O'Callaghan excels

Up until Saturday afternoon when Ireland won the Six Nations Championship game it appeared as if it would make a grim weekend for Irish rugby teams. The Ireland A's, under-21's and women's teams were all hammered, as were the Defence Forces at Dooradoyle but a smattering of pride was restored by the Ireland students that fought their way to a 22-22 draw against their French counterparts at the Mardyke.

In this column's never ending quest to provide you with the most up-to-date information Planet Rugby set about finding who played well. An unimpeachable source informed this column that Cork Constitution's Donnacha O'Callaghan won the match-of-the-match award, deservedly so, for his display at, not second row, but blindside flanker.

He was ably assisted up front by Young Munster's Paul O'Connell in the second row and Lansdowne's Aidan McCullen at number eight. The Irish trailed 17-9 at the interval but the introduction of a whole new front row, Ronan McCormack, John Fogarty and Peter Bracken coupled, with the introduction of Eoin Reddan at scrumhalf rejuvenated Ireland.

Ireland's only try was scored by UCD's Dermot O'Sullivan. The students have one other game this season, against England.