Ireland Clubs 30 England Counties 20

Last night's match in Templehill was the first time this fixture has been played outside Dublin and both sets of players delivered a special performance on a special occasion. Ireland got off to a great start as Stewart Morrow intercepted a long pass and ran around 80 metres to touch down between the posts. Two more tries before half time, one for either side. The lively England winger Nev Edwards touched down to leave to visitors 5 points behind but a Ben Reilly try on the stroke of half time gave Ireland a 20-8 lead at the break. During the break, as the smell of cigar smoke wafted across the stand and the hypothermia filtered through my hands, Cork Con's new facilities were officially opened by the IRFU, a very impressive set up now in place by Constitution. The second half was always going to see a big response from the English but their momentum was halted when scrum half Matt Heeks was sin binned for what looked like a stamp on an Irish player. Ireland didn't really make the man advantage count with a Craig Ronaldson penalty the only score while their opponents were down to 14 men. As soon as Heeks came back on, his opposite number Gerry Hurley was sent to the bin, and England really took advantage. Two quick fire tries from Heeks and Hurrell pulled it back to a 3 point game, 23-20 with 18 minutes to go. Gerry Hurley returned with thirteen to go but Ireland were down to 14 men again shortly after, as Ronaldson was shown yellow. England's Rory Teague had a chance to level the game with a penalty right in front of the goal but he inexplicably pulled it wide. The closing ten minutes were full of tension and some incredible defending but Ireland stood firm and Hurley snipped in for a try, which was converted, with two minutes to go to secure the win. I've been to a far few rugby matches down through the years and the intensity and physicality on show last night was up there with anything I've witnessed before, some massive hits went in A thoroughly enjoyable game. We spoke to Irish captain Gerry Hurley and coach Conor Twomey after the game. (Click play button above to listen to the interviews)