Simon Geoghegan

By Gary Watton
April 15 2013

An unlikely victory at Twickenham was the only major crumb of comfort for Ireland in another misfiring campaign. A draw against Scotland was the only point that the men in green could seize from the Scots in this depressing decade of under-achievement. If you wish to see who played for Ireland's opponenets, then kindly take yourself off to www.espnscrum.com and consult there.

FRANCE 35 IRELAND 15; 15th January; at Parc des Princes

15 O'Shea

14 Wallace

13 Cunningham

12 Danaher

11 Geoghegan

10 Elwood [5 penalties]

9 Bradley (c)

8 O'Connell

7 Robinson

6 Francis

5 Johns

4 Galwey

3 Clohessy

2 Kingston

1 Popplewell

Typically, Ireland trailed only 16-12 at the halfway point, before they wilted against a team that scored four tries.

IRELAND 15 WALES 17; 5th February; at Lansdowne Road

15 O'Shea

14 Wallace

13 McCall

12 Danaher

11 Geoghegan

10 Elwood [5 penalties]

9 Bradley (c)

8 Johns

7 McBride

6 Robinson

5 Francis

4 Galwey

3 Clohessy

2 Kingston

1 Popplewell

The only try came in the first half from Neil Jenkins, whose match haul of 17 points eclipsed the 15 from Eric Elwood.

ENGLAND 12 IRELAND 13; 19th February; at Twickenham

15 O'Shea

14 Wallace

13 Field

12 Danaher

11 Geoghegan [TRY]

10 Elwood [2 penalties, conversion]

9 Bradley (c)

8 Johns

7 McBride

6 Robinson

5 Francis

4 Galwey

3 Clohessy

2 Kingston

1 Popplewell

Jon Callard kicked two penalties in each half, but Simon Geoghegan's great first half try proved the decisive moment.

IRELAND 6 SCOTLAND 6; 5th March; at Lansdowne Road

15 O'Shea

14 Wallace

13 Field

12 Danaher

11 Geoghegan

10 Elwood [2 penalties]

9 Bradley (c)

8 Johns

7 McBride

6 Robinson

5 Francis

4 Galwey

3 Clohessy

2 Kingston

1 Popplewell

In a wind-ruined encounter, Eric Elwood and Gavin Hastings traded four penalties. Ireland had led 3-0 at half time.