Marcus Smith slotted a last-minute drop goal as England ended Ireland’s double grand slam dream with an exhilarating 23-22 win 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 half-time 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 scores from 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 fly half Smith to send Twickenham wild at the death as he dropped back and slotted the decisive drop goal for the best performance and result of the Steve Borthwick era.
Relive all the action from England v Ireland below:
England v Ireland LIVE: Latest updates from Six Nations
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England beat Ireland in the most dramatic fashion at Twickenham in the Six Nations
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Ireland denied back-to-back grand slams as Marcus Smith slots last-gasp drop goal to snatch one-point win
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REPORT: Marcus Smith crushes Ireland’s grand slam dream as England become title contenders
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FULL-TIME! England 23-22 Ireland
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80’ – DROP GOAL! Smith wins it with dramatic last-gasp drop goal (ENG 23-22 IRE)
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73’ – TRY! Lowe over again as Ireland edge ahead (ENG 20-22 IRE)
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60’ – TRY! Earl powers over the line to put England in front (ENG 20-17 IRE)
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47’ – TRY! Furbank races over after neat England offloads (ENG 13-17 IRE)
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44’ – TRY! Lowe finishes in the corner after nice team move (ENG 8-17 IRE)
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40’ – PENALTY! Crowley slots his fourth penalty to give Ireland a half-time lead (ENG 8-12 IRE)
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25’ – NO TRY! Lawrence over again but try ruled out for a knock-on (ENG 8-6 IRE)
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5’ – TRY! Lawrence finishes in style in the corner (ENG 5-3 IRE)
Marcus Smith crushes Ireland’s grand slam dream as England become title contenders
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Twickenham
Twickenham has scarcely known a noise like it. Marcus Smith dropped boot to ball and wheeled away in embrace of triumph and, once they’d caught up to their match-winner, his England teammates. Ireland – the best team in the world – had been beaten, dreams of a grand slam and history dashed by a side of giants producing their best home performance for more than a decade.
Smith’s drop goal with time expiring gave England victory by a single point, the margins so fine in this grand old championship. The Six Nations heads to the final weekend with a title still up for grabs – and on this evidence, England will be contenders.
With Scotland beaten in Rome, Ireland knew a win of any kind would be enough for a title retention and set up a shot at history in Dublin next week. But this tournament of contradictions, contortions and coils just keeps on delivering.
Marcus Smith crushes Ireland’s grand slam dream as England become title contenders
Jamie George on the bedlam at the end
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“I don’t like watching. I was in awe of the boys on the field, the composure they showed but also going out there to win the game. We had a knock on, they kicked the ball out, but we didn’t panic at any stage. It was a bit emotional at the end because of everything that has gone on but I was so proud of the guys on the field and how they applied themselves.
“That is what we have been trying to do. That is the team we want to be. The way we went out there and had the courage to keep trusting and executing the plan, it was a really pleasing result.
“I think it can really bring the team together. We have had a huge amount of belief in what we are doing but that gives us even more confidence to go out and do that. We are going to look to be better again against France in France.”
Steve Borthwick on England’s win
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“I’m really pleased for the players, they’ve worked exceptionally hard since we came together. For the players to have the tangible reward of the victory today against such a good team is important. And it is important for the supporters. I thought Twickenham was magnificent tonight and the supporters left with a smile on their face.
“We’ll enjoy this tonight and be better next week. We concentrated very much on our preparation, and the team has progressed each week. Sometimes it is not as visible or overt, but the team has been progressing. We have talked about keeping moving forward. We know we have got a long way to go as a team but this is another step in the right direction.”
Ben Earl rubbishes ‘worst England team ever’ jibe.
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:30 , Luke Baker
England No 8 Ben Earl, speaking to ITV, said: “Unbelievable really, I am a bit emotional because Jamie [George] lost his mum recently and we have spoken a lot about that.
“Then Danny’s [Care] 100th cap, and some of the rubbish that has been thrown at this team in the past week, apparently we are ‘the worst England team ever’ we have done well for that accolade.
“We knew from the beginning if we played our best game we would have a chance. Everything came together today, we are very fortunate.
“We’ve been training like that every day, sometimes it doesn’t translate onto the pitch, people don’t see half the stuff we do, but they can write what they want. I am just so pleased, that’s where we can take this team.
“I am working hard, we are all working hard. Playing the best team in the world it brings the best out of you, credit to Ireland and credit to the fans.”
Andy Farrell reacts to Ireland’s defeat
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“For the neutral, that was a fantastic game to watch. We were on the wrong side of that but we’ll have no trouble getting back up next week for what is a huge game for Irish rugby. The lads are realists. We will learn the lessons quickly.
“Not at all [surprised at how well England played] Look at the quality of the players that England have got. When you are coming off the back of a defeat, it tends to concentrate the mind a little bit. I thought they were super tonight. They were physical and challenging on the gainline and playing a nice brand of rugby as well.”
Farrell also suggests his half time to-do with Steve Borthwick was merely two old friends “catching up”…
Man of the moment Marcus Smith discusses the win
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:19 , Luke Baker
England hero Marcus Smith has reflected on that incredible finale.
Ireland skipper Peter O’Mahony on Ireland’s dramatic defeat
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:12 , Luke Baker
Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony, speaking to ITV: “Credit to England they played really well. We spoke beforehand of how dangerous they can be. They disrupted our attack and defended really well – credit to England.”
“We were frustrated with some of our discipline including my yellow card, but it was more down to them putting us under pressure. Their ability to disrupt the ruck was good and we struggled to put quick ball together.”
On lessons: “We’ll go home and review. We will get back into camp and kick on. We will try and win a Six Nations championship.”
Jamie George reflects on dramatic win
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:05 , Luke Baker
It’s been an emotional few weeks for England skipper Jamie George after the death of his mother and he has reflected on that after this win.
George, speaking to ITV, said: “It’s been a tough week and I’m lost for words a bit. I am so proud of this team, we came under a lot of negativity after that Scotland game.
“We talked about making Twickenham great again and how good is this. It’s the best possible end to a tough few weeks for me.
“We have known that something special was coming, we had a huge amount of belief. Are we one of the best teams in the world? No. But, do we have the best people in place – absolutely.
“We have a tough challenge going away to France. If we cannot take belief off that performance then we will never be able to – that was special.”
Marcus Smith crushes Ireland’s grand slam dream as England become title contenders
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:02 , Luke Baker
Twickenham has scarcely known a noise like it. Marcus Smith dropped boot to ball and wheeled away in embrace of triumph and, once they’d caught up to their match-winner, his England teammates. Ireland – the best team in the world – had been beaten, dreams of a grand slam and history dashed by a side of giants producing their best home performance for more than a decade.
Smith’s drop goal with time expiring gave England victory by a single point, the margins so fine in this grand old championship. The Six Nations heads to the final weekend with a title still up for grabs – and on this evidence, England will be contenders.
With Scotland beaten in Rome, Ireland knew a win of any kind would be enough for a title retention and set up a shot at history in Dublin next week. But this tournament of contradictions, contortions and coils just keeps on delivering.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full report on a day of drama at Twickenham:
Marcus Smith crushes Ireland’s grand slam dream as England become title contenders
England 23-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:49 , Luke Baker
Wow, wow, wow. What a performance and what a result for England. Marcus Smith sent Twickenham wild with the drop goal at the death. A lot has been made of England turning ‘rugby HQ’ back into a fortress and the crowd played a huge part today. It was raucous throughout.
WATCH: The moment Marcus Smith won it for England
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:41 , Luke Baker
Here’s the moment Marcus Smith broke Irish hearts. And incredible moment that denies Ireland the slam and give England the unlikeliest of wins.
Their best performance and result of the Steve Borthwick era
FULL-TIME! England 23-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:39 , Luke Baker
Marcus Smith dropped back, slotted the drop goal and sent Twickenham wild. He wheeled away in celebration and Ireland won’t win back-to-back grand slams. Simply incredible scenes.
FULL-TIME! England 23-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:36 , Luke Baker
Somehow, someway England have beaten Ireland! A last-gasp drop goal from Marcus Smith has handed them an unlikely 23-22 win.
Ireland haven’t won this Six Nations yet, they’ll need to wait until the final day for that!
DROP GOAL! England 23-22 Ireland, 80 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:34 , Luke Baker
OH MY WORD! THEY DON’T NEED THE PENALTY – MARCUS SMITH WITH THE DROP GOAL!
It’s incredible stuff. Penalty in hand as the ball gets trapped at the bottom of the ruck, so Smith drops back, ball flung to him and he splits the uprights.
England pull off a stunning win!
England 20-22 Ireland, 80 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:33 , Luke Baker
Phases through the middle for England, crash ball and they’re five metres out by the posts. Penalty coming!
England 20-22 Ireland, 80 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:33 , Luke Baker
Dan lineout, England secure through Itoje and run the ball right. Smith to Feyi-Waboso who skirts down the touchline and into the 22!
England 20-22 Ireland, 79 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:32 , Luke Baker
Twickenham in fine voice as the fans roar ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ to try and inspire their heroes over the line.
England 20-22 Ireland, 79 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:31 , Luke Baker
Lineout won by Ireland. Can they kill the clock here? No risks in their own 22, Murray box-kicks to touch and England will have one final go, starting on the 10-metre line.
Penalty, drop goal or try will do. Otherwise Ireland win the Six Nations. DRAMA!
England 20-22 Ireland, 78 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:30 , Luke Baker
Cunningham-South hobbles off and looks in a lot of pain. His game is over. He’s being carted around the edge of the pitch.
England 20-22 Ireland, 78 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:29 , Luke Baker
England try again. Half a yard of space for Daly wide on the left, Freeman acrobatics try to keep the ball in on the touchline but he can’t manage it. Irish lineout in their own 22, two minutes on the clock.
Cunningham-South down and receiving treatment.
England 20-22 Ireland, 77 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:28 , Luke Baker
Ireland boots clear and England run the ball back from their own half. A few phases up the middle and Smith then makes burst into the Irish 22!
But Care runs off the base, tries a grubber kick and it’s blocked. Ireland regain possession and Lowe whomps one clear.
MISSED PENALTY! England 20-22 Ireland (Elliot Daly, 76 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:27 , Luke Baker
Daly has the distance with this monster effort but it drifts wide of the right upright. Ireland survive. Was that England’s chance?
England 20-22 Ireland, 75 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:26 , Luke Baker
England straight back to work and Dan carries hard up the middle. Itoje over the ball and Doris tries to contest but he’s pinged for being offside.
Penalty just inside England’s half and Elliot Daly calls for the tee…
TRY! England 20-22 Ireland (James Lowe, 73 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:23 , Luke Baker
And Ireland do score. James Lowe again out wide!
England roar up in defence but Ireland ship the ball through the hands. Gibson-Park takes an absolutely wicked shot from Furbank but he releases it to Lowe and the winger outpaces Smith to dive over in the corner.
Crowley’s touchline conversion drifts wide though, so the lead is just two.
England 20-17 Ireland, 72 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:23 , Luke Baker
Lineout safely secured but England’s maul defence holds them up. Out to the backs to the left instead
England 20-17 Ireland, 71 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:22 , Luke Baker
Murray slices a box-kick straight up in the air but it bounces Ireland’s way and they gleefully recover. He tries again and this one is too far.
But the Irish chase is valiant and a phase later, Kelleher wins the turnover in the tackle. The kick takes them into the 22… Big chance.
England 20-17 Ireland, 69 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:19 , Luke Baker
England have gained 600 metres to Ireland’s 326. They’ve been on top in terms of territory and possession – can they turn it into victory?
O’Mahony’s sin-bin is over but Ryan Baird returns to the field instead of him. We’re at 15 vs 15 again though
England 20-17 Ireland, 68 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:18 , Luke Baker
England scrum on halfway is solid but Aki absolutely crunches Daly as he tries to get a grubber away. Welcome to the game Elliot!
Ireland turnover and building an attack. BUT ENGLAND TURNOVER! Earl gets over the ball and gives it the big celebration as per!
England 20-17 Ireland, 65 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:17 , Luke Baker
England changes and this is the moment! Danny Care wins his 100th cap and Twickenham roars as he comes on for Mitchell. Huge moment but he’s got an even huger job to do.
Alex Dombrandt, Chandler Cunningham-South and Elliot Daly also on.
England 20-17 Ireland, 66 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:15 , Luke Baker
England still aggressive in defence and force Ireland back behind halfway. Makeshift winger Gibson-Park escapes a tackle and Ireland think they’re away through Keenan but it’s pulled back.
England 20-17 Ireland, 64 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:13 , Luke Baker
Ireland on the attack but another error with ball in hand as the pass is low and they knock on in contact. England exit towards halfwaywith Mitchell’s box kick.
England 20-17 Ireland, 62 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:12 , Luke Baker
Jack Conan on in Ireland’s back row. Still another five minutes of O’Mahony in the sin-bin.
This is the first time the champions elect have been truly tested in this Six Nations. What have they got?
TRY! England 20-17 Ireland (Ben Earl, 60 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:09 , Luke Baker
And England go over! Big man Ben Earl powers his way across the line and Twickenham is rocking now.
Maybe not as spectacular as his score earlier in the tournament but Earl on crash ball off the base of the ruck, shakes off an Aki tackle and stretches out for the try with Crowley draped all over him.
Easy Smith conversion and England lead heading into the final quarter.
England 13-17 Ireland, 59 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:08 , Luke Baker
Scrappy from England. They spill, go wide but they still have the ball. Mitchell darts through a hole. Five metres out.
Big carry and they’re on the line…
England 13-17 Ireland, 59 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:07 , Luke Baker
Biggest roar of the day? Marcus Smith on for Ford at fly half.
England smell blood here, win the lineout in the 22 and drive towards the line with the Twickenham crowd roaring them on.
SIN-BIN! England 13-17 Ireland (Peter O’Mahony, 58 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:07 , Luke Baker
That is magnificent by Ben Earl! England steal the Irish lineout near halfway and Earl weaves between tacklers, shaking off arm tacklers to get them up to the 22.
And then England win the penalty! And O’Mahony sent to the sin-bin for the cynical act. England kick to the corner.
England 13-17 Ireland, 56 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:05 , Luke Baker
Another rare lineout error from Ireland as they lose the contest at the front but luckily for them, the ball bounces into touch and it’s another lineout.
This one is better but Aki knocks on in contact and England clear. After a kicking battle Ford finds touch near-ish halfway.
Frawley has failed his HIA, so Gibson-Park will be out on the wing for the rest of his match.
England 13-17 Ireland, 55 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:03 , Luke Baker
A testing kick launched into the air by Murray but Freeman does well to just about win the contest five metres from his own line and hold on to the ball.
Ford’s kick clear from his own in-goal area doesn’t even exit the 22. A few jeers of frustration from the England fans. Ford not having his finest game and surely only a matter of time until Marcus Smith is thrown on.
England 13-17 Ireland, 53 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:01 , Luke Baker
Aki carries up the middle and Feyi-Waboso thinks he might have won a penalty but the referee gives it Ireland’s way instead. With the penalty coming, Murray takes the opportunity to boot the ball into Dan Cole’s stomach from close range. Lovely s-housery there.
All new front row for England as Theo Dan, Joe Marler and Will Stuart trot on for Cole, Genge and George.
England 13-17 Ireland, 52 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:59 , Luke Baker
The sun setting in the Twickenham sky but not quite on England’s hopes in this match just yet. The sides trade box-kicks as they looks to find an edge.
England 13-17 Ireland, 50 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:58 , Luke Baker
England have fought their way back in the contest with that try. And further bad news for Ireland.
Frawley forced off with a HIA and Conor Murray is the only back left on the bench. He’s on at scrum half, Gibson-Park shifted out to the wing (!) and Keenan slots back in at full back. Could this cause Irish confusion?
TRY! England 13-17 Ireland (George Furbank, 47 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:54 , Luke Baker
But England hit back and it’s George Furbank with the gas on the outside!
Space spotted to the left as England return a kick. Martin with a powerful carry, offloads out to Itoje, who draws a defender, feeds Furbank and the full back turns on the jets to race over.
But that’s not a great conversion attempt from Ford. Shanked miles wide of the right post. Still, England close the gap.
TRY! England 8-17 Ireland (James Lowe, 44 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:51 , Luke Baker
It’s ruthless from Ireland and they’ve got one hand on the Six Nations trophy. James Lowe with the finish in the corner.
Gibson-Park’s box kick is spilled by Freeman coming forward and reclaimed by Ireland. They spot the overlap on the left, lovely flat pass from Crowley- to Dories gets them outside, through the hands, Frawley on to Lowe and he acrobatically dives over out wide. Efficiency.
Crowley’s conversion skews wide but Ireland now lead by nine points.
England 8-12 Ireland, 43 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:49 , Luke Baker
Turnover in the 22 and Van der Flier is getting the plaudits of his teammates. It was scrappy ball from England and the Irish flanker managed to get over the ball, causing Lawrence to come in from the side trying to clear him out.
England 8-12 Ireland, 42 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:48 , Luke Baker
Ford puts up an early kick and Crowley leaps into the air but knocks on trying to collect it. England scrum in the Ireland half.
Solid and England on the attack as they go to the left.
KICK-OFF! England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:47 , Luke Baker
Back underway in SW London. Can England build on that first 40 minutes and find a way back into this contest
WATCH: First-half highlights from Twickenham
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:40 , Luke Baker
Here’s the best of the first-half action. Not much in it but Ireland have found a way to lead
HT: England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Twickenham
An encouraging half in so many ways for England, but they nonetheless go down the tunnel four points behind. Both their attack and defence have caused Ireland significant problems, but familiar wastefulness inside the opposition 22 and some curious decision-making from George Ford has prevented them from building the lead that their territorial advantage suggests they should have been able to. Ireland have fired few shots – you’d think Andy Farrell’s side still have plenty left in the tank.
The visitors may need to get Hugo Keenan on the ball more, with the full-back a bit on the periphery after Calvin Nash’s head injury forced him out to the wing. Ireland have missed his clever touches closer in.
HALF-TIME! England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:33 , Luke Baker
A pretty good 40 minutes from England as they’ve avoided giving Ireland lots of ball in enemy territory and even the attack has shown flashes.
They have the only try of the half but Ireland, and the boot of Jack Crowley, have punished every little error, so the visitors lead 12-8
PENALTY! England 8-12 Ireland (Jack Crowley, 40 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:32 , Luke Baker
Final act of the half and Jack Crowley slots the simple conversion. The whistle goes and that’s oranges
England 8-9 Ireland, 39 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:31 , Luke Baker
England aggressive in defence again and cause a Beirne knock-on but Martin and Ford (and frankly most of the defensive line) called for offside.
Some final points for Ireland before the break coming up
England 8-9 Ireland, 38 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:30 , Luke Baker
Lowe and his cannon of a left boot launches a kick from his own 22 all the way to England’s 22 and Furbank makes a mess of it on the touchline.
As he catches the ball he tries to flick it back up to himself to avoid going into touch but his foot is on the line and it’s Ireland’s lineout in a great position. Furbank has to let the ball go out there/
England 8-9 Ireland, 37 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:28 , Luke Baker
Furbank hits the line at speed just outside the 22 but knocks on in contact. The sort of error England were making plenty of against Scotland a fortnight ago but had largely cut out so far today.
England dominating the territory but other than Lawrence’s early score, they’ve been unable to take advantage.
PENALTY! England 8-9 Ireland (Jack Crowley, 35 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:26 , Luke Baker
The penalty is just inside England’s half but it is bang centre. Still a tough ask for Jack Crowley.
It’s an ugly-looking kick, low trajectory but creeps over the bar. They all count and Ireland lead!
England 8-6 Ireland, 33 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:24 , Luke Baker
Furbank tries to run a kick back from his own half and evades a couple of tacklers before being wrapped up.
Ireland then aggressive with their defensive line and Aki forces the turnover as he gets over the ball after brining down Chessum.
Looks like Crowley will go for the posts from just inside England’s half.
England 8-6 Ireland, 33 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:22 , Luke Baker
Spiral bomb launched by England but Frawley claims well. Ford then tries an up-and-under but it’s too deep, allowing Frawley to claim a relatively unchallenged mark in the 22.
England’s gameplan is working well so far – they’ve starved Ireland of abasically any ball in enemy territory but they need o be winning the kicking battle to maintain that.
MISSED PENALTY! England 8-6 Ireland (George Ford, 31 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:21 , Luke Baker
On the 10-metre line but fairly central and George Ford lines it up. The distance proves to be an obstacle though as he goes for extra power but drags the kick wide of the right upright. Missed opportunity.
England 8-6 Ireland, 30 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:19 , Luke Baker
England competing at the breakdown well so far. Ireland not looking like 12-point favourites at the minute.
Another breakdown penalty won in Irish territory and Ford will go for the posts from long-ish range.
England 8-6 Ireland, 28 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:18 , Luke Baker
Ireland go down the blindside from the scrum, Gibson-Park forced to kick and England have a lineout in their own 22.
Martin leaps to claim it and O’Mahony pinged for playing the man in the air, so England gain territory into the Ireland half with the penalty
England 8-6 Ireland, 27 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:17 , Luke Baker
Simon Easterby’s Ireland defence forcing the turnover! Henshaw and Van der Flier manage to hold up the ball carrier in the tackle, it’s deemed unplayable and an Irish scrum. Great fundamentals.
England 8-6 Ireland, 26 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:15 , Luke Baker
Solid scrum by Ireland, no counter-push by England and the visitors boot clear to halfway.
NO TRY! England 8-6 Ireland, 25 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:12 , Luke Baker
A bounce of the ball and Ollie Lawrence is over for his second try! Or is he? This will be checked.
RULED OUT BY THE TMO. Lawrence stabbed a grubber kick though, it bounced awkwardly and Furbank contested with Frawley, flicking the ball out of his hands, where Lawrence scooped and ran in for the score. But Furbank knocked on in the process of competing with Frawley.
We’re also checking for a high tackle on Genge but nothing doing there, so an Ireland scrum deep in their own 22. Phew!
England 8-6 Ireland, 24 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:11 , Luke Baker
Ireland scramble a kick clear from behind their own line but England run it back.
England 8-6 Ireland, 22 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:11 , Luke Baker
Five-metre lineout for England. The lineout should be a strength with the pack Borthwick has selected.
Trick play! Chessum runs into the lineout late and catches the ball on the run. England within a couple of metres of the line.
But Tadhg Beirne with a huge turnover!
England 8-6 Ireland, 22 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:09 , Luke Baker
For the second time this game, Ford tries a drop goal (the first being when England had a penalty advantage) but he’s not set up properly and it’s blocked. The ball bounces back to England though and they fortunately retain possession.
They then win a penalty near the right touchline and kick to the corner…
England 8-6 Ireland, 21 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:08 , Luke Baker
Nash has failed his HIA by the way, so it’s Frawley on for the rest of the game, with Keenan on the wing. A slight weakness to exploit for England?
Ireland make a mess of the kick-off and England have a lineout on the Irish 22
PENALTY! England 8-6 Ireland (Jack Crowley, 20 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:06 , Luke Baker
No mistake from Jack Crowley. In front of the posts, he slots it to narrow the gap.
England 8-3 Ireland, 20 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:05 , Luke Baker
Ireland on the attack here as they win a penalty in midfield, kick to the corner and then win another when Lawrence is caught offside at a ruck. This is kickable for Crowley
WATCH: Ollie Lawrence scores early try for England
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:04 , Luke Baker
Here was that Ollie Lawrence try that set England on their way
England 8-3 Ireland, 18 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:03 , Luke Baker
Analysis from our man at Twickenham, Harry Latham-Coyle
This has been an encouraging start from England in attack, winning collisions and playing with good speed and width. You wondered where their carrying punch was going to come from without a big ball carrier in the back row, and Ellis Genge is being used heavily from a variety of angles to provide go forward. Can they sustain this sort of intensity?
PENALTY! England 8-3 Ireland (George Ford, 17 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:02 , Luke Baker
A perfect opening 18 minutes for England who have looked more dynamic than any point in the Six Nations so far. George Ford slots a simple penalty from a central location to extend the advantage to five points.
England 5-3 Ireland, 15 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:01 , Luke Baker
Feyi-Waboso shining on his first England start as another barrelling carry makes him seven or eight metres as he slips a Doris tackle. Then it’s a gorgeous offload from the floor from Earl to George who charges into Irish territory.
England win the penalty and Ford will kick for goal
England 5-3 Ireland, 14 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:00 , Luke Baker
Good defence again from Ireland, who have spent a lot of time pinned in their own 22 but largely holding firm. They force a knock-on and boot clear.
England 5-3 Ireland, 11 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:58 , Luke Baker
Lineout issues for the normally impeccable Dan Sheehan. Ireland had a 95 per cent lineout success rate heading into this game, the best in the Six Nations, but see that one pinched.
England race into the 22 through Feyi-Waboso and although Mitchell’s grubber bounces into Irish hands, Keenan is tackled into touch for the lineout
England 5-3 Ireland, 10 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:56 , Luke Baker
Van der Flier shows his jackal threat as he gets over the ball at the breakdown following a Furbank carry and wins Ireland a penalty. Could Furbank have gone wide to the supporting Ben Earl?
Either way the Irish defence comes up big and kicks clear.
England 5-3 Ireland, 8 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:54 , Luke Baker
Calvin Nash had to head off for a HIA after that clash with Freeman earlier, so Ciaran Frawley is on. He slots in at full back, so Keenan is on the wing.
A good early sign for the English pack! They win a scrum penalty immediately and kick up to the 22 – another good platform.
England 5-3 Ireland, 7 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:53 , Luke Baker
The crowd are right into this one now. Lowe with a barrelling carry takes Ireland into the 22 down the left.
But England’s blitz defence force the mistake, Feyi-Waboso rushing out of the line to confront Freeman, who tries to field a low pass from Gibson-Park and knocks on. Text Felix Jones-coached defence and a good start by the young winger.
TRY! England 5-3 Ireland (Ollie Lawrence, 5 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:50 , Luke Baker
Unbelievable! Superb response from England and Ollie Lawrence is over!
Freeman tackled hard by Nash but a big carry up the middle from England creates space to the left. Ford finds Slade who feeds Lawrence and the centre hands off Crowley as he gets round the outside of him and dots down in the corner.
Superb try. Ford misses the conversion but England lead!
PENALTY! England 0-3 Ireland (Jack Crowley, 3 mins)
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:48 , Luke Baker
No mistake from Crowley as he bangs the opening points of the game between the sticks.
England 0-0 Ireland, 2 mins
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:47 , Luke Baker
Early lineout on halfway for Ireland and it’s safely secured. Van der Flier then breaks the line with a carry.
A couple more phases and Ireland win the penalty for offside, so Crowley has a first shot at the posts – right in front, just outside the 22.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:45 , Luke Baker
Underway at Twickenham! Jack Crowley kicks long to get us started A huge task for England, while Ireland try to wrap up the Six Nations title – if they avoid defeat, it’s theirs.
The crowd roar as the action starts.
England v Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:44 , Luke Baker
Anthems done – typically stirring stuff. The camera pans to Owen Farrell in the crowd, the former England skipper here to support his country
England v Ireland – Danny Care set to earn 100th cap
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:40 , Luke Baker
A huge roar at Twickenham as, before the teams walk out, Danny Care exits the tunnel and heads on to the pitch with his three children in tow.
If Care comes off the bench this afternoon he’ll win his 100th England cap. He looks a little emotional as he soaks in the applause. Lovely moment
England v Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:36 , Luke Baker
Warm-ups done and we’re around 10 minutes from kick-off here at Twickenham
Flawless Ireland have just one question left to answer in England showdown
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:32 , Luke Baker
Perhaps the only minor question left to answer for Ireland comes at fly half. This is not to diminish what Jack Crowley has done by stepping into Johnny Sexton’s shoes. There were genuine concerns ahead of the tournament that Sexton was irreplaceable in the Irish system and as their emotional leader but Crowley has directed the attack to impeccable results
But there’s a nagging feeling that Crowley has not been truly tested yet and that as long as Ireland’s attack is humming along in cruise control, he hasn’t proven he can overcome adversity at Test level. This, of course, is not his fault – after all, it’s unfair to hold someone responsible for playing in a team that’s too good – but if England are to spring an almighty Twickenham surprise, then the route to victory probably runs through disrupting Crowley.
Read Luke Baker’s full preview as we may be about to move a step closer to the answer of whether Crowley really is Sexton’s heir apparent:
Flawless Ireland have just one question left to answer in England showdown
Ireland have cracked the rugby code – but Steve Borthwick’s England have a plan to match them
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:24 , Luke Baker
It has fast become rugby’s great puzzle – how do you stop Andy Farrell’s Ireland? The green giants of the Six Nations march towards history and a second consecutive grand slam with inexorable intent, carrying the confidence and certainty befitting one of the best teams of the modern era. In the last two years, their record reads played 25, won 23, lost two; the last time Ireland lost to someone other than New Zealand or France, Joe Biden had been in office for a fortnight.
How do you beat them? The answer at the World Cup was to produce something resembling rugby perfection. In the All Blacks’ quarter-final win in Paris, New Zealand turned the ball over thrice in 80 minutes; they did not allow Ireland a single scrum feed. Ireland were rattled, ruffled and roughed up, but were the girth of Jordie Barrett’s thigh away from victory; New Zealand still required a remarkable 37-phase defensive stand to cling on at the end.
Good luck England.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full preview of this afternoon’s clash:
Ireland have cracked the rugby code – but Steve Borthwick has a plan to match them
What do Ireland need to win the Six Nations against England this afternoon?
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:15 , Luke Baker
Ireland could secure successive Six Nations crowns with a game to spare as they travel to Twickenham to take on England today. Andy Farrell’s side remain unbeaten in this year’s championship and will hope to make history as the first men’s team to secure back-to-back grand slams since the tournament’s expansion to six teams.
After taking on England, Ireland host Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Super Saturday — but the title could be sewn up before then.
The defending champions currently top the standings and Scotland’s shock defeat in Rome just now has made their job a little bit more straightforward.
Ireland will be crowned champions if they avoid defeat to England, with either a win or a draw being enough to ensure Steve Borthwick’s men can’t catch them on the final day.
Everything you need to know about England v Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:07 , Luke Baker
Ireland continue their pursuit of another Six Nations grand slam with a trip to Twickenham to take on England.
Andy Farrell’s side have secured three wins from three in this year’s championship and will secure another crown with a bonus-point win regardless of Scotland’s result against Italy.
But England showed during the World Cup that they are capable of pushing the world’s best sides close and will hope to again give Ireland problems.
Steve Borthwick’s team were right in the game until Freddie Steward’s sending off at the Aviva Stadium 12 months ago and will be backed by a home crowd expecting a better performance than the one produced in the Calcutta Cup.
Here’s everything you need to know:
England v Ireland live stream: How to watch Six Nations online and on TV
Ireland team news
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:57 , Luke Baker
Hugo Keenan returns to the Ireland side after injury in an otherwise familiar line-up. Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw continue in midfield with Garry Ringrose fit but unable to force his way in.
There are six forwards on the bench, but lock James Ryan will miss the rest of the tournament with a “freak” bicep injury suffered in training.
Ireland XV: 15 Hugo Keenan; 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe; 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan; 22 Conor Murray, 23 Ciaran Frawley
England team news
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:45 , Luke Baker
England hand a first international start to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso after a try-scoring cameo from the bench against Scotland, with Alex Mitchell also fit to return at scrum half.
George Martin adds extra weight to the tight five as Ollie Chessum shifts to the blindside to give Steve Borthwick three lineout jumpers. Marcus Smith is fit again and makes the bench, while Harlequins teammate Danny Care is set to win his 100th cap.
England XV: 15 George Furbank; 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Tommy Freeman; 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (c), 3 Dan Cole; 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Martin; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Alex Dombrandt; 21 Danny Care, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Elliot Daly
Kevin Sinfield reveals key attribute returning Marcus Smith has brought to England training
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:27 , Luke Baker
Marcus Smith is back from injury and on the bench for England this afternoon, with coach Kevin Sinfield revealing his return has been a huge boon for the squad.
The Harlequins player missed the first three rounds of the tournament, also because of calf damage, but will likely come off the bench to replace George Ford at some point in the Twickenham clash.
“To have Marcus available having not had him available throughout the Six Nations is a big boost for everybody,” explained Sinfield earlier this week.
“Not only with what he brings on the field, but off the field as well. He has got some bounce about him, a big smile and he loves being out on the training field. He has had a big impact this week.
“He comes in and is himself all the time so we missed him in those first few weeks. I’ve loved working with him and he’s an incredible talent. He can play, that boy.”
What is the TMO Bunker and how will the foul play process work during the Six Nations?
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:12 , Luke Baker
The 2024 Six Nations will see the “TMO bunker” system during the championship for the first time.
The introduction follows a number of World Rugby trials during the course of last year and the use of the process at the World Cup.
The “bunker” system is designed to improve accuracy of decision-making and avoid significant disruptions to the flow of games.
So how does the “bunker” system work? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the TMO Bunker and how will the foul play process work in the Six Nations?
It’s been class – Sam Underhill delighted to be back as main man for England
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:59 , Luke Baker
Sam Underhill is savouring his England revival having feared his international career might already be over.
Underhill is poised to win his 34th cap in today’s Six Nations clash with Ireland at Twickenham after returning to favour under Steve Borthwick – a comeback he views as a personal triumph.
Still only 27, the big-hitting Bath flanker missed 20 successive Tests from the second match of the 2022 tour to Australia because of a combination of concussion and selection.
But a sliding doors moment arrived when Jack Willis sustained a neck injury in last autumn’s World Cup and Underhill was propelled straight into the back row for the bronze final against Argentina.
A defensive masterclass consisting of 24 tackles resulted in the man of the match award and now that he has played four consecutive Tests, he grants himself a moment of recognition.
It’s been class – Sam Underhill delighted to be back as main man for England
Captain Peter O’Mahony says Ireland’s current crop is best he has played with
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:46 , Luke Baker
Peter O’Mahony believes Ireland’s current team is the best he has ever played in.
Andy Farrell’s men will run out at Twickenham as overwhelming favourites and have the chance to retain the championship title with a round to spare.
Captain O’Mahony has lined up alongside the likes of Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Johnny Sexton during his Test career, but feels the class of 2024 is arguably the greatest Irish side of that period.
“Look, I’ve been lucky to play with lots of good players and teams,” said the Munster flanker, who will win his 104th cap in south-west London. “If I had to nail the colours to the mast I’d have to say yes.
“It’s hard to compare because rugby has moved on and the game is different, but in a short answer, I think it is. I think the quality of player, it’s a really, really healthy, good, thought-provoking, enjoyable environment, but obviously the quality of performance and results speaks for itself.”
Andy Farrell says Ireland are braced for ‘one hell of a battle’ against England
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:28 , Luke Baker
Ireland boss Andy Farrell insists under-fire England remain capable of representing one of the ultimate tests in world rugby ahead of a tantalising Twickenham showdown.
“I’ve no doubt that England would have loved to have put the best performance out against Scotland and come away with the victory there,” said Farrell. “But I’ve no doubt now that over the last two weeks that concentrates their mind to have another chance to have a crack at us.
“You expect them to be at their best and if they’re at their best you expect them to be as hard as anyone in world rugby to beat.
“I don’t get involved with the criticism at all. I don’t look at it. I look at the individuals the way that they’re playing, the coaching staff that they got, the plan that they’ve got, a fantastic side that is going to be preparing to give it everything they’ve got at the weekend, so that makes them unbelievably dangerous.
“We just prepare for them to be at their best and if that’s the case it’s going to be one hell of a battle.”
Follow Italy v Scotland
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:18 , Luke Baker
The first game of the day has just got underway in Rome as Italy host Scotland. The Scots need to win to keep their own championship hopes alive (at least until the game at Twickenham later), while the Azzurri are looking to build on that dramatic draw with France last time out.
Follow live coverage of that one with our blog
Italy v Scotland LIVE: Six Nations rugby build-up and updates from Rome
What are smart mouthguards and how are they being used in the Six Nations?
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:07 , Luke Baker
Round two of the Six Nations featured a historic moment as Scotland hooker George Turner became the first player in the championship’s history to be removed after his smart mouthguard detected a collision which could have caused a concussion.
Turner was removed from the pitch during the first half of Scotland’s defeat to France for a head injury assessment after his mouthguard alerted medical staff of a significant head acceleration event after a tackle made on Charles Ollivon. The front rower passed his assessment and returned to the field.
The mouthguards, also known as gumshields, have been incorporated into the existing HIA protocols as another tool designed to support the drive towards better player welfare with a particular focus on brain injuries.
What are smart mouthguards and how are they being used in the Six Nations?
Wales to host England on final weekend of 2025 Six Nations as fixtures confirmed
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:00 , Luke Baker
Wales will host England on the final weekend of the 2025 Six Nations with the fixtures for next year’s championship confirmed.
The two rivals will meet at the Principality Stadium in the middle fixture of “Super Saturday”, with Italy hosting Ireland and France taking on Scotland on the potential deciding day of the tournament.
France will kick off the championship against Wales on Friday 31 January in Paris, with England facing a daunting trip to Dublin and Scotland hosting Italy.
Wales to host England on final weekend of 2025 Six Nations as fixtures confirmed
Rory Best explains qualities that make Jamie George ideal England captain
Saturday 9 March 2024 13:52 , Luke Baker
Rory Best and Jamie George hit it off on the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour, with the two hookers escaping the trip to New Zealand as friends – something that the former Ireland captain says is mightily rare.
“It’s quite unusual for hookers to come away from a tour still friendly!” Best told The Independent. “There’s always something, because it is such a combative position. But I took a lot from him on that tour in how to lead people off the pitch.
“He’s a cracking guy and I think he is going to be so important for England for the next few years. They have a lot of good young players but you need this core of people who have been there and done it and are still playing at the top level. Like Maro Itoje, like Jamie, like George Ford, even Dan Cole and Joe Marler – you need that core of players to buy into what Steve is about and Jamie is going to pivotal to that.”
Steve Borthwick urges Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to follow James Lowe’s lead to make most of first England start
Saturday 9 March 2024 13:36 , Luke Baker
Steve Borthwick has urged Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to take inspiration from Irish counterpart James Lowe and get his hands on the ball to make a success of his first England start at Twickenham on Saturday.
Young wing Feyi-Waboso has been promoted to the starting side after a try-scoring cameo off the bench against Scotland in round three.
The 21-year-old has been a breakthrough star of the Premiership season, impressing for Exeter both with his ability to slip through contact and lead the hard outside blitz England are now favouring defensively.
His score at Murrayfield came roaming off his right wing, arriving at the line on the scrum half’s shoulder as he searched for work to create a try-scoring chance.
Borthwick would like to see more of that from Feyi-Waboso on his first start for his country, citing Ireland’s Lowe — one of the world’s best wings — as an example to follow.
Steve Borthwick urges Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to follow James Lowe’s lead on first start
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