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Ireland in the Five Nations of 1991

By Gary Watton
April 15 2013

Only an entertaining draw in Cardiff proved fruitful for Ireland's Five Nations adventures of 1991. England meanwhile obtained their first grand slam for eleven years at Twickenham against the French. Later in this World Cup year, Ireland surpassed expectations by coming within a whisker of beating the eventual winners, Australia. It could only be Ireland to raise their game when they were written off, but the 1990s would be a barren decade against the French and the Scots.

IRELAND 13 FRANCE 21; 2nd February; at Lansdowne Road

15 Murphy

14 Geoghegan

13 Mullin

12 Kiernan [3 penalties]

11 Hooks

10 Smith

9 Saunders (c)

8 Robinson

7 Hamilton

6 Matthews

5 Rigney

4 Galwey

3 Fitzgerald.D

2 Smith [TRY]

1 Fitzgerald.J

The hosts fielded six new recruits, including Rob Saunders, and again contrived to surrender a half time lead [of 10-6].

WALES 21 IRELAND 21; 16th February; at Cardiff Arms Park

15 Staples [TRY]

14 Geoghegan [TRY]

13 Mullin [TRY]

12 Curtis

11 Clarke [TRY]

10 Smith [drop goal, conversion]

9 Saunders (c)

8 Robinson

7 Hamilton

6 Matthews

5 Rigney

4 Galwey

3 Fitzgerald.D

2 Smith

1 Fitzgerald.J

Debutants Jack Clarke and Jim Staples were amongst the tries. Regrettably Ireland missed three of the four conversions.

IRELAND 7 ENGLAND 16; 2nd March; at Lansdowne Road

15 Staples

14 Geoghegan [TRY]

13 Mullin

12 Curtis

11 Crossan

10 Smith [penalty]

9 Saunders (c)

8 Robinson

7 Hamilton

6 Matthews

5 Rigney

4 Francis

3 Fitzgerald.D

2 Smith

1 Fitzgerald.J

Mike Teague and Rory Underwood achieved second-half tries as England managed to win the triple crown.

SCOTLAND 28 IRELAND 25; 16th March; at Murrayfield

15 Staples

14 Geoghegan [TRY]

13 Mullin [TRY]

12 Curtis

11 Crossan [TRY]

10 Smith [drop goal, 3 conversions]

9 Saunders (c)

8 Robinson [TRY]

7 Hamilton

6 Matthews

5 Rigney

4 Francis

3 Fitzgerald.D

2 Smith

1 Fitzgerald.J

Ireland outscored Scotland four tries to three but still lost. The Hastings brothers each managed to grab a try.

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Ireland in the Five Nations of 1991
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