David Corkery on rugby: Ireland set new standard in Twickenham and Jack Crowley nailed down his spot
VINDICATED: Ireland’s Jack Crowley leaves the pitch after the win over England. Picture: INPHO
I think the lap of honour after the final whistle might have been a step too far but Ireland arrived in London, put their bodies on the line and left as very worthy winners.
Not having won anything other than a Six Nations game, the celebrations after weren't merited though I know most will disagree with me on this. My belief is a lap of honour should be conducted when there's a medal dangling from your neck.
Staying humble is something great sides do very well. While it was nice that the players paid homage to their loyal supporters, there is a time and place for everything and the place for Ireland's celebrations after this brilliant victory should have been in the confines of the dressing room.
I’m not so sure that the All Blacks, South Africa or even France would have done it. Maybe the players felt it was necessary after all they had gone through in recent weeks.
Anyhow, it was a magnificent display and apart from one or two periods of tranquillity at the beginning, Ireland took to the hallowed turf of Twickenham like a tsunami making landfall and just annihilated everything in its path.
This third game for both teams in this year’s Six Nations was very much portrayed as a fantastic opportunity to make amends for below-par performances. Thankfully, it was the men in green who took the invitation seriously and produced a display of rugby that will live long in the memory of all those who love Irish sport.
Twickenham, or as it is known, the Cabbage Patch as the land there was previously a market garden, has been the graveyard for many an Irish side. Not this time.
In most games, the forwards have to do the hard work to begin with so that the entire team can benefit. On this occasion, it was the backs that led the way.
The man of the match accolade could have been awarded to anyone on the Irish team but Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey stood head and shoulders above everyone else for me. When the gain-line needed to be won or a try-saving cover tackle had to be made, McCloskey was there.
Like a ravaging rhinoceros who felt threatened, McCloskey pounded England’s first line of defence as if his very existence depended on winning the confrontations. If he didn’t create a clean line-break, he was easily able to offload to a supporting runner.
In the end, the equally brilliant Jamison Gibson Park was deemed the official Man of the Match and there are not too many who would complain about his selection either.
Having been dropped to the bench a week previous for Craig Casey, Gibson Park regained the number nine jersey and made it crystal clear to Andy Farrell that he is still Ireland's best scrum-half.
When Gibson Park is operating at his very best, there is no better distributor or organiser.
There are times when you would easily be forgiven for thinking he is only operating at 70% because of the calmness and control he displays at the breakdown. While everyone else is losing their heads and screaming for the ball, the Leinster man always seems to have the ability to see the forest for the trees and make the correct decisions.
Baloucoune for his bravery in the air and his incredible ability to find holes where gas would find it hard to escape.
And Crowley for dealing with the mental questions that were asked of him before this game even commenced.
Apart from the two place kicks missed in the first half, the Innishannon man didn’t really put a foot wrong. Farrell will have no option now but to name him in his starting 15 for the remaining two fixtures.
This kind of victory was badly needed by everyone in the Irish camp. It is imperative it's followed up with something similar Wales and Scotland in Dublin.
Well done to all.
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