need a change just to bring back confidence alone. 

 However, I will not ever support the other side as some have done as my heart lies with England no matter what.  I will however, congratulate the French on their championship win and the Irish on the first Triple Crown Trophy presented by the RBS.

Am I looking forward to the summer, to be honest I am quite numb of all feelings at the moment.  I will get back to you all on that.

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