Ireland produced a superb performance to halt England in their tracks winning 13-9 in the Aviva Stadium this evening.
In a highly contested game it was Joe Schmidt’s men who came out on top to spoil the English party in a wet and blustery Dublin this evening.
England who were chasing the grand slam and a recording breaking 19th victory in a row came undone by a determined Ireland side who were eager to make up for last weeks defeat to Wales.
Ireland got of to a good start when sustained pressure resulted in a penalty that was duly slotted over the bar by the influential Johnny Sexton. However that lead didn’t last long as sloppy play by Ireland let England back in when Owen Farrell slotted over to level the scores.
Ireland soon found their feet once again and scored the games only try when Ian Henderson touched down after superb build up play inside the English twenty two, to leave it 10-3 going into the break.
England stepped up their efforts’ in the second half and quickly found themselves back in contention when Farrell once again slotted over after another error by the Irish defence.
With the game drawing on Ireland who were under immense pressure managed to pull further ahead when the ever reliant Sexton slotted over.
England who were chasing the game did manage to pull one back when Farrell converted in the 67th minute, but that was all they could muster and Ireland managed to hang on to deny the English glory.