Josh van der Flier, the Irish flanker, proved to be the key to victory over Wales during Ireland’s 2019 Six Nations Championship Grand Slam decider, bringing his usual composure and work rate to the field. While many players might be affected by the tension of such a high-stakes game, van der Flier focused entirely on his performance, playing the match rather than the occasion. His effectiveness in this regard was essential to Ireland’s ultimate triumph, and is a testament to his professionalism and ability to stay level-headed under pressure. In this article, we will delve deeper into van der Flier’s contribution to Ireland’s Grand Slam victory and explore how his approach to the game could be a valuable lesson for other players who aspire to succeed at the highest level.
Ireland secured a Grand Slam victory at the Six Nations 2021 tournament with a hard-fought win over England. Josh van der Flier, who marked his 50th appearance for the country, spoke after the game, acknowledging the emotion of the occasion and the team’s achievement. He credited his team’s composure in overcoming the challenge of the match, noting that England was brilliant, especially considering they had to play a man down. Van der Flier was also impressed by two of his teammates, captain Johnny Sexton, who broke Ronan O’Gara’s Six Nations points-scoring record, and Dan Sheehan, who scored two tries. Referring to Sexton, he called him a hero and praised his contributions to the team’s success.
Although the occasion was special, Van der Flier tried to remain focused on the task at hand, only allowing himself a moment to savour the atmosphere when he heard the crowd chanting “The Fields of Athenry.” He remarked that being part of Irish rugby history was incredibly special and expressed gratitude for the support of the crowd, his family, and teammates. When asked about the World Cup, he answered politely but stressed the need to stay focused on the present moment.
Overall, Ireland’s victory is a remarkable achievement, and Van der Flier’s reflections provide insight into the team’s focus and determination to succeed. Despite the challenges, they remained composed and proved a dominant force in the tournament. The Grand Slam win is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and among their celebrated players, Van der Flier has undoubtedly emerged as a key player.
In conclusion, Josh van der Flier’s outstanding performance in delivering the Grand Slam for Ireland is a testament to his ability to play the match and not the occasion. As he demonstrated time and time again throughout the tournament, van der Flier’s focus and determination were key to his success, allowing him to rise above the pressure and deliver when it really mattered. As fans and analysts alike look back on Ireland’s historic victory, it is clear that Josh van der Flier’s contributions to the team will not soon be forgotten.
