Ireland in the Six Nations of 2005

Ireland failed to build upon the triple crown foundations of 2004. Their hopes of glory were dashed by an unlikely source. In recent years the Welsh had been caned home and away by the men in green. This year, a resurgent Welsh dragon, playing mouthwatering rugby befitting the Barbarians, conquered all-comers en route to a showdown in Cardiff with Ireland. There would be no triple crown repeat for the visitors as the Welsh team comfortably collected their first grand slam since 1978. England mysteriously were now slipping down the European charts, though ironically they were still the world champions! 

ITALY 17 IRELAND 28; 6th February; at the Stadio Flaminio

15 Murphy [TRY]

14 Horgan

13 O'Driscoll (c)

12 D'Arcy

11 Hickie [TRY]

10 O'Gara [3 penalties, 2 conversions]

9 Stringer [TRY]

8 Foley

7 Leamy

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell

4 O'Kelly

3 Hayes

2 Byrne

1 Corrigan

The visitors added two converted second-half tries after 'enjoying' a slender 8-6 advantage at the halfway stage.

SCOTLAND 13 IRELAND 40; 12th February; at Murrayfield

15 Murphy

14 Dempsey

13 Horgan

12 Maggs

11 Hickie [TRY]

10 O'Gara [3 penalties, 2 conversions]

9 Stringer

8 Foley

7 O'Connor

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell (c) [TRY]

4 O'Kelly [TRY]

3 Hayes [TRY]

2 Byrne

1 Corrigan

Replacement Gavin Duffy added to Ireland's tries' feast. Scotland also chipped in with a try in each half.

IRELAND 19 ENGLAND 13; 27th February; at Lansdowne Road

15 Murphy

14 Dempsey

13 O'Driscoll (c) [TRY]

12 Horgan

11 Hickie

10 O'Gara [2 drop goals, 2 penalties, conversion]

9 Stringer

8 Foley

7 O'Connor

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell 

4 O'Kelly

3 Hayes

2 Byrne

1 Corrigan

A converted second-half try from the captain ensured a narrow win, after Ireland had led 12-10 at half time.

IRELAND 19 FRANCE 26; 12th March; at Lansdowne Road

15 Murphy

14 Dempsey

13 O'Driscoll (c) [TRY]

12 Maggs

11 Hickie

10 O'Gara [4 penalties, conversion]

9 Stringer

8 Foley

7 O'Connor

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell 

4 O'Kelly

3 Hayes

2 Byrne

1 Corrigan

The diminutive winger Christophe Dominici grabbed two of France's three tries to nullify Ireland's grand slam ambitions.

WALES 32 IRELAND 20; 19th March; at the Millennium Stadium

15 Murphy [TRY]

14 Dempsey

13 O'Driscoll (c)

12 Maggs

11 Hickie

10 O'Gara [2 penalties]

9 Stringer

8 Foley

7 O'Connor

6 Easterby

5 O'Connell 

4 O'Kelly

3 Hayes

2 Byrne

1 Corrigan

Stephen Jones kicked sixteen points to ensure a grand slam. Replacement prop forward Marcus Horan grabbed a late try.