This is a massive test.
Shane Williams ruining our World Cup dreams, Kevin Morgan making history and Gavin Henson with that bloody tan…
There have been many moments for Wales to celebrate against the Irish, but it’s far from a one way street; we’ve quenched the Welsh dragon’s fire many, many times.
Ahead of Saturday’s crunch game between the sides, JOE, with thanks to Tissot, the Official Timekeeper for the RBS 6 Nations, have picked out our five favourite moments against the Welsh over the years.
5. Simon Zebo and his magic feet, 2013. Wales 22 – 30 Ireland
There aren’t too many rugby players that would have tried something as audacious as this.
Rory Best had just charged down a defensive kick, he played it out to Jamie Heaslip, who played a ball slightly behind Zebo.
Zebo’s superb skill not only saw Ireland continue the move; it set up the platform for Cian Healy’s second ever international try.
4. A close call, 2003. Wales 24 – 25 Ireland
Ireland entered this game in great form, while Wales had just suffered their first ever defeat to Italy.
None of that mattered when Stephen Jones gave Wales a two-point lead during added time.
Everyone thought the game was done.
Not for the first time and certainly, not for the last, Ronan O’Gara stepped up to the plate and became the Irish hero.
3. Ronan O’Gara makes it 50, 2002. Ireland 54 – 10 Wales
Ireland absolutely crushed Wales in this game. Whether that had anything to do with Paul O’Connell making his debut or not is up for debate.
One thing is for sure, when Ronan O’Gara crossed the whitewash to make it a half century of points, the nation went wild.
2. Tommy Bowe runs like the wind, 2009. Wales 15-17 Ireland
The skill and guile of Ronan O’Gara was only matched by the pace and vision of Tommy Bowe for this try.
This set us on our way on that famous day and as such, it’s remembered as one of Ireland’s greatest ever tries.
1. “Drop at goal, grand slam at stake” ,2009. Wales 15 – 17 Ireland
A moment that needs no introduction, but we’ll give it one anyway.
61 years of waiting and Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes were hanging in the balance.
But cometh the hour, cometh the man. And ROG was and is the man.
Let’s hope for a few more great memories from the boys in green on Saturday.
Brought to you by Tissot, the Official Timekeeper for the RBS 6 Nations.
By sharing your #TopMoment via Twitter & Instagram, you could win a Tissot PRC 200 Quartz Chronograph. Don’t forget to vote for your #TopMoment of this weekend’s matches as shortlisted by the Tissot Rugby expert by visiting www.rbs6nations.com/tissot.
Voting opens Tuesday.
