England's old guard lose to Ireland in Triple Crown thriller

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Ireland went to fortress Twickenham for the last game in this years Six Nations rugby Championship to take on an under pressure England. 

Wales had been beaten by France so the Championship, in reality, was not on offer for either side but for Ireland the chance to win a second Triple Crown in three years and a three in row against England very much was. 

In contrast, England were playing for pride in front of their home fans after a series of lack lustre displays, desperate to prove they are still capable of producing performances worthy of World Champions.

A roller coaster game was laid on in front of approx 80,000 fans but an Irish try scored in the second last minute secured victory for the team in green.  The drama may be talked about for a while but as the Triple Crown was awarded no one could doubt the better team on the day won out.  

This was the final action of the 2006 Six Nations. While France proved worthy overall Champions and Ireland's Triple Crown win goes into the records it was a year where Italy must wonder if only divine intervention can help them lose their almost tag. Scotland brought smiles to the faces of many and restored well deserved pride along the way.  Wales hit the self destruct button before timely intervention halted their slide from 2005 Grand Slam heroes to potential 2006 Wooden villans while England are left to rebuild before the 2007 defence of their World Cup title.

For another year we say goodbye to the romance of the Six Nations, not a classic but heartstopping stuff for sure.