First rugby union match at Croke Park
A flash of Cleric. Okay, well, it’s easy. But that perfectly sums up the decisive action of the winger of the XV of France during this match of the Tournament of the 6 Nations 2007. We are on February 11, and Vincent Clerc hardly finds a place of holder, he who had not was selected for the opening of the competition by Bernard Laporte. The Toulousain knows that he plays big in Dublin, especially in terms of the World Cup.
The tension is strong, and it can be read on her face during hymns. He even cried over that of … Ireland. The setting is also special. This is the first rugby union match ever played at Croke Park stadium, the scene of a tragic event in November 1920. Everything is there to make this match historic. The end of the meeting was undoubtedly.
” I try my luck… ”
After a penalty from Ronan O’Gara, France is led 17-13. On the return, France retrieves a boiled balloon and Jauzion sends off. Beauxis and Marty do the necessary to arrive in the Irish 22m. After a relay from Jauzion, Mignoni sends off for Beauxis who serves Cleric full field. “I have the feeling that I am facing a defense that will slide and not go up. I’m trying my luck, “recalls the tri-color winger.
Well he takes it. He tears the enemy’s curtain, escapes Hayes then Hickie to slip into the promised land. “I remember how the players jumped on me. It’s so rare to have such a scene after a try, ”said Clerc to Eurosport. 17-20, final score. An action of legend which silenced all the Irish people…
Rugby Klub Bratislava 