Ireland Fall Just Short of Miracle ; Clerc's Stunning Hat-Trick Keeps Men in Green at Bay

Summary

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AS THE closing whistle signalled an end to the fairy-tale, the men in green fell to the ground and clutched their heads in bitter frustration. France had taken the victory which form and fancy had always suggested, but Ireland had discovered their pride.

From 20 points down after 49 minutes, and heading for the kind of beating which would surely have signalled a massive bloodletting in the Irish ranks, they shook their fists, dug in their heels and reminded themselves that they, too, can play this game with the best.

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Extract

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Ireland Fall Just Short of Miracle ; Clerc's Stunning Hat-Trick Keeps Men in Green at Bay

In the end, they fell heart-rendingly short, but they had contributed to the finest match this Six Nations is likely to see, and they had, even in defeat, re-established themselves as the rugby force they were before their miserable World Cup experiences.

For th...

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