D'Arcy makes tackles count
Wednesday March 03 2010
GORDON D'ARCY made every tackle count as Ireland stormed back to an amazing 20-16 victory over England in their Six Nations battle at Twicknham on Saturday afternoon last.
D'Arcy sported many bumps and bruises as he left the pitch, having got in the big hits, particularly during the closing quarter after his centre partner and captain, Brian O'Driscoll, was forced to leave the pitch injured.
D'Arcy may not have had the space to make the decisive breaks, but he still made the hard yards in what was a bruising battle, particularly in the second-half.
As Ireland were conceding ground and possession to the English pack, it was a magnificent defensive display that helped to haul them back from a 16-13 deficit with seven minutes remaining.
D'Arcy made a huge impression as he drove forward for those crucial yards, while he was also seen to good affect along with O'Driscoll, cleaning out from rucks on the ground.
It was in defensive situations on this occasion that D'Arcy showed his worth. He rarely put a foot wrong and had good reason to celebrate on the final whistle, having figured prominently in defence throughout the secondhalf, picking himself up constantly to continue with his barnstorming tackles and leaving the highlyrated English centre, Riki Flutey, his opposite number, playing catch-up for much of the game.
Now D'Arcy can look forward to the remaining games against Wales and Scotland in Croke Park and set his sights on the Triple Crown, while the English could also do the Irish a favour and savour a victory in Paris, throwing the championship race wide open.
- BRENDAN FURLONG
