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If Paul O’Connell’s decision to end his playing career in the south of France with free-spending Toulon had been wholly driven by an interest in his own pension pot, only the most flint-hearted rugby follower would have condemned him: in the rich history of Irish provincial union – and the wild-west annals of Munster in particular – precious few players had given more of themselves, for longer, than Paulie.
Throw in the small matter of the 108 games he played for his country, and the three Six Nations titles he won (the first of them in Grand Slam style) – not to mention a trio of British and Irish Lions tours and a major contribution as captain on the trek to South Africa in 2009 – and it is reasonable to argue that he was, and remains, worth a whole lot more than a monthly cheque for services rendered.
O’Connell’s purpose in leaving Limerick for the Côte d’Azur was about something other than money, of course. He rather fancied being only the sixth man – and the second Irishman, after his Test colleague Eoin Reddan – to win a European title with different clubs.
He was also intrigued by the prospect of joining a rock-star squad engaged in one of the bolder rugby experiments of modern times: namely, the attempt to prove that a bunch of overseas internationals can regularly recreate the spirit of togetherness that is common to more close-knit, blue-collar, locally sourced teams. Like Munster.
Show all 30 1 /30Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Simon Zebo: 6 out of 10 The fullback showed his danger with ball in hand when he was presented the opportunity but was largely shackled by the Welsh defence. Still questions surrounding his tactical knowledge when playing at fullback as many of his kicks were questionable.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Andrew Trimble: 7 out of 10 Like Zebo, Trimble didn’t have many opportunities to utilise his pace but was generally solid under the high ball and in the tackle. His tackle on Alun Wyn Jones prevented a certain Welsh try, but he will hope to get more ball in hand in his next outing.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Jared Payne: 7 out of 10 Jared Payne was a rock for Ireland in the midfield. He carried effectively and could muster anything that Wales threw his way.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Robbie Henshaw: 7 out of 10 Henshaw had a ferocious battle with Jamie Roberts at 12 and the fact Roberts didn’t make many telling contributions offensively is high praise for Henshaw. He carried the ball well and even managed a Brian O’Driscollesque turnover in the first half.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Keith Earls: 6 out of 10 Like many of the backs in this game, Earls was solid but not spectacular. The versatile winger put in a couple of big hits but failed to make much of an impact when Ireland were attacking.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Jonathan Sexton: 8 out of 10 Sexton continually showed his attacking prowess, notably when he broke the Welsh line before passing to Trimble – showing incredible vision and execution. Then it was time for him to step up when it really counted and tie the game up for his side. Did anyone ever doubt he would do exactly that?
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Connor Murray: 7 out of 10 Scored Ireland’s first try and was at his best for most of the game. His size and power make him so dangerous around the breakdown and the dummy that led to his try was sublime. Has become a vital part of this Irish team.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Jack McGrath: 6 out of 10 In the loose McGrath was outstanding, making 16 tackles and 11 carries, however Ireland’s scrum was battered in the first half and Faletau’s try came as a direct result of Wales’ dominance in this area.
Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Rory Best: 7 out of 10 A good run out for Irelands new captain who was a fierce presence at the breakdown and his usual consistent self at the lineout. It’s clear to see that the hooker relishes the responsibility of leading his team.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Nathan White: 6 out of 10 Like McGrath, the prop was effective in the loose but has to be held accountable for the dominance that Wales experienced at scrum time. Both White and McGrath gave away two penalties at scrum time and will have to go back to the drawing board in time for next week.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Mike McCarthy: 6 out of 10 McCarthy wasn’t seen for much of the game, but the work he puts in shouldn’t be underestimated. He was constantly slowing down Welsh ball and played a part in many of Ireland’s turnovers.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Devin Toner Toner ran Ireland’s lineout and carried the ball well. His height is such a weapon at the lineout and that was shown by his five claims from eight throws.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings CJ Stander: 9 out of 10 Sean O’Brien who? Stander has given Schmidt a selection headache with a performance of this quality. He did exactly what’s expected of a blindside flanker, making 23 carries and 11 tackles. O’Brien is a quality flanker, but he has a real battle on his hands to retain his place in this squad.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Tommy O'Donnell Worked very well with his back row colleagues and will feel unlucky if injury rules him out of selection for next week. Perhaps he could have done better to prevent Faletau’s try but Ireland’s scrum was faltering throughout.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Jamie Heaslip: 7 out of 10 A very typical performance from Heaslip. He carried the ball extremely well and was solid in defence. What you’d expect from one of Ireland’s leaders.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Liam Williams: 6 out of 10 Williams was a late replacement for Gareth Anscombe and can be happy with his overall contribution. Was solid under the high ball and made a few dangerous runs down the wing.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings George North: 5 out of 10 Began to come alive in the second half, but for the first hour he was completely anonymous. The winger is really struggling to score at the moment and needs to improve for next week.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Jonathan Davies: 6 out of 10 Worked very well with Roberts and showed his skills going forward on a number of occasions. However didn’t show the attacking side of his game that makes him so dangerous and like North will look to get more of the ball in hand next week.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Jamie Roberts: 8 out of 10 It’s easy to understand why Warren Gatland loves Jamie Roberts. The centre made 21 tackles, including two huge hits on his opposite number, and seemed to be everywhere. Considering the amount of work he put in, it’s astounding that Roberts made it to the final whistle and he's still an integral part of this Welsh side.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Tom James: 6 out of 10 Like North he failed to really get into the game. The winger, making his first appearance in five years, did make a try-saving tackle on Andrew Trimble which was his finest moment.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Dan Biggar: 6 out of 10 Hard to judge as he was forced out of action, but in the time he was on he showed he is as good as any winger at chasing kicks. Rhys Priestland came on to replace him and also looked in good form, pulling the strings effectively and largely offering reliability from the kicking tee.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Gareth Davies: 5 out of 10 There is no doubt the scrum half is supremely talented, however sometimes he appears to make the wrong choice. His sniping around the breakdown is a huge part of his game, but often he chooses to go himself when a pass would be the better option. Such a dangerous player, but needs to utilise those around him to better effect.
Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Rob Evans: 8 out of 10 Wales’ loosehead had a great game both in the loose and at the set piece. Wales’ had the upper hand at the scrum throughout the game and he also made 15 tackles. There were rumours before kick-off that Ireland would target Evans at the scrum, if that’s true it appeared to backfire horribly as Evans enjoyed a fine afternoon.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Scott Baldwin: 6 out of 10 A solid game for Baldwin who has now cemented the hooker position as his own. He was consistent at the lineout and made sure that his presence was felt all over the field.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Samson Lee: 7 out of 10 Samson Lee ruptured his Achilles in this fixture last year and has struggled to replicate his powerful performances at the scrum since. However in this game he showed he still has that power and had Ireland marching back on a number of occasions.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Luke Charteris: 7 out of 10 Charteris gets so much work done around the pitch and was a reliable option at the lineout for Wales throughout. Another player who’s work is often unnoticed but is so vital to his side.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Alun Wyn Jones: 7 out of 10 Like Charteris, he gets so much work done and is always an option for the scrum half. Made 15 tackles and carried the ball 14 times in a performance he can be proud of.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Sam Warburton: 6 out of 10 Had only played one hour of rugby since November prior to this game and struggled to make much of an impact at the breakdown. However remains as committed to the cause as ever and his work rate is second to none.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Justin Tipuric: 6 out of 10 Fell victim to Murray’s dummy for Ireland’s first try and failed to make his usual impact on the game. With Dan Lydiate waiting in the wings he’ll have to up his game in time for next week.
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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings Toby Faletau: 8 out of 10 The number 8 made his try look easy and it really wasn’t. His movement for a man of his size is exceptional and has now started 21 matches straight in the Six Nations. He plays a vital role in the Welsh back row as he is the only out-and-out ball carrier, showing this to great effect against Ireland.
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It is a sadness to report that O’Connell’s southern sojourn has ended without ever beginning. The most successful Irish second-row forward since Willie John McBride has failed to recover from the comprehensively torn hamstring he suffered during his country’s World Cup pool match with France last autumn, and has declared himself an ex-player at 36.
“Since sustaining the injury I have been fully focused on returning to fitness and starting an exciting new chapter for both myself and my family in Toulon,” he said. “Unfortunately, this will no longer be possible. It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby on medical advice.”
O’Connell added that he had yet to decide whether to move into coaching or pursue a career in the “real world”. Whatever the outcome of that discussion with himself, he can reflect on 14 years well spent in the red shirts of Munster and the Lions, and in the green of his nation. He was, by each and every account, one of the very best.
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