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Update: Watch the homecoming online – Looks like the RTE website will be broadcasting the homecoming reception online at around 4:30pm (GMT). Hopefully all you fans from around the world will be able to tune in and watch the the boys welcomed home.

History has been made and Ireland have come out on the winning side. It had everything a championship final has to offer – heart stopping, adrenalin pumping, nerve shattering game.

If you want to see some great photos of the match and celebration try Inpho Photos

Leave a comment on this momentous game here

Now to celebrate – Come on Ireland!!

If you were at the game any photos would be appreciated, send them to andrew@irishrugby.co.uk

All eyes are on Ireland as the Six Nations rumbles into its penultimate weekend. It is with slight apprehension that Ireland take the position of favourites and grand slam hopefuls, far from a once favoured underdog status.

The Scotts will undoubtedly be looking to cause an upset to Ireland’s winning ways and one of the best chances we have of lifting the trophy in recent years. But there is an unrivalled level of commitment and enjoyment coming out of the camp in recent weeks strengthened by a string of impressive performances. From an outsiders view the squad seems to be one of the tightest units in European rugby with a new found mixture of experience, youth and depth.

Kidney it putting this depth to the ultimate test by making four changes to the Irish side who beat England. Eye brows will be raised as Flannery and Heaslip fail to make Kidney’s starting line-up. Both have impressed throughout the tournament and when it comes to Best’s line-out throwing this could prove to be a risky move. However Kidney has hedged this risk by starting Stringer and D’Arcy. Stinger replaces O’Leary who has been solid at #9 but simply has not been providing quick enough ball. D’Arcy should also add an intangible confidence that comes from experience and performance. Its an interesting move from Kidney and one which we will hopefully learn a lot from.

Ireland: Kearney; Bowe, O’Driscoll, D’Arcy, Fitzgerald; O’Gara, Stringer; Horan, Best, Hayes; O’Callaghan, O’Connell; Ferris, D Wallace, Leamy.

Replacements: Murphy, Wallace, O’Leary, Court, Flannery, O’Driscoll, Heaslip.

After a nail-biting end Ireland successfully kept the grand slam in sight with a close victory over England. An ill-disciplined England allowed Ireland to get on top through O’Driscoll’s try. O’Driscoll is having one of his best seasons with unmatched dedication to the team. We can only hope that O’Gara is back in form for the next two matches.

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If it it’s not broke, don’t fix it – Seems to be the message coming from the squad as they announced the same starting line-up that defeated Italy a week and a half ago. Paddy Wallace returns after sustaining head injuries in both the French and Italian games leaving D’Arcy on the bench.

Irish Team
R Kearney; T Bowe, B O’Driscoll (capt), P Wallace, L Fitzgerald; R O’Gara, T O’Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, S Ferris, D Wallace, J Heaslip.
Replacements: R Best, T Court, M O’Driscoll, D Leamy, P Stringer, G D’Arcy, G Murphy.

John Hayes will match Malcolm O’Kelly’s 92 caps as joint all-time most capped player.

Could also be an interesting day for #9′s as O’Leary and Stringer battle it out – O’Leary will need to offer quicker ball than he did last week with Stringer showing he’s not over the hill yet.

Ireland v England – Last 5 Six Nations Results
(2008) England 33 – 10 Ireland
(2007) Ireland 43 – 13 England
(2006) England 24 – 28 Ireland
(2005) Ireland 19 – 13 England
(2004) England 13 – 19 Ireland

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