Ireland, Wales heading for Six Nations thriller

LONDON - Captain Brian O'Driscoll seized the moment to propel Ireland to a 19-13 win over world rugby champions England and set up a possible Six Nations grand slam decider against Wales.

Extending the Celtic revival which has made the 2005 tournament the most exciting in years, Ireland and Wales are now the only unbeaten teams after three rounds.

Wales overcame defending champions France 24-18 in Paris on Saturday in the best game of the championship after Scotland had defeated Italy 18-10 in a match which will probably determine last place.

O'Driscoll, returning after the hamstring injury which kept him out of the win over Scotland, again revealed the range of skills which make him the complete rugby player.

With his team trailing 13-12 mid-way through the second half, he gathered the ball under his left arm to avoid straying into touch following a break from fullback Geordan Murphy.

After streaking over the line O'Driscoll veered towards the posts to give man-of-the-match Ronan O'Gara the maximum chance to kick the extra two points.

O'Gara delivered and, although England poured on the pressure in the final quarter, Ireland held out for their second successive win over the English.

England, narrowly beaten in their opening matches against Wales and France, gave an altogether more convincing performance. But they still managed only one try and have lost the first three matches in the championship for the first time since 1987.

Ireland know they will probably never have a better opportunity of a grand slam with home advantage against England and France, and they threw bodies into the fray in a determined attempt to frustrate their opponents.

Although O'Driscoll's try was crucial, the foundation of the victory was laid by the composed O'Gara who ensured his team got some benefit from their first-half territorial advantage with two dropped goals and a brace of penalties.

The championship will resume on March 12 when England meet Italy and Ireland host France. Wales travel to Murrayfield to play Scotland the following day.

England may have first five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson available for the first time since he dropped the winning goal in the World Cup final in November, 2003.

Provided Ireland and Wales both win their fourth matches the scene will be set for a dramatic finale in Cardiff the following Saturday when the tournament concludes with all six teams in action on the same day.

* Wales skipper Gareth Thomas has been ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations after fracturing his thumb in the win over France.

The 83-times capped fullback had surgery yesterday to insert a plate and screws, and will miss the matches against Scotland and Ireland.

- REUTERS