- Aviva Stadium
-Jamie Heaslip scores one of Ireland's three tries
- Captain Brian O'Driscoll dejected after the loss
-Jonathan Sexton surrounded by two French players
This is Irish rugby at its best.
Yes, the provinces (Munster, Leinster, Connacht, Ulster) play in The Heineken Cup and Magners League, however, allegiances are often split as these teams represent different geographical regions. The Six Nations is where the best of the provincial players represent their home country and you can feel the difference as a fan in the stands...
France, England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and Ireland are the European countries that participate in the once-a-year Six Nations Championship.
The past two winners (Ireland in 2009 and France in 2010) squared off in the brand new Aviva Stadium here in Dublin today.
Not quite the outcome you might have wished for if you're an Irish fan (they lost 22-25), however, this was very much a physical, spirited, and enjoyable game of rugby to watch.
This is the closest thing to American college football that I can find over here.
