All Ireland rugby fans of a certain age will have had serious flashbacks to 2007, when watching the ending of today's Six Nations clash between Scotland and France.
17 years ago (Jesus has it been that long?), Ireland conceded two tries, in the 75th and 80th minutes, of their final Six Nations game against Italy. It put them top of the table with a +23 points difference over France, who were to play Scotland later that day.
However, given the weakness of Scotland in the mid-2000s and France's home advantage, the French were still heavy favourites to take the title.
But, low and behold, Scotland's Ewan Murray went over for a try in 76th minute to give Ireland a +3 point advantage with four minutes to go.
France, of course, were now going to throw the kitchen sink at the poor Scots, who were a mere pawn in the overall scheme of things, but there was belief.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄! 🤯
▪️ Scotland think they score
▪️ 80th minute match winning try
▪️ Referee doesn't give it
▪️ Lengthy TMO check
▪️ Not enough evidence to reverse itFull-time score:
🏴 16-20 🇫🇷#SCOvFRA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/AjJFrGKxkk— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 10, 2024
If that can't be given, then I am delighted to announce Ireland as the 2007 Six Nations champions. https://t.co/XzqlCWJPTO
— Paddy O'Brien (@Paddy__Paddy) February 10, 2024
Were The Ireland Rugby Team Robbed In 2007?
The clip and photo above shows the ending to today's game between Scotland and France - which ended 16-20 in France's favour - and a picture of what the TMO could see of the grounding in the very last play.
The on-field decision of referee Nic Berry was that the ball had been held up, and because TMO Brian MacNiece could not see a clear and obvious grounding, the try was not awarded.
In 2007, the situation was slightly different, but all too familiar.
Craig Joubert said to his TMO 'I believe the try has been scored unless you have a reason not to award it', despite the fact that the supposed grounding from Elvis Vermeulen was far from clear.
The try was given, France were champions, and Eddie O'Sullivan would look on in vein as Declan Kidney's Ireland lifted the Six Nations trophy a year after his dismissal.
Did the home crowd at the Stade de France have a part to play in the decision.... we'll let you decide.
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