7 Most Dramatic Finishes In Rugby Union History
1. The Grandest Of Slams
Ireland had only ever won the title with the Grand Slam (winning every game in the tournament) once back in 1948, prior to the Six Nations Championship 2009.
If they were to achieve their 2nd, they would have to travel to Cardiff in the final round to face year's Champions and Grand Slam winners, Wales.
There was more than just a Grand Slam at stake. Bonus points were yet to be introduced, meaning the home side would have to win by 13 points to deny the Irish the Six Nations title along with the Triple Crown (beating all the home nations).
Captain and No.8, Ryan Jones, led his team into a 6-0 lead. The Irish only had 40 minutes to keep their title hopes alive.
The men in green burst into life straight away with quick-fire tries from Captain, Brian O'Driscoll and Winger, Tommy Bowe, in the 44th and 46th minute.
Welsh Fly Half, Stephen Jones kicked two penalties to reduce the gap to 12-14 to Ireland with 25 minutes remaining.
The final quarter demonstrated perfectly why the international game is called 'Test Rugby'. Both sides testing each others determination, skill and discipline, remaining scoreless until the closing moments.
With under six moments remaining, Scrum Half, Mike Phillips made a break into the Irish 22. After a couple of phases, Stephen Jones stepped up (and dropped back) to slot a drop goal to give Wales a 15-14 lead.
Irish would be presented and opportunity straightaway. Stephen Jones kicking the ball out on the full when it was passed back into the Welsh's own 22.
Ireland won the line-out, set up a maul and went through a few phases of their own, before their Fly Half, Ronan O'Gara dropped into the pocket and responded with a drop goal to get his team back in front, 17-15.
From the restart, the Irish kicked deep, backing their defense. Wales carried their way up field and into the opposition half. With under a minute to play, the Welsh were on the edge of kicking range should Ireland concede a penalty. The away side did just that.
Stephen Jones lined up the kick from the tee, 48 metres out, in front of the posts. The ball soared through the air, hearts in the mouth of Irish and Welsh fans in attendance. The ball sailed closer and closer but fell just short under the crossbar.
Ireland did it securing the Triple Crown, their first Championship title since 1985 and a Grand Slam win after 61 years.