Marcus Smith slotted a last-minute drop goal as England ended Ireland’s double Grand Slam dream with an exhilarating 23-22 win on Saturday in a display of their best attacking rugby for years to take the Six Nations championship to the final round.
After Scotland’s shock loss to Italy, Ireland knew victory would give them the title with a round to spare and set them up for back to back Grand Slams and they looked on course with a 12-8 halftime lead via four Jack Crowley penalties despite England scoring the only try through Ollie Lawrence.
Ireland surged 17-8 ahead thanks to James Lowe's try early in the second half but England roared back with tries by George Furbank and Ben Earl to edge three points clear heading into the final quarter.
A second Lowe try put Ireland back in front, only for replacement flyhalf Smith to send Twickenham wild at the death. Ireland have 16 points, with England, who visit France next week, second on 12. Scotland, who go to Ireland next week, have 11. (Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ed Osmond)
Superb England end Irish Grand Slam hopes
Marcus Smith slotted a last-minute drop goal as England ended Ireland’s double Grand Slam dream with an exhilarating 23-22 win on Saturday in a display of their best attacking rugby for years to take the Six Nations championship to the final round.
After Scotland’s shock loss to Italy, Ireland knew victory would give them the title with a round to spare and set them up for back to back Grand Slams and they looked on course with a 12-8 halftime lead via four Jack Crowley penalties despite England scoring the only try through Ollie Lawrence.
Ireland surged 17-8 ahead thanks to James Lowe's try early in the second half but England roared back with tries by George Furbank and Ben Earl to edge three points clear heading into the final quarter.
A second Lowe try put Ireland back in front, only for replacement flyhalf Smith to send Twickenham wild at the death. Ireland have 16 points, with England, who visit France next week, second on 12. Scotland, who go to Ireland next week, have 11. (Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ed Osmond)