Wales V Ireland (15 – 17) 21st March 2009

Wales V Ireland a game worth the wait. Ireland, a team worth the win!

Ireland, Triple Crown, Championship and Grand Slam winners 2009. Congratulations Jerry to you personally and to the entire squad, USN is delighted to be associated with you and we are all extremely proud of your achievement.

Did you sleep at all the night before the game?

I slept grand. The media had hyped the game a lot. We obviously knew it was a massive game but we had just come off the back of the Scotland game and hadn’t looked beyond that game until last Sunday. The fact that there wasn’t a huge lead time meant it was easier for me to stay relaxed and focused.

What were the last words said in the dressing room before the game?

We knew that they would come at us, they play with huge intensity, and they keep upping the tempo. They play a game very similar to Wasps, quick lineout, fast ball, they try to tire their opponents and then make a couple of fast breaks with their dangerous runners. We knew we had to keep communicating throughout the game; we were reminding each other to keep talking, to keep commenting on the game so that no one would get isolated.

What were you’re thoughts in the tunnel?

I was trying to take in the moment, to enjoy the atmosphere. I try to take it all in but it is easy to be emotional around the anthems, I just do my best to stay focused on the job in hand.

What was the feeling in the dressing room at half-time?

I missed most of the team talk at half time. Right before half-time I took a bang on my eye, I think it was just a clash of heads. I went straight into the medic room and got patched up (7 stitches). By the time I was sorted, most of the team talk was over. Normally the coaches come in and give an overview of the game so far, then we split, forwards coaches identify issues and, backs talk with Declan and Gaffney. After that all players are asked to make any comments they want. Any player whether he has 1 cap or 90 caps is entitled to make any comment they wish to make. Once you are in the dressing room you are entitled to your opinion, and each player has a responsibility to the team to voice their views. We try not to depend on one or two guys, or the captain to comment as this just puts added pressure on them. We just tried to stay focused and knew if we kept working the phases the scores would come off.

What were you feeling as Stephen Jones took the penalty kick?

I was on the bench at that stage so it was completely out of my control. I thought he would kick it; it was just such a horrible feeling. I thought he had kicked it over- it looked good. I didn’t have a good view from where I was sitting so I didn’t know if it had gone over or not. Then I saw Paulie run up the pitch celebrating and I was just so relieved. It just would have been a massive disappointment.

What did you do after the game, has the significance of the win sunk in yet?

There were lots of photos after the game, immediately after the game is all a bit of a blur. I just had such a huge feeling of relief. The nagging feeling that you just might not get something done was gone. I feel satisfied; I think that will last for a few days. It is good to lose the “nearly men” label, it is such a shitty tag. It was hard to take that people thought there was “something missing” from this team that we just couldn’t get it done.

You are off to training for Munster now, is it difficult to lift yourself?

No, Munster is my bread and butter, if I am not playing well for them I don’t get my International opportunities. This weekend is a Magner’s league decider and I may be asked to play as Frankie is injured. It is not hard to raise yourself when there is still a job to be done. The Heineken Cup is still huge for Munster and after winning it once, we don’t want to get sloppy. We need to keep showing up to try and win it.

What is your best memory from the Championship?

When I ran out on to the pitch in Croker, for the England v Ireland game. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd was unbelievable. I looked over at Donnacha and saw he felt it too. I just couldn’t wait for the game to start!

What do you feel your Lions chances are now?

It is obviously an ambition for me to make the team, but it is totally out of my control. I will just keep doing my job and hopefully I will get my chance.

Jerry Flannery in conversation with USN