Ireland – France

After an opening match of the 2009 RBS Six Nations Championship between England and Italy at Twickenham, the cauldron of Croke Park had seen a magnificent Ireland win over a battling France. It was trully an epic, action-packed encounter as Ireland claimed their first win in seven attempts against the French, thanks to converted tries from Jamie Heaslip, Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy.

It was one of the best rugby match I have ever seen. Edge of the seat, jaw-dropping, throat-rasping and tear-inducing. Whatever way you describe it, this exhaustive three-try victory over France will live long in the memory of all Irish fans.

After seven defeats to les Bleus and that last-gasp defeat at Croke Park two years ago it is a fresh dawn under new coach Declan Kidney.

Today match has been breathless testament to the supreme fitness levels of Irish players as they ‘filled their jerseys’ and survived an onslaught of counter-attacks from the vibrant French.

This magnificent win over a battling France side in a thrilling RBS Six Nations opener at Croke Park, will be one to remember forever.

Ireland – France match slideshow