Ireland secured a record Twickenham victory over England this Six Nations in a game that will be unforgettable to many from the Emerald Isle.
Marcus Smith came off the bench in the first half to replace Freddie Steward for England that day but he would be unable to change the fortunes for Steve Borthwick’s side.
Several Ireland players had memorable games that day, including Josh van der Flier, Robert Baloucoune and Jamison Gibson-Park, who controlled proceedings from scrum half.
Yet, there is little doubt that this game will be remembered as Stuart McCloskey’s best game ever in an Irish jersey by fans, even if he may disagree when he looks back on his whole career when he does call it a day.
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This is due to one moment, when the Ulsterman chased down Smith to save a try after the England international caught an interception and looked like he was going to score a try only for the giant 33-year-old to catch him and haul him out of play to give Ireland a lineout.
Speaking to the Telegraph, McCloskey looked back fondly at that moment as he said: “Obviously we were trying to train hard but trying to get through the session. Me and a couple of others didn’t chase back quite as hard, and I think Jack Crowley came across and made a good tackle.
“Afterwards, Andy brought the clip up and said something like ‘I think we can work harder there’ but with a knowing look. I think we all got the picture, and it is just funny how it goes full circle in the game and it comes up where we all have to work hard.
“It was just lucky that I was the one that had the good angle and I hadn’t had to do much running in that play. I wasn’t moving forward as I had done and was admiring how well the play was run. Craig [Casey] had thrown me a great pass; I passed to [Ciarán] Frawley, who played a lovely out-the-back ball to Crowley, and we were walking in another try before Smith intercepted the pass.
“I was able to just turn and go while the others were moving forward. That’s the excuse Jamie Osborne keeps telling me anyway as to why I was running faster than him! I get on well with Marcus. I am sure he won’t live this one down for a while, that I caught him. Anyone in the same situation in our team would have done the same thing, and you do see all the other lads piling in to get back. Thankfully I was the one in position to do it.”
However, with the international season over until the summer, McCloskey is fully focused on Ulster's campaigns domestically and in Europe.
The Ireland international will be crucial if the Irish province are to win silverware, be that the URC or the EPCR Challenge Cup.
It is the latter; the 33-year-old will be focused on this weekend with Ulster hosting Ospreys on Saturday night in the round of 16.
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union
Brendan McGilligan