| England: (8) 23 |
| Tries: Lawrence, Furbank, Earl Pen: Ford Con: M Smith Drop-goal: M Smith |
| Ireland: (12) 22 |
| Tries: Lowe 2 Pens: Crowley 4 |
Marcus Smith kicked a last-gasp drop-goal as England stunned Ireland and ended their chance to win back-to-back Grand Slams in a Six Nations thriller at Twickenham.
England trailed by two points after James Lowe’s late try but Smith’s final act chipped the ball over the posts to send the home fans into delirium.
In an action-packed second half, Lowe opened his account with an acrobatic finish in the corner before tries by George Furbank and Ben Earl handed a resurgent England the lead.
Lowe’s second was an equally fine finish and appeared to clinch Ireland the title before Smith came off the bench to inflict the visitors to a first Six Nations defeat since Paris in 2022.
Ollie Lawrence opened the scoring for England in a blistering start but Ireland, chasing history in their pursuit of a first back-to-back Grand Slam in the Six Nations, gained a foothold in the game through Jack Crowley’s assured boot.
Victory for England keeps their faint title hopes alive while Ireland can retain their crown with a win over Scotland on the final weekend.
England answer George’s call
Ireland were overwhelming favourites to stretch their winning run over England to five games and assert their dominance over the northern hemisphere with another title but the hosts and their captain Jamie George had other ideas.
George put out a call to arms, reminding the fans how the players would valiantly “defend our home” against Andy Farrell’s Irish invaders.
Twickenham responded with an atmosphere not seen for some time and they were quickly rewarded as England spotted an opportunity to attack, throwing the ball through the hands for Lawrence to score the first try.
Ireland were startled, as they were 12 months ago on the cusp of the Slam before Freddie Steward was controversially sent off and the tide turned green.
Crowley’s four penalties overturned the early deficit but England remained disciplined and kept 15 players on the field throughout.
Lowe’s first try did not dampen their attacking intent and more quick ball resulted in Furbank running clear to score his second Test try in as many games before Earl powered over for England’s third.
Ireland were always going to have another say and Lowe’s second try appeared to end England’s resistance, but Danny Care came off the bench to win his 110th cap and England had a second wind.
The charge to the line gathered momentum before Care fed his Harlequins team-mate Smith to end Ireland’s shot at history and seal a famous England win in the Steve Borthwick era.
Ireland undone as they fail to heed warning
England were widely criticised for their lack of attacking ambition in their disappointing defeat by Scotland while Ireland looked supreme with comfortable wins over France, Italy and Wales in their opening three games.
The visitors were overwhelming favourites but no-one within their camp was expecting a forgone conclusion, with head coach Farrell labelling England an “unbelievably dangerous” team.
The visitors showed signs of negating England’s blitz defence in the first half before pouring through at the start of the second for Lowe’s first try with Henry Slade slightly out of position.
It happened again late on with almost the same outcome as Lowe finished off in the corner – but they were two moments of exception as Ireland struggled to retain possession.
England controlled large spells of the game with their aggression in the carry and tenacious defence close to the breakdown. George Martin was a menace and his inclusion at lock was vindicated as he charged up at the Ireland line with ferocity.
Ireland are likely to retain their title on the final weekend when they host Scotland but England will have reminded Scots’ coach Gregor Townsend’s men of the chinks in the green armour.
Line-ups
England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Cunningham-South, Dombrandt, Care, M Smith, Daly.
Ireland: Keenan; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Beirne, O’Mahony (capt), Van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, Baird, Conan, Murray, Frawley.
Match officials
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Touch judges: Andrea Piardi (Italy) & Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)